Commencement Date: 17 January 2026
Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term (5-year) Senior Leadership position
This position holds a substantive permanent teaching position in the Diocese.
Salary Range: Assistant Principal - AP1 $149,763 - AP3 $157,119 per annum FTE, commensurate with experience
Closing Date for Applications: 9.00am, Friday 31 October 2025
Applicants should note that as part of the hiring process, a criminal history check and a bankruptcy check will be completed.
St Joseph’s School is an integral part of the Cairns Diocese and the Atherton Catholic Parish. Located approximately one and a quarter hour’s drive from Cairns, Atherton sits within the heart of the naturally beautiful and agriculturally rich Atherton Tablelands. St Joseph’s School is committed to providing its students with a well-balanced and relevant education delivering pedagogy based on latest research and best practice. St Joseph’s School operates dual stream having experienced growth over the last few years. The school’s current enrolment stands at 268 students, and 36 staff. St Joseph’s is a welcoming community where parents/carers are encouraged to become actively involved in various dimensions of school life.
The Assistant Principal - Catholic Identity is responsible for providing creative and visionary leadership in promoting the Catholic ethos across all aspects of the school community. This role is central to implementing the Encounter Catholic Identity Framework and embedding the pedagogical principles of Catholic Dialogue Schools within the school's culture and educational practices.
In this capacity, the Assistant Principal - Catholic Identity:
MODELS THE CATHOLIC ETHOS:
Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to the Catholic faith and mission, ensuring that the school’s values and objectives align with the broader mission of Catholic Education.
LEADS FAITH FORMATION:
Works collaboratively with the Leadership Team to design and facilitate a variety of formative and spiritually enriching experiences for students, staff, and the broader St Joseph’s Parish School community. These initiatives are aimed at deepening the understanding of the Church’s mission and encouraging personal encounters with Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
PROMOTES SOCIAL JUSTICE:
Actively engages students and staff in outreach and social justice activities, guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teachings, to cultivate a sense of responsibility for the broader community and a commitment to social justice.
FOSTERS SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT:
In partnership with the Principal and other staff, holds whole-school responsibility for enacting the Gospel mission. This includes the promotion of spiritual growth, religious literacy, and a culture of justice and equity within the school.
LEADS WELLBEING INITIATIVES:
Supports and leads the implementation of Wellbeing initiatives to ensure parents, teachers, school officers, and students are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, and support necessary to achieve their fullest potential. The role emphasizes the development of skills that enable individuals to grow into life-giving adults who contribute positively to society and leave a meaningful impact on the world.
The Assistant Principal – Catholic Identity is a member of the School Executive and Leadership Teams.
Additionally, the APCI provides specific leadership in areas delegated by the Principal, as designated in this position description.
For further information about the role, please download the position description 
Assistant Principal Catholic Identity PosD St Joseph's Atherton.pdf
Select 'Apply Now' to submit your application.
For current employees, apply via the 'Employee Login' tab on the homepage of the Careers website.
Please note applications will only be accepted via the Careers website.
Michael Aitken, Acting Principal
P: 07 4095 9000
E: principal.atherton@cns.catholic.edu.au
Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe organisation.
To understand our commitment and initiatives to truth telling, healing and reconciliation, view our Reconciliation Action Plan
Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.
CEDC