St Francis of the Fields offers an exceptional opportunity for an educational leader to guide a large and highly connected Catholic primary community in one of Bendigo’s growing communities.
St Francis of the Fields has developed a strong identity centred on faith, learning and partnership, creating an environment where students are supported to grow academically, spiritually and personally.
With a thriving community of more than 600 students, supported by a dedicated team of educators and staff, the school provides the successful Principal with the opportunity to lead at scale while maintaining the personal connection that defines Catholic education.
St Francis of the Fields is a Catholic primary school where students are encouraged to live, learn and grow in God’s love. The school’s size, diversity and community confidence create a leadership opportunity of genuine scale.
Families are drawn to St Francis of the Fields because of its welcoming environment, strong sense of belonging and commitment to providing quality learning experiences for every child.
The school’s dedicated staff bring expertise, passion and commitment to their work, supported by specialist learning opportunities and facilities designed to support contemporary education.
For the incoming Principal, this is an opportunity to lead a school with strong foundations, an engaged community and the capacity to continue evolving in response to the needs of future generations.
About Strathfieldsaye
Strathfieldsaye offers an opportunity to become part of a welcoming and connected regional community.
Located near Bendigo, Strathfieldsaye provides the benefits of regional living alongside access to the cultural, educational and recreational opportunities of a major regional centre.
The community continues to experience growth and development, creating an environment where strong leadership can make a visible and lasting contribution.
Who this opportunity will suit:
A leadership opportunity for...
Experienced Principals
For an experienced Principal, this appointment offers the opportunity to bring your leadership expertise to a significant Catholic primary community where your influence will be deeply valued.
You will have the opportunity to guide a talented team, strengthen practice and contribute to the ongoing development of a respected school community.
For a Deputy Principal or aspiring school leader, this opportunity provides the chance to step into Principalship within a supportive system committed to leadership formation, collaboration and professional growth.
You will be supported by Catholic Education Sandhurst and a network of experienced leaders who believe leadership is strengthened through connection, reflection and shared learning.
Who this chance will suit:
A leadership opportunity for...
Experienced Principals
For an experienced Principal, this appointment offers the opportunity to bring your leadership expertise to a respected Catholic secondary community where your influence will be deeply valued.
You will have the opportunity to build upon strong foundations, guide strategic improvement and shape the future direction of a College with a proud identity and committed community.
For a Deputy Principal or aspiring school leader, this opportunity provides the chance to step into Principalship within a supportive system committed to leadership formation, collaboration and professional growth.
You will be supported by Catholic Education Sandhurst and a network of experienced leaders who believe leadership is strengthened through connection, reflection and shared learning.
About You
You are a relational and innovative educator, grounded in faith and committed to Catholic education. You bring:
Demonstrated leadership experience in a Catholic school setting
Strong communication, team-building and strategic leadership capabilities
Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or Lead in a Catholic School
Registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (or eligibility to register)
A Master’s degree in education or related field (or commitment to commence)
Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL)
In Catholic Education Sandhurst, you’ll find a network of 51 schools and six Early Learning Centres in large regional centres like Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga, and in smaller communities where making people feel welcome is our specialty.
We are committed to working in partnership with leaders, students and families, providing innovation and excellence; inspired by the Catholic story. Our motto is ‘Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day’.
About Magnify Sandhurst
In 2025, in an Australian first, a comprehensive and exciting new learning and teaching program was simultaneously launched across 51 Catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese.
Magnify Sandhurst is a comprehensive program designed to bring measurable improvements in every school.
With explicit teaching practices based on the Science of Learning, the Magnify Sandhurst program combines evidence-based pedagogy, a strong behaviour curriculum and the ongoing professional development of our staff to support each student's unique needs, strengths and goals.
It’s an exciting time to be in Catholic Education!
Diversity, Inclusion and Child Safety
CESL embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
For application assistance, please review our application guide here .
Applications are invited from educational leaders who are ready to contribute to the ongoing growth and flourishing of St Francis of the Fields, Strathfieldsaye.
Applications close Monday, 24 August 2026
Interviews to be held Thursday, 3 September 2026
Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants
Education, Training & Professional Development 1,001-5,000 employees
CESL supports over 50 schools and early childhood learning centres across Central and North Eastern Victoria, in large regional centres and small vibrant townships. As we ‘Magnify Sandhurst’ with a special focus on learner growth, teacher professional development and ‘healthy and well communities’, we are committed to working in partnership with leaders, students and families, providing innovation and excellence; inspired by the Catholic story.
We feature large regional centres of Bendigo, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton and Echuca, as well as many smaller communities where making people feel welcome is a speciality. Our motto is ‘Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day’.
CESL supports over 50 schools and early childhood learning centres across Central and North Eastern Victoria, in large regional centres and small vibrant townships. As we ‘Magnify Sandhurst’ with a special focus on learner growth, teacher professional development and ‘healthy and well communities’, we are committed to working in partnership with leaders, students and families, providing innovation and excellence; inspired by the Catholic story.
We feature large regional centres of Bendigo, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton and Echuca, as well as many smaller communities where making people feel welcome is a speciality. Our motto is ‘Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day’.
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📌 Primary Principal (Bendigo)
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📍 Bendigo