Location:
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Springsure (current enrolment approx. 22 students)
TEC Range:
$178,754 – $195,559 including 12.75% superannuation
Closing Date:
Sunday, 2 August 2026, 5:00pm
This is an exciting leadership opportunity to lead the school community of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Springsure commencing January 2027.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Springsure is part of a system of kindergartens, primary schools and colleges operated by Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) in rural and regional centres from Mackay, south to Bundaberg, and west to Longreach.
In your role as Principal, you will be supported by the staff of the Catholic Education Office in the areas of Teaching and Learning, Catholic Identity, First Nations Education, Inclusive Education, ICT, Finance, Strategy, Business Development, Human Resources and Student Protection.
As Principal at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Springsure, you will report to the Diocesan Director Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton through the Assistant Director: Schools (Western Region).
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School is located in Springsure, 334 kilometres west of the city of Rockhampton. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, a co-educational Catholic school in Springsure, was originally established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1926. During this time, the school was widely known as The Little Flower Convent School or simply the Convent School. However, in the 1960s, the Parish adopted its current title and hence the school became Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.
The school provides a holistic education for children from Prep to Year Six. A Kindergarten is provided on-site, and a strong educational partnership thrives between the school and the kindergarten, ensuring successful transitions for our youngest learners. The schools services the rural community of Springsure in the Central Highlands of Queensland in which the beef, farming and mining industries flourish. Many parents are graziers, farmers or employed by local businesses. Classes are multi-age, with Pre-Year 2, Years 3/4 and Years 5/6. The school offers a holistic education through the implementation of contemporary Literacy and Numeracy practices, as well as offering a diverse range of specialist subjects including Robotics, Dance, Music and Drama.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School has a wonderful partnership between staff, parents, students and the wider community to help create the foundation of a caring and inclusive culture which supports the growth of every student. The school is proud of the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy and, by being hospitable to and welcoming of all in the community, the school strives to live out the school motto: Honesty, Respect, Care. The school aims to develop a community spirit based on Gospel values in the Catholic tradition and is an integral part of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish.
About the role
As Principal, you will lead a team of teachers and staff dedicated to ensuring students are provided with the very best opportunities to achieve their individual potential in a positive, safe and supportive environment.
The Principal is the lead educator within the school, inspiring students, staff and members of the community to continuously enhance learning and personal growth while seeking to help others deepen their knowledge and experience of the Catholic faith and their encounter with a loving God.
Key leadership qualities and capabilities
- Promotes the Catholic vision in the school's goals, policies, programs and structures
- Displays confidence, curiosity, enthusiasm and optimism
- Displays emotional intelligence in working with individuals and groups
- Builds an inclusive, trusting community and cultivates productive working relationships
- Is an effective coach able to provide and receive constructive feedback.
We are seeking to appoint a leader who
- is a practising Catholic with a sound understanding of, and commitment to, Catholic education
- has experience of successful leadership in Catholic education
- can foster a culture of inspirational teaching and learning and lead the development and implementation of school improvement initiatives
- has the interpersonal skills to build partnerships within the school and with the local community
- is willing to provide leadership in the areas of the duty statement
- can lead in ways that are consistent with the message of Jesus and the Gospels and
- Catholic Church teachings, principles and values
- Diocesan policies and directives
- Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton Charter
- Catholic Education Mission and Vision Statements, policies, practices and strategic directions.
What we offer - in addition to a competitive salary range, the following incentives apply
- Salary packaging options
- Superannuation of 12.75%
- Relocation
- Professional Renewal Leave
- Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
- Access to corporate health schemes with either (Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance)
- Access to Fitness Passport
- Professional development and learning opportunities
Mandatory requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualifications
- Current Queensland College of Teachers Registration
- Australian work rights
How to apply
- Please complete the application form below.
- Upload a current resume and supporting documentation (inclusive of three referees (your current Principal/Line Manager, a professional referee and your Parish Priest)). Please note, if you are applying as an internal applicant and your current principal or referees will form part of the panel, please provide an alternate referee.
- Applicants must read, understand and accept, as an explicit term of contract, the requirements of the Statement of Principles for employment in Catholic Schools.
- Upload a covering letter (addressed to the Diocesan Director, Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Mr Michael McCusker).
- In no more than 2 A4 pages, address the key criteria below and provide clear evidence of your demonstrated ability to lead a school in the following key leadership areas:
- Enhancing Catholic ethos and identity
- Leading teaching and learning
- Developing self and others
- Leading improvement, innovation and change
- Leading the management of the school
- Engaging and working with the community
Please refer to the Position Description and A Vision for Christian Leadership in the Diocese of Rockhampton to support your response.
Please note that current employees of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton do not need to supply copies of documentation that we already have on file.
Further information
- For a confidential conversation please contact Mr Michael McCusker (Diocesan Director 07 4994 8000).
- Applicants should note that as part of the hiring process a criminal history check and a bankruptcy check will be completed.
- For further information regarding the remuneration package, please contact Employee Support Services [email protected]
- Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.
Applications close: Sunday, 2 August 2026 5:00pm.
Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
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