Principalship Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Esperance

Principalship at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Esperance

The Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia Limited (CEWA) invites applications for the Principalship role at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School based in Esperance commencing 20 April 2026 (Term 2, 2026).  

School Profile

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Esperance is a co‑educational school catering for students from Pre‑Kindergarten to Year 6, with a free weekly community playgroup offered to all local families. Established in 1993, the school was founded as a distinctively Catholic learning community dedicated to nurturing faith, learning and personal growth within a supportive environment.

Guided by a clear vision, the school provides a stimulating and inclusive learning setting where students grow in their faith, develop confidence and curiosity, and learn to take responsibility for themselves, others and the wider community. Central to its identity is the commitment to Making Jesus Real through the lived expression of its CORE Values: Courage, Optimism, Respect and Excellence. These values shape relationships, teaching practices and decision‑making.

The school offers contemporary facilities and evidence‑based approaches that promote engagement and support the diverse learning needs of all students. Strong emphasis is placed on wellbeing, creativity, confidence and social responsibility, equipping students for future learning and life beyond the classroom.

A defining strength of Our Lady Star of the Sea is its vibrant sense of community. Positive partnerships between students, staff and families reflect a shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for every child. The warmth and care within the community exemplify the school’s motto: Grow in Love.

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

Catholic Identity

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to Catholic faith and identity by serving as a visible faith witness within the school and broader community, actively participating in parish life and sacramental celebrations, and nurturing a culture where faith is lived and celebrated.
• Fosters strong parish, staff, and family connections, empowering others to live the Catholic mission through trust, faith formation, and active participation in traditions and service.

Education

• Supports evidence‑based teaching by fostering inclusive decision‑making, promoting data‑informed practice, and encouraging staff development.
• Demonstrates innovative instructional leadership with strong pedagogical knowledge across Pre‑Kindergarten to Year 6, ensuring a holistic and inclusive curriculum that meets each child’s unique and diverse learning needs.

Community 

• Ability to build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships between the school, parish, families, and the broader community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose through open communication, inclusiveness, and active participation in events that celebrate the unity and diversity of the school community.
• Ensures that the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of students is the highest priority, and that the voice of each child is heard in all undertakings.

Stewardship

• Demonstrates the capacity to maintain and enhance school facilities and resources to support student learning and staff wellbeing, while leading infrastructure improvements aligned with community needs and collaborating effectively with the P&F and the broader school community to secure and allocate resources.
• Is an engaging leader with highly developed interpersonal skills, fostering a culture of self‑reflection, feedback, and innovation, and providing all staff with opportunities for professional growth.

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://olsots.wa.edu.au/

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