Head of Department

An exciting opportunity exists for a passionate and strategic leader to join the senior leadership team at Cavendish Road State High School as Head of Department - Student Services.

In this role, you will oversee a sub-school cohort within either the Junior Phase (Years 7-8) or Senior Phase (Years 11-12), leading initiatives that strengthen student engagement, promote positive behaviour, and support the holistic development of learners through a Multi-Tiered System of Support
(MTSS) framework.

Apply now to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact on student success.

This position is being offered from 22 January December 2026.

Who We Are:

Cavendish Road State High School is a high-performing, co-educational secondary school located in Brisbane's inner south. The school is recognised for its strong academic achievement, diverse curriculum offerings, and commitment to nurturing well-rounded, resilient learners.

Step Into Your Next Chapter:

Strategic Leadership:

• Heads of Student Services work under the direction of the sub-school Deputy Principal and collaborate closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Case Management Team to ensure alignment between Student Services, curriculum delivery, and whole-school improvement goals.
• Drive the implementation of Tier 1 and Tier 2 wellbeing and behaviour frameworks across the sub-school.
• Champion a culture of belonging, high expectations, and pride in being a "Cavroadian," reinforcing the school's values and standards.
• Support and contribute to school-wide planning, reviews, and data analysis to inform proactive interventions and continuous improvement.

Student Engagement:

• Oversee daily engagement and attendance systems, ensuring early identification and intervention for students demonstrating concerning trends.
• Implement proactive, data-informed strategies to address student wellbeing, behaviour, and engagement concerns.
• Lead the coordination of Tier 2 case management in collaboration with Deputy Principals, Guidance Officers, HOSES, and other support staff.
• Foster an inclusive environment where all students feel supported, respected, and connected to their school community.
• Promote positive relationships among students through targeted programs, recognition systems, and sub-school events.

Parent and Community Partnerships:

• Communicate with parents and carers and keep them informed of the activities and successes of the sub-school and cohorts in those activities
• Strengthen partnerships with families, external agencies, and community organisations to provide wrap-around support for students.
• Promote parent engagement through information evenings, awards ceremonies, and community events celebrating student growth and achievement.
  
  Data, Systems, and Reporting
• Use OneSchool data and case management records to identify trends, inform interventions, and report progress.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of student engagement, wellbeing, and behaviour data.
• Monitor attendance, uniform, and behaviour compliance to uphold the school's high standards.
• Analyse engagement and wellbeing data to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and inform future planning.

Events and Student Leadership:

• Lead year-level assemblies and events that celebrate student success and promote positive school culture.
• Coordinate guest speakers, leadership programs, and philanthropic initiatives within the sub-school.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of student leadership development activities, camps, and milestone celebrations.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in creating a positive, supportive, and high-expectation culture that promotes student engagement and achievement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to build trust and rapport with students, staff, and parents.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams through relational, data-informed, and evidence-based practices.
• Capacity to design and implement tiered interventions that improve student outcomes and wellbeing.
• Deep understanding of departmental policies, inclusive education, and the Queensland state schooling context.

Submit Your Application:

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 2-page response to the How you may be assessed section of the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description
• Applicants are encouraged to indicate their preferred year level or phase in their application.

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.