Principalship St Luke's College, Karratha

Principalship St Luke’s College, Karratha

The Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia Limited (CEWA) invites applications for the Principalship role at St Luke’s College based in Karratha commencing 1 January 2027. 

School Profile

St Luke’s College, Karratha, is a co-educational Catholic secondary school catering for approximately 750 students from Years 7 to 12. Established in 1987 as the first Catholic secondary school in the Pilbara, the College serves families from Karratha and surrounding communities including Dampier, Wickham, Roebourne and Point Samson. As the Pilbara’s only on-government based secondary school, St Luke’s has grown into a vibrant learning community founded on faith, wellbeing and excellence.

Guided by its motto, “Seek Truth and Justice,” St Luke’s encourages students to deepen their relationship with Christ while using their gifts and talents in service of others. Inspired by the traditions of Edmund Rice and Nano Nagle, the College is committed to forming lifelong learners who seek truth, act with integrity and contribute positively to their communities. The College’s values underpin all aspects of school life and support students to develop academically, spiritually and personally.

St Luke’s provides a rich and engaging educational experience that celebrates the talents of each individual and empowers students to achieve personal excellence. Learning is supported through strong partnerships between students, families and staff, with a focus on wellbeing, personal growth and belonging. The curriculum is closely connected to the unique environment, industry and community of the Pilbara, providing students with meaningful and relevant learning opportunities.

Student wellbeing is a central priority, with the College fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where dignity is respected, diversity is celebrated and every student is encouraged to reach their potential. Co-curricular opportunities complement classroom learning and provide students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and service.

Supported by dedicated staff, engaged families and strong community connections, St Luke’s College continues to play an important role in the development of the Pilbara region, preparing young people to become confident, compassionate and capable contributors to society.

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

Catholic Identity

• Demonstrates faith-centred leadership and models Gospel values
• Builds and maintains a strong parish connection
• Is inclusive and respectful of diverse faiths
• Promotes a strong focus on belonging, dignity and service

Context & Location

• Shows understanding of regional/remote life, including isolation and lack of support networks
• Has awareness of Pilbara conditions, including heat, transient workforce, and industry context
• Recognises diverse staff needs and varying life stages
• Values prior community involvement and demonstrates commitment to the region

Community & Culture

• Fosters a strong, tight-knit and relational community culture
• Creates an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment
• Prioritises strong pastoral care and student wellbeing
• Celebrates student success across all areas
• Builds partnerships with families, parish, industry and the wider community
• Is visible, approachable and hands-on as a principal

Current Strengths

• Builds on strong pastoral care and student wellbeing practices
• Sustains a positive culture and strong relationships
• Supports growing enrolments and the school’s reputation
• Continues established vision and leadership foundations

Key Challenges & Opportunities

• Leads through rapid growth requiring expanded infrastructure
• Balances pastoral care with academic rigour
• Expands extra-curricular opportunities
• Strengthens staff retention and workload balance
• Enhances pathways, First Nations engagement, and innovation

Leadership Qualities & Attributes

• Is an approachable, visible and relational leader
• Demonstrates compassion, empathy and understanding
• Is firm but fair, with accountability
• Shows resilience, adaptability and cultural responsiveness
• Empowers and supports staff growth

Education & Learning

• Strengthens academic rigour and promotes high expectations
• Maintains balance between wellbeing and achievement
• Focuses on personalised and inclusive learning
• Supports professional learning and pathways

Community Engagement

• Actively participates in both school and local community
• Strengthens parent partnerships
• Builds connections with local organisations and industry
• Promotes an inclusive and connected environment

Stewardship & Sustainability

• Demonstrates strategic financial planning and sustainability
• Ensures infrastructure aligns with growth
• Supports staff recruitment, retention and development
• Practices transparent leadership and future-focused planning

Additional Insights

• Builds on existing foundations rather than implementing major change
• Respects and utilises staff voice
• Brings regional experience or demonstrates a commitment to regional contexts
• Embraces a significant leadership opportunity during a period of 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:

• Salary incentives and subsidised housing as per the Remote Area Package
• 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: www.stlukescollege.wa.edu.au/

To apply for this position, please click on the APPLY NOW button. Applications close at 2:00pm, Wednesday, 22 July 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.