Catholic Education Office Sandhurst

Now recruiting: Principals to lead with purpose across Sandhurst

Catholic Education Sandhurst invites courageous, compassionate and visionary educators to consider the position of Primary Principal in one of five Catholic schools across Central and North East Victoria. From larger regional centres to close-knit rural townships, each leadership opportunity reflects our shared mission: Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day.

Among these roles is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the founding Principal of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Huntly, a brand-new Catholic school about to begin construction in Bendigo’s fastest growing suburb, set to open in 2027. Across all five roles, you’ll be supported by a collaborative network of 51 Principals across the Sandhurst Diocese and lead a school where Magnify Sandhurst drives evidence-based teaching, strong literacy and numeracy, and calm, focused classrooms.

Click on each school tile below to explore the opportunity and learn how you can lead with purpose in the Sandhurst Diocese.


Download Principal Prospectus View Position Description	Download Principal Prospectus View Position Description	Download Principal Prospectus View Position Description


Download Principal Prospectus View Position Description	Download Principal Prospectus View Position Description

Five reasons to apply

Thinking about your next leadership move? We have five opportunities to lead one of our exceptional primary schools here in the Sandhurst Diocese. Here are five reasons to apply!

1. Our world-class learning program

Magnify Sandhurst, which is a high-impact, evidence-based, contemporary learning program that puts students at the centre. We combine Catholic values with the best resources for our teachers and we’re serious about ensuring a year’s worth of learning for a year’s worth of sitting in our schools.

2. Our rural communities

Our towns are rural, not remote, and they aren’t just scenic; they’re welcoming, strong, connected communities where you’ll be known, valued and supported. This is affordable, rural living, without giving up on lifestyle.

3. A rewarding career

Leading in our schools means making a visible difference. You’ll see the impact of your leadership every day and your professional growth won’t stop. This is purpose-driven work, with real rewards.

4. Support every step on the way

Our principals are backed by a strong leadership network from across our 51 schools, and a central support office of industry professionals will be right there to guide and assist you in your leadership of our vibrant school communities.

5. A brand-new school, from the ground up

Here’s something really rare! A brand new school where you’ll help shape its vision, its culture, and leave a legacy from day one.

Five schools. Five big opportunities. And one could be yours. Primary Principal positions now open. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting the next step in your career.

How to apply

All enquiries and applications will be kept strictly confidential.

Applications close on Friday 1 August 2025 (Benalla) and Monday 4 August 2025 (Chiltern, Cohuna, Tatura and Huntly). Please ensure your application includes a cover letter, resume and a document addressing the key responsibilities within the position description.

For application assistance, please review our application guide here.

If you are interested in learning more about Catholic Education Sandhurst careers, click here.

Your Journey with Catholic Education Begins Here

As a pre-service teacher, you are on the path to shaping lives through education. At Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL), we are committed to supporting you in your journey toward becoming an educator who leads with compassion, and excellence.

Whether you're undertaking a teaching placement, exploring graduate opportunities, or seeking formation in Catholic education, you're in the right place.

What CESL Offer Pre-Service Teachers

Teaching Placements

Partnering with universities across Victoria and beyond, we offer enriching placement experiences in primary and secondary schools across the Diocese of Sandhurst.

Professional Development

Gain access to early career teacher support, workshops, programs, and ongoing professional learning grounded in current educational best practice and Catholic values.

MAGNIFY Sandhurst

Engage with MAGNIFY Sandhurst, our comprehensive and strategic learning and teaching program integrated across all of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sandhurst. MAGNIFY combines evidence-based practices to support each student's unique needs, focusing on strengthening core areas like literacy and numeracy, building supportive classroom environments, and integrating Catholic values in daily learning. By following a well-structured, sequential curriculum, teachers work collaboratively to deliver the best possible education.

Employment Pathways

Discover graduate opportunities and pathways to ongoing employment across our 50+ schools. Find out how you can begin your career in a vibrant, faith-led educational network.

Faith & Mission Formation

Explore what it means to teach in a Catholic school community. Participate in spiritual formation programs that help integrate faith and learning.

Ready to Get Involved?

· CESL Hosting a PST School Information - Click here

· Enquire about a PST Placement - E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

· Browse Graduate Positions - click here

· Find out more about the VCEA PST Grants Program - click here

Website Banner Catholic Education Week 2025 01

Catholic Education Week 2025 is set to be a meaningful celebration with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope". This theme is part of the broader Jubilee Year initiative proclaimed by Pope Francis, which emphasises hope, renewal, and unity. The Jubilee Year, a significant event in the Catholic Church occurring every 25 years, invites the faithful to embark on a spiritual journey of reflection and growth.

During Catholic Education Week, which will be celebrated from May 5 to May 9, 2025, schools and communities will engage in various activities that highlight the importance of education in fostering hope and resilience. The theme "Pilgrims of Hope" encourages everyone to look towards the future with an open spirit and a trusting heart. It is a time for students, educators, and families to come together and reflect on their roles in building a hopeful and compassionate world.

Catholic Education Week Events

Sandhurst Switches Off

On Wednesday 7 May schools across the Sandhurst Diocese will be asked to turn off their lights for a day of action against climate change. This annual event raises awareness of the environmental issues facing our world. It is hoped that “Sandhurst Switches Off” will inspire staff, students and their families to implement changes that will enable everyone to make a difference in the plight against global warming.

Sandhurst Switches off will take place during Catholic Education Week 2025.

Pilgrimage walk

Catholic Schools in the Sandhurst Diocese are encouraged to take part in a local pilgrimage as part of Catholic Education Week 2025. This initiative is tied into the Jubilee Year and embraces the combined theme of "Pilgrims of Hope." Schools across the community will embark on a walks or excursions to local monuments, churches, or places of significance. Some schools will be walking to raise funds for their chosen charities.

This pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the themes of hope and faith, while also showing our communities about the important role that we each play in the life of our towns. It's an exciting and impactful way to bring the whole school community together in celebration of Catholic Education Week.

Open Days

As part of Catholic Education Week, our schools are opening their doors to the community. We invite you to join us for our open days and information sessions, where you can learn more about our school communities and the educational experiences we offer families.

Our schools offer an excellent education at an affordable price. Contact your local Catholic school today to schedule a visit or to get more information. We look forward to welcoming you

High quality, affordable education

We’re committed to keeping school fees as low as possible, with options to support every family to access a Catholic education in the Diocese of Sandhurst. No child will be refused enrolment due to a family's inability to pay school fees. Our fees are inclusive, that means there are no hidden extras. When you enrol in a Catholic school your fees include excursions, swimming, technology and much more. Find your local Catholic school here.

Health Care Card update - Catholic Primary School Parents

Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) is pleased to inform Primary School families holding a valid Health Care Card (HCC) that you are eligible for a significant reduction in School fees for the upcoming year. This discount will be automatically applied to your direct debit school fees if you provide a copy of your HCC to the school office. For those who have already provided a copy of your current HCC to the school, you do not need to do anything further – the discount will be automatically applied.

We understand that many families have varying circumstances and in response to the rising cost of living expenses, we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance. Please be assured that this support is provided to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive in our school community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the school office.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Catholic schools and why we believe you will feel at home in one of our welcoming school settings.

Who can enrol?

We warmly welcome families from all backgrounds to join our community. Our schools provide a high-quality and affordable education for everyone, not just Catholics.

Do I need to be Catholic? Does my child need to be Catholic or baptised to attend?

No, you, your child or your family do not need to be Catholic or baptised, we welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds, however, priority will be given to baptised Catholics in the case where schools are at capacity based on an enrolment priority criteria approved by the Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL) Board.

If my child isn't Catholic, will they feel left out?

Not at all. All religious education which includes the classroom teaching of religion and the religious life of the school, is respectful of all learners and is based on the foundational belief in the dignity of every person.

Mass attendance for students and families?

It is the expectation that students will attend masses that occur during school times as part of the school celebrations, significant faith days and liturgical events. While we encourage participation in Parish Masses outside of school hours to foster a sense of community, it is not mandatory.

Can I afford the fees?

Catholic schools remain an affordable option for most families and is surprisingly more affordable than some may realise. When you enrol your child in a Catholic school your fees are inclusive, with no hidden costs.
Our fees are structured to be affordable, with options for payment plans. Families with a Health Care Card are eligible for significant fee relief in our Catholic Primary Schools. Catholic School fees include all external costs, including camps, excursions, swimming lessons, technology and more! The ability to pay school fees is not a pre-requisite for enrolment in our schools.

Do I have to go to my nearest Catholic School?
We do not have zoning regulations for our primary schools, therefore, you are able to enrol your child at any of our Catholic primary schools. Some of our Secondary Colleges do have enrolment boundaries relating to local Parish boundaries and we encourage you to contact your local school to discuss. We encourage you to visit our schools during open days or tours to find the best fit.

How do Catholic schools cater for Indigenous students?
Catholic schools’ welcome Indigenous students and a variety of specialist educational and pastoral care strategies are available to ensure that Indigenous students feel supported and culturally respected.

What can I expect from a Catholic school?
You can expect calm, safe, and predictable classrooms with a strong academic focus. Our Magnify Program enhances learning and we have a variety of programs in each of our schools to support the emotional wellbeing of students. We offer broad support services and prioritise child safety with a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.

Why Choose Catholic Education?
Catholic schools offer different pathways for students, from early education to senior education. We focus on nurturing, safe, and inclusive environments. Our academic program, Magnify Sandhurst brings together world class partners in education to ensure that all students are able to maximise their learning potential. With recent research showing that students who attended a Catholic school are more likely to be happier, contribute to community and be employed, there has never been a better time to be in Catholic Education!

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