Principalship Luurnpa Catholic School, Balgo Hills

Principalship at Luurnpa Catholic School, Balgo Hills

The Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia Limited (CEWA) invites applications for the Principalship role at Luurnpa Catholic School based in Balgo Hills commencing 1 January 2027. 

School Profile

Luurnpa Catholic School is a co-educational primary school located in the Wirrimanu (Balgo) First Nations Community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. As part of the Catholic Diocese of Broome, the school is committed to providing a quality Catholic education grounded in faith, service, and strong partnerships with families and community.

Established in 1984, the school is an integral part of the Wirrimanu community and is guided by Gospel values, the Lasallian tradition, and a commitment to Two-Way Learning. This culturally responsive approach honours and celebrates the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of students while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in both their local community and the wider world.

Luurnpa Catholic School works closely with families, recognising parents as the first educators of their children. Through a focus on faith formation, literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, and cultural identity, the school empowers students to become confident, capable, and compassionate young people.

Leading Luurnpa Catholic School requires a deep commitment to remote education and community engagement. Balgo is one of Australia's most remote First Nations communities, and the role extends well beyond the responsibilities of a traditional school principal. Success in this context requires a visible and active presence within the community, a willingness to embrace cultural learning, and the ability to build authentic relationships with students, families, Elders, parish and community organisations.

Candidates should be prepared for the realities of remote living, including significant distances from regional centres, seasonal weather conditions, limited services, and the unique opportunities and challenges that come with leading a school in a remote First Nations community. Those seeking a highly rewarding leadership opportunity with the potential to make a profound impact on the lives of children, families and community will find Luurnpa Catholic School an exceptional place to serve.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities of the Principal, the community seeks a principal who:

Catholic Identity

• Demonstrated commitment to living and promoting Catholic faith and values, fostering prayer, faith formation, service, and strong partnerships with parish and Church leaders to strengthen the Catholic identity and mission of the school.
• Ability to create a faith-filled school culture where Gospel values are lived daily, supporting students, staff and families to grow in faith through authentic relationships, service, sacramental life and meaningful engagement with the parish community.

Education

• A proven instructional leader who can strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes, implement evidence-informed teaching practices, establish consistent whole-school approaches, and drive continuous improvement in student learning.
• Demonstrated ability to create safe, inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments that support student wellbeing, attendance, engagement and success, while developing staff capability to meet the diverse needs of learners.

Community

• A highly relational leader who can build strong partnerships with students, families, Elders, parish and community members, ensuring all stakeholders feel welcomed, respected, heard and connected to the life of the school.
• Demonstrated commitment to honouring First Nations culture, language and knowledge through genuine consultation, active participation in community life, and collaboration with local organisations to enhance opportunities for students and families.

Stewardship

• Leader committed to staff wellbeing, professional growth and retention, creating a positive and supportive culture where all staff are valued, respected and empowered to thrive.
• A strategic leader who effectively manages school resources, facilities, finances and staffing, invests in leadership development, and plans responsibly for the long-term sustainability of the school and wider Wirrimanu community.

Selection Criteria:

• Practising Catholic and experienced educator committed to Catholic Education.
• Accredited for Leadership of a Catholic School Community or equivalent.
• A collaborative and future-focused leader who understands and supports the strategic priorities of the broader Catholic Education system. 
• A relevant Master’s degree (or working towards completion) with the ability to apply advanced leadership and management principles to both the day-to-day and long-term leadership of a school is highly desirable.
• Current Teacher Registration for Western Australia (TRBWA).
• Current WA Working with Children Check (WA WWCC).

Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration based on school size and enrolment numbers.
• Additional 2.5% superannuation above the guarantee.
• Vehicle available for personal use with co-contribution.
• System Leader Renewal Leave.
• Additional leave for wellbeing and Catholic Day.
• Access to high-quality professional learning and development.
• Discounted rates on corporate health insurance and wellbeing initiatives.

Applicant Instructions:

Applicants will need to submit an application that includes a cover letter addressed to the Executive Director, a curriculum vitae, contact information for professional referees and your Parish Priest, and a leadership SAO. All applications must be submitted through the website, which will require you to create or log in to your personal profile.

Please refer to the following documentation for further information:

Principal Application Guide

Provision for Principal

Duties and Responsibilities of the Principal

To visit the school website, follow this link: https://luurnpa.wa.edu.au/

To apply for this position, please click on the APPLY NOW button. Applications close at 2:00pm, Friday 16 October 2026.

For any queries, please contact Tania Lal, Principal Employment Advisor, on (08) 9380 1824 or email principalappointment@cewa.edu.au. 

All employees of Catholic Education Western Australia are required to support the Catholic ethos in the performance of their duties. Catholic Education Western Australia also encourages applications from people of all cultural backgrounds, First Nations people, and individuals with disabilities or medical conditions who meet the requirements of the position. To be eligible to apply, you must be legally permitted to work in Australia.