About this job
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.
Who We Are:
Founded in 1979, Merrimac State High School is a coeducational Years 7-12 school on the Gold Coast, committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The school places a strong emphasis on Junior Secondary, ensuring students in Years 7-9 experience a successful transition to high school through dedicated wellbeing programs, strong teacher-student relationships, and engaging learning experiences.
With a focus on academic achievement, student wellbeing, and future pathways, Merrimac State High School supports every student to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.
The key areas of the Deputy Principal (Junior Secondary) role include:
Curriculum and Teaching & Learning Leadership
- Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of Junior Secondary curriculum aligned to the Australian Curriculum requirements.
- Drive curriculum review, moderation and quality assurance processes through the Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Framework (CARF) expectations.
- Build teacher capability through coaching, feedback, professional learning and evidence-informed pedagogical practices.
- Utilise student achievement data to inform strategic interventions and improve learning outcomes for all students.
- Lead and support the implementation of research-informed Junior Secondary pedagogies that promote engagement, self-regulated learning and learner agency.
Reading and Literacy Improvement
- Champion whole-school reading and literacy improvement initiatives across Junior Secondary.
- Lead the use of literacy and reading data to identify student needs and monitor growth.
- Support the implementation of targeted interventions that improve reading proficiency and access to curriculum learning.
Student Engagement, Belonging and Wellbeing
- Lead a strong culture of learning, belonging and high expectations for all students.
- Drive initiatives that strengthen student engagement, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing outcomes.
- Foster authentic student voice opportunities and ensure student perspectives inform school improvement efforts.
Leadership and Line Management
- Provide strong line management and leadership support to Heads of Department, Deans and key Junior Secondary leaders.
- Build leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and accountability processes.
- Lead performance development conversations that promote continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Monitor and support faculty improvement planning aligned to the school's Annual Implementation Plan and Department priorities.
- Ensure effective communication, collaboration and alignment across teams to achieve whole-school priorities.
Community and Partnerships
- Develop strong partnerships with families, feeder primary schools and community stakeholders to support successful transitions and positive student outcomes.
- Represent the school professionally and contribute to a culture of trust, collaboration and continuous improvement.
How to Apply:
- Attach a brief resume (3-page maximum) including contact details for 2 referees (referees should understand your relevant work history).
- Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) in response to the 'How you will be assessed' section of the Role Description - Key Capabilities 1 to 4 only.
- Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the 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.
erees should understand your relevant work history).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.