We are seeking an inspiring, dynamic and highly motivated Deputy Principal to join our school leadership team. As the Deputy Principal, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence, student achievement and the development of a positive, inclusive and supportive school culture. Working collaboratively with the Principal, staff, students, families and the wider community, the Deputy Principal will provide strategic and instructional leadership, drive continuous school improvement, foster high expectations for student and staff performance, and champion equitable and high-quality learning opportunities for all students. This is a temporary full-time position commencing 21 January 2027 until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About Us

Balaclava State School is a Prep to Year 6 primary school located in the centre of Cairns. Our students are drawn primarily from the surrounding residential suburbs of the local area.  We work to continually foster positive relationships with our families, local businesses, surrounding schools, clubs and professional associations. Our commitment is to give our students a strong start to education through creating a learning environment in which each child can thrive and become an independent, creative and connected learner. It is through these solid foundations that unlimited potentials will emerge.  

Our school motto is 'Connect ~ Commit ~ Excel' and we strive to enact this each day in our school.  Our staff are professionally supported to reflect and improve upon practice and we are dedicated to helping our students build on strong foundations as they strive to be the best that they can be. We are a community of learners, committed to innovation and led by a united vision for professional excellence.
Balaclava State School provides an education that prepares our students for life.  We offer a distinctive learning environment and believe in engaging children in learning experiences that foster their independence, creativity and the connectedness needed in today's world and our global future.

About the Role

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Support the Principal in leading the school community to develop and implement a shared educational vision that promotes high-quality learning outcomes for all students, while deputising for the Principal when required.
• Demonstrate ethical, values-based leadership by embedding socially just, inclusive and equitable practices into all aspects of school life.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, accountability and continuous improvement, supporting high standards of performance for both students and staff, alongside ongoing professional learning.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with parents, government agencies, community organisations, industry and business to enhance student learning and school outcomes.
• Provide strategic and future-focused leadership through effective planning, resource management and a sound understanding of the legislative and policy frameworks that guide school operations.

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 written statement in response to 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.

• FNR706420_26T - Role Description (PDF, 271KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants