Principalship St Joseph's School, Kununurra

The Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) warmly invites applications for the position of Principal at St Joseph’s School in Kununurra, commencing in Term 3, 2026.

School Profile

St Joseph’s School is a vibrant and inclusive Catholic primary school located in the breathtaking East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Argyle, the Ord River and Mirima National Park, the school provides a unique setting where academic excellence, social development and spiritual growth are nurtured together.

The school is deeply connected to the local First Nations community and integrates First Nations culture, perspectives and knowledge throughout its learning programs. With modern technology, smaller class sizes and a strong focus on student wellbeing, St Joseph’s offers an engaging and supportive environment where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive.

A dedicated and collaborative staff team works closely with families to ensure students feel safe, happy and motivated in their learning each day. The school is guided by the values of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her call to “never see a need without doing something about it,” fostering a culture of service, compassion and responsibility.

Leading at St Joseph’s also means embracing the lifestyle of Kununurra, a warm and welcoming community.  

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

Catholic Identity

• Demonstrates a deep commitment to the Josephite charism, honouring the history and spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and intentionally building Catholic identity that is lived, visible and inclusive.
• Models faith-filled leadership grounded in Gospel values of humility, respect and accompaniment.

Education

• Demonstrates understanding and ensures pedagogical practices that set high expectations and that are culturally and contextually appropriate.
• Leads school improvement by implementing consistent, high‑quality educational practices that support and empower students and staff.  

Community

• Demonstrates collaborative leadership by including all voices, fostering shared ownership and collective responsibility for the school’s future.
• Shows genuine respect for diversity and ways of being, including First Nations culture, and works alongside families, the parish, and the wider community.

Stewardship

• Demonstrates ethical, transparent and responsible stewardship of finances, resources and people, ensuring equitable, sustainable decisions that respect community, culture and context.
• Leads change effectively through vision and strategy fostering an engaged and empowered professional learning community, recognising the involvement of all as central to learning, community and school identity.

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:

• Attractive remuneration package, aligned with school size and enrolment profile.
• Location allowance and air‑conditioning reimbursement.
• Eligibility for housing assistance, supporting a smooth transition to the region.
• Relocation expenses covered to assist with moving to Kununurra.
• Additional 2.5% employer 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 leadership 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://www.cewa.edu.au/school-career/st-josephs-catholic-primary-school-kununurra/

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