Acting Principal - St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith

Temporary Full-Time | 2027 School Year | Commencing 20 January 2027

Lead with faith and purpose in a caring Catholic school community where every child is encouraged to grow, achieve and develop a lifelong love of learning.

St Nicholas of Myra Primary School, Penrith, is seeking an experienced and faith-filled educational leader to undertake the role of Acting Principal on a temporary full-time basis for the 2027 school year, commencing 20 January 2027.

St Nicholas of Myra is a warm and welcoming Catholic school community where every child is known, valued and supported to flourish. Guided by the motto “Truth Through Learning”, the school nurtures students’ spiritual, emotional and academic growth, inspiring curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

Grounded in Catholic faith, the school’s five core values of Respect, Responsibility, Cooperation, Justice and Compassion guide learning, relationships and everyday school life. Strong partnerships with families and St Nicholas of Myra Parish create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where students are challenged to grow and achieve their potential.

About the Opportunity

As Acting Principal, you will provide spiritual, educational and operational leadership to the school community. You will build on the school’s strengths, maintain momentum in its strategic priorities and lead a culture of high expectations, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Working closely with the leadership team, staff, families and parish, you will strengthen teaching and learning, nurture student wellbeing and ensure the school’s Catholic mission is reflected in everyday practice.

This is an opportunity for a relational and capable leader to guide a welcoming primary school community while further developing their principal leadership experience within Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.

You will:

• Provide spiritual, educational and operational leadership across the school.

• Strengthen Catholic identity and nurture the school’s mission and core values.

• Lead a coherent, evidence-informed improvement agenda focused on student learning, growth and wellbeing.

• Develop a high-performing leadership team and build staff capability through coaching, collaboration and professional learning.

• Use data to evaluate impact, guide priorities and strengthen teaching and assessment practices.

• Foster a safe, inclusive school culture where students, staff and families feel known, valued and connected.

• Manage staffing, finances, facilities and resources effectively and equitably to support school priorities.

• Build purposeful partnerships with families, the parish and wider community.

• Maintain continuity and momentum in the school’s strategic and operational priorities throughout the acting appointment.

Selection Criteria

Please respond to the following criteria, providing examples that demonstrate the impact of your leadership:

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of Catholic identity, actively nurturing a Christ-centred culture that shapes relationships, decision-making and every aspect of school life.

• Leads an unrelenting focus on student learning, growth and wellbeing through a coherent, evidence-informed improvement agenda, high expectations and the effective implementation of primary curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment.

• Builds high-performing leadership teams and professional learning communities, strengthening collective efficacy, accountability and professional growth through collaboration, reflection and evidence-informed practice.

• Champions evidence-informed decision-making, using data purposefully to evaluate impact, guide strategic priorities and build staff capability to improve student outcomes.

• Provides strategic stewardship of people, resources and partnerships, allocating staff, time, finances and facilities equitably while building purposeful community connections and leading sustainable, future-focused improvement.

• Creates a culture of trust, belonging and high expectations, where diversity is celebrated, student voice is valued and families are engaged as genuine partners in learning.

What We Offer

We invest in our people. As a valued member of our leadership team, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive remuneration and attractive employee benefits.

• Up to 25% discount on school fees for eligible employees.

• Access to wellbeing initiatives, including Fitness Passport.

• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.

• A supportive and collaborative leadership environment.

• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.

Your Application

Your application should include:

• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria, maximum two pages.

• A current curriculum vitae.

If you are a passionate and experienced Catholic educational leader ready to guide a thriving primary school community, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications and Accreditation

Candidates must:

• Meet the requirements of Category E Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead, or be willing to achieve these requirements within their first contract term.

• Hold a valid Working with Children Check.

• Hold NESA accreditation.

During the recruitment process, applicants will be required to provide:

• A copy of their Category D or E Accreditation.

• A copy of their Baptism Certificate.

• A Parish Priest Recommendation.

About Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

St Nicholas of Myra Primary School is part of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), a system of Catholic primary and secondary schools committed to transforming learning and unlocking the potential of students across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. CSPD offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and meaningful contribution to Catholic education.

To learn more about CSPD, visit parra.catholic.edu.au or follow us on LinkedIn.

This position involves working with children. The appointment of the successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory employment screening, including a valid Working with Children Check and compliance with CSPD’s Child Safeguarding Procedures and Code of Conduct.

CSPD promotes the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.