Head of Department - Health and Physical Education

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic educator to lead our rich and vibrant Health and Physical Education (HAPE) Department. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape and strengthen the future of this curriculum area within a dynamic and values-driven school community.

The Head of Department – Health and Physical Education at Marist College will be an exceptional leader with a passion for learning and pastoral care. They will model evidence-informed pedagogies and curriculum innovation and be able to inspire and guide others. They should have appropriate qualifications and a clear commitment to personal, spiritual and professional development. Experience in leading a Knowledge-Rich approach to the Health and Physical Education Curriculum would be highly desirable.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Thursday 17 September 2026

The College 

Marist College Canberra is a Congregational Catholic school for boys (Year 4-12) operating as part of ‘Marist Schools Australia’. It enjoys an excellent reputation for its pastoral care of students, academic studies, cultural and sport pursuits. The College is driven by staff who are committed to making a difference in the education of boys. 

Since 1968, Marist College has been a part of and had its footprints on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. As a College, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we stand. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship they have to this land and commit ourselves to the challenge of Closing the Gap and the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

As a Catholic school in the Marist tradition we work in the spirit of our founder St. Marcellin Champagnat. Our Middle Leaders must be people of faith who can promote, develop and uphold the vision, charism and Catholic and Marist ethos in every aspect of College life.

All Middle Leaders at Marist College Canberra work under the direction of and in collaboration with the Headmaster and College Executive and have an important responsibility in articulating and nurturing the mission, vision and strategic directions of the College. They reflect our Marist Characteristics, our adherence to the spirit of St. Marcellin Champagnat and our determination to provide an environment where boys are encouraged to develop as a person, as a community member, as a learner, as a young man of faith and as a contributor to society.

The Role - Head of Department

The Head of Department – Health and Physical Education at Marist College will be an exceptional leader with a passion for learning and pastoral care. They will model evidence-informed pedagogies and curriculum innovation and be able to inspire and guide others. They should have appropriate qualifications and a clear commitment to personal, spiritual and professional development. Experience in leading a Knowledge-Rich approach to the Health and Physical Education Curriculum would be highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

In the appointment of Head of Department, the Headmaster delegates the responsibility for leading, promoting, directing and coordinating the efficient and effective operation of a Subject Department. In addition to classroom teaching duties, Heads of Department work under the direction of and in collaboration with the Headmaster and College Executive to fulfil the following key responsibilities.

The Head of Department will be accountable to the Headmaster through the Deputy Headmaster and Assistant Head of School – Learning and Teaching to:

1. Promote, maintain and enhance the Catholic identity and Marist Mission of the College.
2. Develop, motivate, inspire and build collaborative relationships.
3. Lead academic care in the College by creating a culture that supports excellence and fosters the relationship between learning, teaching and pastoral care for improved student outcomes.
4. Lead a culture of change and improvement by extending knowledge of best practice, building capacity in teachers and ensuring effective organisation, management and administration of the Department.
5. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate structures and processes within the Department to support the College vision and Strategic Plan.

Selection Criteria 

Applicants will need to demonstrate:

1. Promote, maintain and enhance the Catholic identity and Marist Mission of the College.
2. Develop, motivate, inspire and build collaborative relationships.
3. Lead academic care in the College by creating a culture that supports excellence and fosters the relationship between learning, teaching and pastoral care for improved student outcomes.
4. Lead a culture of change and improvement by extending knowledge of best practice, building capacity in teachers and ensuring effective organisation, management and administration of the Department.
5. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate structures and processes within the Department to support the College vision and Strategic Plan.

Key responsibilities and selection criteria are further expanded in the position description linked below.

Other requirements

Heads of Department would have a minimum of five years teaching experience and must meet or be working towards meeting the criteria for Accreditation C for Leadership in a Systemic Catholic and MSA School.

Heads of Department must meet all legislative and professional requirements including teacher registration (TQI), hold a current ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration and have an understanding of and commitment to Child Safeguarding.

The position involves a reduced teaching load and yard supervision.  As a middle leader, the Head of Department is required to make a significant contribution to the co-curricular life of the College.

Click here for the full position description

Term and Remuneration

The position of Head of Department – Health and Physical Education is offered as an ongoing position subject to a 6-month probationary period.  There will be an interim review in the first six months, and a performance review during the second year, and subsequently every four years after that, unless otherwise directed by the Headmaster.

The position is classified under the Teachers (Daramalan College, Marist College Canberra, and St Edmunds College, Canberra) Enterprise Agreement 2025, as amended or replaced. The position of Head of Department attracts a salary at the level of Coordinator 1.

The successful applicant will be expected to take up the appointment from Term 1, 2027.

Application Process

External applications will be received through the ‘Apply’ link on the College website, and require completion of personal details, application questions and the upload of a cover letter outlining your skills and experience, resume and WWVP card.

Applications from current staff should contain a cover letter outlining your skills and experience and be emailed to HR@mcc.act.edu.au.

Applications should be addressed to the Acting College Headmaster, Mr Liam Stakelum and be received by 5pm Thursday 17 September 2026.

Enquiries regarding the duties and nature of the position, or progress of the selection process, should be directed to Acting Assistant Head of School – Staff and Community, Mr Justin Wood at HR@mcc.act.edu.au or by phoning the staff office on 02 62987262.

The College is not required to accept applications that are received after the closing date and time, and reserves the right to appoint by invitation, close applications early, extend the deadline or to make no appointment at all. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone to arrange an interview.

The College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage you to visit our website https://www.maristc.act.edu.au should you require further information about Marist College Canberra.