We are seeking an inspirational, strategic and visionary Principal to lead our school community and drive a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. As Principal, you will provide outstanding educational and operational leadership, establishing a clear and shared vision that places student achievement, wellbeing and success at the centre of all decision-making. The successful applicant will demonstrate exceptional leadership, communication and strategic planning skills, a proven ability to lead organisational change and improvement, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every student is supported to achieve their full potential. This is a temporary full-time position commencing 21 January 2027 until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About Us

Cherbourg State School began as the Barambah Aboriginal School in 1904. Between 1931 to 1932, the school name was changed when the community was renamed Cherbourg.

Cherbourg State School believes in developing the potential of each individual child. A team of dedicated teachers and leadership along with committed support staff, delivering community responsive quality education for students from Kindy to Year 6, in an inclusive environment focused on successful learning for every child.

At Cherbourg State School Kindy, we aim to provide the highest level of education and care for children in a positive, nurturing and safe environment. Our program is designed to stimulate children's natural wonder and exploration. We have a strong emphasis on play-based learning to aid for brain development in children.

About the Role

Cherbourg State School is a Partnership Initiative school. PI schools are committed to working beyond the classroom, partnering with families and communities to make shared decisions. This approach helps ensure that every student has the best possible chance to succeed at school. The Partnership Initiative includes several parts that operate at both the school level and the broader system level. Together, these parts help schools respond more effectively to local needs and priorities.

At the system level, the initiative provides differentiated support, enabling flexible responses to complex challenges. At the school level, it aims to improve how schools connect and work with their communities to better support students. The design of the initiative recognises that real change happens through a combination of factors. These include differentiated resources within schools (such as skilled staff in a specific area), stronger support for school leaders, local decision-making systems that encourage innovation, and processes that allow support to be tailored to each school's needs.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership to develop and drive a shared educational vision focused on excellence in teaching, learning and improved outcomes for all students, while establishing high expectations for student and staff performance.
• Demonstrate ethical, values-driven leadership by embedding socially just, inclusive and equitable practices, fostering a positive school culture and promoting continuous professional growth and lifelong learning.
• Build and sustain meaningful partnerships with parents, government agencies, community organisations, industry and business to strengthen community engagement and create enhanced opportunities for students.
• Lead the effective strategic and operational management of the school, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and departmental policies, and managing resources responsibly to achieve school priorities and long-term improvement goals.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position. 

How to apply

• Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history); and

• A 2-page response to the 'How you will be assessed' section of the attached role description. 

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive. 

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. 

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. 

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• DSR707351_26T - Role Description (PDF, 270KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants