At Spring Mountain State School, we value the professionalism, expertise and leadership of our staff as our most significant asset. We are seeking an experienced, relational and pedagogically strong Deputy Principal who has strong early years knowledge and leadership

This role is a unique opportunity for a Deputy Principal with a deep understanding of Age-Appropriate Pedagogies, Prep curriculum requirements, and play-based learning, to shape practice, build capability and ensure a strong foundation for lifelong learning for our youngest students.

This position is being offered in a Permanent Part-Time capacity (0.5FTE), 25 hours per fortnight.

Job details

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

About us:

Spring Mountain State School is a Prep-Year 6 state school located in the Greater Springfield area. Our school vision and values were co-designed with staff and community in our foundation year and continue to guide all decisions and ways of working.

We provide an individualised, inclusive education that challenges thinking, develops emotional intelligence and builds self-worth and belonging. We encourage leadership at all levels to create a safe, respectful and innovative learning environment that supports the whole child and develops engaged citizens for the future.

Spring Mountain State School currently services over 1000 students and is identified by Education Queensland as a fast-growing school within a young and expanding community. Our strong focus on early intervention, inclusive practice, positive behaviour and social-emotional development is critical to ensuring strong foundations for learning and wellbeing.

Your opportunity:

The Deputy Principal -is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, with strategic responsibility for Prep and Early Years teaching and learning, staff capability, wellbeing and transition practices. The role requires an exceptional understanding of the Prep curriculum, Age-Appropriate Pedagogies, and play-based learning approaches, including Nature Play and Loose Parts Play, and how these are intentionally aligned to curriculum outcomes.

The successful applicant will demonstrate the capacity to:

• Lead and support Prep and Early Years teaching teams
• Strengthen teacher and teacher aide partnerships
• Ensure high-quality transition practices into Prep and across year levels
• Build staff capability through coaching, mentoring and modelling
• Lead middle leaders with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and sustainable ways of working

This role works collaboratively with the Principal, Deputy Principals, Heads of Curriculum, Head of Inclusion and Business Manager to ensure alignment between pedagogy, wellbeing, behaviour support and whole-school priorities.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have recent and relevant Deputy Principal experience within an Early Years context and demonstrate:

• Exceptional knowledge of Prep curriculum requirements and expectations
• Strong leadership of Age-Appropriate Pedagogies
• A deep understanding of play-based learning, including Nature Play and Loose Parts Play
• Excellent communication and relational leadership skills
• Demonstrated success in leading Prep teams and supporting early career teachers
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing, psychological safety and sustainable leadership practices

They will be a highly motivated, reflective and collaborative leader, capable of managing competing priorities while maintaining a clear focus on learning, wellbeing and improvement.

Application Process

If you believe you have the skills, experience and leadership capability required for this role, please address the following questions in no more than two pages (dot points or essay format):

1. Describe your Deputy Principal experience leading Early Years or Prep teams, including Age-Appropriate Pedagogies and play-based learning.
2. Outline how you have supported Prep transitions and continuity of learning for students and families as a Deputy Principal.
3. Identify three key actions you would prioritise to ensure success in the Deputy Principal – Early Years role at Spring Mountain State School.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 15 October 2026
INTERVIEW DATE/S: Term 4 Week 1

Please submit:

• Current Resume (maximum 2 pages)
• EOI Response (maximum 2 pages)

Applications should be emailed to the Principal: Cherie Moore cmoor51@eq.edu.au. Late applications 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.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 286KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  MSR703159_26P Role Description (PDF, 270KB)
  Role Description