Role Description/Criteria
About Our School
St Padre Pio Catholic Primary School is a new and vibrant Catholic learning community opening in 2026, located in the growing suburb of Thornhill Park. Inspired by the life and spirituality of St Padre Pio, our mission is to foster a faith-filled environment where children are nurtured to pray, hope, and thrive together. As a foundation staff member, you will be part of something deeply meaningful helping to shape the identity, culture, and future of our school from the ground up.
Role Overview
The Religious Education Leader will work in close partnership with the Principal and staff to embed the Catholic faith and Gospel values into every aspect of school life, while also supporting the faith formation of staff and students. The role carries a Position of Leadership (POL 2), with a FTE of 0.6 (3 days a week). The successful applicant will also have the option of a further FTE of 0.4 (2 days a week) in a specialist role of their choosing (PE, The Arts, STEM or LOTE) making the overall role full time.
The Religious Education Leader will be an important member of the inaugural St Padre Pio Catholic Primary School Leadership Team.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership in Catholic Identity
- Promote and model the mission, vision, and values of St Padre Pio Catholic Primary School.
- Lead the development of a strong Catholic identity rooted in the spirituality of St Padre Pio.
- Plan and coordinate liturgical celebrations, prayer, and faith-based events throughout the year.
- Guide the school community in developing a shared understanding of Catholic social teaching and Gospel values.
Religious Education Curriculum
- Lead the implementation and evaluation of the Religious Education Curriculum (in line with MACS guidelines).
- Support and mentor staff in planning and delivering high-quality, engaging RE lessons.
- Collaborate with teachers to integrate faith across all curriculum areas and learning environments.
- Ensure the inclusion of diverse and meaningful opportunities for student reflection, inquiry, and action in Religious Education.
Faith Formation & Professional Learning
- Provide faith formation opportunities for staff, including prayer and theological dialogue.
- Promote staff understanding of the role of the Catholic educator as a witness and leader of faith.
- Engage in professional learning and stay abreast of current RE practices, Church teachings, and MACS directions.
Partnership with Parish & Community
- Foster a strong relationship with the parish priest and local parish community.
- Coordinate, lead and support the sacramental program in partnership with the parish and families.
- Engage families in the religious life of the school, encouraging active participation and dialogue.
Key Selection Criteria
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- A strong personal commitment to the Catholic faith and the mission of Catholic education
- Leadership experience or clear potential to lead in the areas of Religious Education and Catholic identity
- A deep understanding of the Religious Education Curriculum and the Integration of Catholic Social Teaching
- The ability to plan and lead meaningful liturgical celebrations and prayer
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, families, and parish
- Capacity to support and nurture the faith formation of staff and students
- A collaborative spirit, a pioneering mindset, and a desire to contribute to the establishment of a new school
Qualifications & Requirements
- Accreditation to Teach Religious Education in a Catholic School (or working towards Accreditation to Lead)
- Full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
- Relevant teaching qualification (Bachelor of Education or equivalent)
- Commitment to ongoing professional and faith development
- Current First Aid and Child Safety training (or willingness to obtain)
What We Offer
- The rare opportunity to help shape the Catholic identity and culture of a new school
- A leadership team committed to faith, inclusion, and educational excellence
- A collaborative and supportive work environment with a strong emphasis on collegiality, innovation, and mission
- Contemporary learning spaces designed to foster creativity, inquiry, and connection
- Ongoing leadership mentoring and professional growth opportunities
Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday the 29th of August via the ‘Apply for Job’ tab or emailed to Principal Daniel Bermingham at
📧 daniel.bermingham@sppthornhillpark.catholic.edu.au
St Padre Pio Catholic Primary School is committed to the care, safety, and wellbeing of all children. The successful applicant will be subject to child safety screening and must hold a current VIT registration.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit:
- A cover letter addressing the key responsibilities, skills and selection criteria (no more than 2 pages)
- A current resume, including relevant experience and qualifications
- A list of at least 2 Referees (including at least one from current principal, if app, or recent employer)
Applications should be addressed to:
Mr Daniel Bermingham
(Principal, St Padre Pio CPS, Thornhill Park)