
Principal, St Philip's Christian College Port Stephens and Gilibaa
Job Description
Posted on: April 2, 2026
Introduction St Philip’s Christian College is a rapidly growing network of learning communities continuing its journey to deliver holistic Christian education that develops the whole child - emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually. Our Team Thrives On Fostering Strong Working Relationships That Continue To Encourage Innovative And Effective Change, Benefiting Both Students And Staff While Staying True To The College’s Core Values Christ first Serve one another Strive for excellence Do what is right Build community For over four decades, we have been trusted leaders in education, pioneering new approaches and educational opportunities across the Newcastle, Hunter, and Central Coast regions. We invite you to join us as we continue to explore and create better ways to educate, grounded in Christian values for the whole of life. Learn More About Our Colleges Here St Philip's Christian College, Port Stephens St Philip's Christian College, Gilibaa Description The Principal is responsible directly to Executive Principal, K-12 Education and to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the effective operation of the College. Leadership with integrity, courage and compassion is fundamental to a Principal’s ability to create and sustain the positive conditions in which learning can flourish. The Principal leads the school’s strategic vision aligned to the Central Office’s direction and priorities, as set by the Board of Directors. The Principal develops a positive school culture in partnership with the staff and school community. Principals lead Christ-centred lives and are collaborative, collegial, and empathetic leaders. This position commences in January 2027. Responsibilities Spiritual and Cultural Leadership Demonstrate ongoing personal Christian growth. Provide leadership to staff, students and parents in the Christian faith in accordance with the ethos of St Philip’s Christian College. Ensure the strategic direction of the school aligns with the Group Strategy. Outwork the Group Strategy by implementing the Divisional Response Plan. Be a committed team member of the K-12 Education Divisional Team. Demonstrate a posture of unity, working in a supportive manner with other Principals and with the wider organisation. Lead staff in the integration of their Christian faith into professional practice. Ensure that priority is placed on the embedding of the Christian worldview into all aspects of school operations. Ensure each student is treated as a unique individual as created by God. Continued personal study and furthered understanding of the Bible and its application in education. Encourage service/learning opportunities for all students, and provide support to the marginalised in education. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders. Build relationships with local Christian churches and organisations. Ensure the employment of Christian staff. Leading Teaching and Learning Exercise leadership from within an articulated philosophy of Christian leadership. Inspire others towards excellence in teaching and learning through a Christian philosophy of education. Demonstrate visionary educational leadership which leads to innovative practices that improve student character and learning outcomes. Develop the academic character in the school and develop the academic reputation in the broader community. Exercise accountability processes for all staff within the Christian ethos of justice and mercy of the school. Expect a standard of excellence for all leaders and teams. Relate excellently with the student and the parent communities and develop necessary leadership within those communities. Developing Self and Others The appointment and leadership of staff, including their development and wellbeing, and fostering a positive culture to attract and retain high quality Christian staff. Stimulate and supervise ongoing professional development within the ethos and culture of the SPCC community. Engage in ongoing personal Professional Development. Create a supportive environment for all staff in their personal and corporate Christian professional development. Develop aspiring leaders within the school community. Leading Improvement, Innovation and Change Ensure current knowledge of key areas of education in our contemporary social climate. Conduct research into school improvement, and then lead any subsequent implementation of improved professional practice. Exercise accountability processes for all staff within the Christian ethos of justice and mercy of the school Evidence of strategic planning, developed in conjunction with Senior Executive Team (SET), and the leadership and translation of the strategic vision into effective implementation plans and programs. Implement the Group Strategic Plan in consultation with SET, K-12 Division, Combined Divisional Leadership Team (CDLT). Collaborate with K-12 Divisional Team and CDLT in identifying tangible actions for their entity. Be accountable for the timely delivery of the KPIs as outlined in the Group Strategy. Leading the Management of the School In partnership with the Central Office, exercise an Executive level of leadership in all aspects of the school’s operations, including resourcing and people management, financial management, marketing, fundraising, communications and governance. Access and engage with expert specialists from the Central Office. Specialist teams include but are not limited to: Infrastructure and Development, People and Culture (HR), Finance, ICT, Marketing, Payroll and Risk and Governance. Ensuring compliance with all legal obligations relevant to the conduct of the School. Produce a comprehensive development plan for the operations of the school in the format required by the Board of Directors and CEO. Provide oversight of the implementation, evaluation and ongoing development of teaching programs and other co-curricular activities. Provide reports as required to the Board of Directors via the CEO; and to Government regulators as required. Develop and manage the physical facilities of the school within an articulated educational ethos focussed on excellence. Oversee risk management of facilities, employees and students. Provide oversight of financial commitments, expenditures and accounting. Initiate development of marketing strategies. Monitoring and managing enrolment targets and staffing key performance indicators. Ensure compliance to all educational and other regulations needed for operation of the school. Engaging and working with the Gilibaa Community Be an effective community builder with proven ability to engage with a range of stakeholders ensuring the values of the school are upheld through all communications to the school community. Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of SPCC Gilibaa, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, wellbeing, and cultural safety for Gilibaa students. Ensuring alignment with SPCE vision, mission and values. Build and sustain strong, authentic relationships with local Aboriginal communities, ensuring their voices guide decision‑making and school direction. Ensure Gilibaa’s curriculum, programs, and policies are culturally appropriate, evidence‑based, and aligned with relevant Aboriginal education frameworks and legislative requirements. Ensure deepening of staff’s cultural competence, embedding cultural awareness into professional learning, pedagogy, and community engagement strategies. Promote meaningful engagement with families and caregivers, respecting cultural protocols and fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration. Behaviours, Knowledge, Skills And Attributes Required For The Position.
- Refer to the St Philip’s Christian Education Leadership Capability Framework
Note: All SPCC employees are responsible for ensuring the workplace is free from sexual harassment and must not engage in any behaviour that could amount to sexual harassment. They are also committed to a culture that supports and embraces Child Safe Standards and strictly complies with work health safety standards. Skills And ExperiencesSuitable candidates will be able to: Demonstrate appropriate qualifications in Education and School Administration along with proven experience in a leadership position within a Christian School. Articulate clearly a compelling strategic vision which enhances the quality of education at the College and anticipates the future needs of learners and teachers. An initial contract of 3 years will be offered. Further employment will be subject to successful annual reviews. Salary on appointment will depend upon qualifications and experience. Included in the total remuneration package is an Executive Vehicle Allowance, laptop, mobile phone and superannuation contributions. Applicants must agree to and be supportive of the Staff Code of Conduct as on the employment section of the SPCC website. Applicants must have a current NSW clearance to work with children (WWCC). The successful applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination before appointment. Staff are required to actively participate in consultation and communication with supervisors and management regarding health, safety and wellbeing issues and comply with all provisions of the relevant workplace health and safety legislation and related health, safety and wellbeing responsibilities and procedures, as well as all current Child Protection laws. This position commences in January 2027. Interviews for the role will commence in June. St Philip’s Christian Education Leadership Capability Framework – Capability levels that align with this position Capability Group Capability Name Level Character Christ First Do What Is Right Serve One Another Strive for Excellence Build Community Act with Integrity Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced Highly Advanced Manage Self Strengthening & Developing Your Faith Demonstrate Resilience, Adaptability & Personal Wellbeing Demonstrate Accountability Possess High EQ Decision Making & Problem-Solving Skills Advanced Highly Advanced Highly Advanced Advanced Advanced Manage and Lead Others Build Culture Manage Change Operate Collaboratively Develop Staff Inspire & Motivate Pastoral Care, Wellbeing and Safety Communicate Effectively Influence, Negotiate, Advocate & Engage Highly Advanced Highly Advanced Advanced Highly Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced Highly Advanced Technical Capabilities Plan Strategically Governance Manage Resources Effective Industry Discipline & Expertise Systems Thinking Time Management & Prioritisation Highly Advanced Highly Advanced Advanced Advanced Adept Advanced
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