Clontarf Beach State High School is seeking a passionate educator to lead the Student Engagement, Wellbeing and Culture in the role of Head of Department – Engagement for 10 weeks in Term 4, 2026 (October 6th – 11th December).
This temporary vacancy is open to Expressions of Interest. Any extensions to this appointment will not exceed 12 months.
About Our School
At Clontarf Beach State High School, our House model is a defining feature of our school culture. Through strong House structures, every student is connected to a supportive network of staff and peers, creating a genuine sense of belonging, identity and pride. The House system underpins our approach to engagement, wellbeing and student leadership, ensuring students are known, valued and challenged to achieve their personal best. This strong culture of connection and participation contributes significantly to the positive learning environment and community spirit that characterise our school.
About The Role
This is a key leadership position responsible for leading a coherent, whole‐school approach to student engagement, attendance, behaviour, and successful participation in learning. Working alongside the Principal, Deputy Principals, Head of Student Services (HOSES) and other middle leaders, the Head of Department – Engagement will drive initiatives that strengthen student connection to school, promote positive behaviour and ensure every student is supported to engage, achieve and thrive.
The Successful Applicant Will
* Lead and embed a whole‐school engagement framework aligned with the school's strategic improvement priorities.
* Drive a consistent, proactive and high‐expectations approach to student engagement, attendance and behaviour.
* Oversee systems that identify, monitor and support students at risk of disengagement, ensuring timely intervention and ongoing review, including working closely with the Guidance Officers to provide timely and responsive support and intervention.
* Lead House Leader management processes for students requiring targeted engagement support, using data to inform decision‐making and measure impact.
* Strengthen partnerships with families, community organisations and external agencies to improve student participation, wellbeing and educational outcomes.
* Build staff capability in evidence‐based engagement strategies, restorative practices, culturally responsive approaches and inclusive classroom practices.
* Coordinate initiatives that promote student voice, belonging, participation and positive school culture.
* Use attendance, behaviour and achievement data to inform strategic planning and evaluate the effectiveness of engagement initiatives.
Key Capabilities
We are seeking a leader who can operate strategically and operationally, with the capacity to lead people, systems and change in a complex secondary school environment.
As The Successful Applicant, You Will Demonstrate
* Proven expertise in leading student engagement and attendance improvement initiatives, supported by strong data literacy and evidence‐informed decision‐making.
* Deep knowledge of positive behaviour support, restorative practices and strategies that re‐engage young people in learning.
* The ability to establish and sustain a calm, structured and high‐expectations learning environment across the school.
* Highly developed interpersonal skills and the capacity to build strong, respectful relationships with students, families, staff and community partners.
* The ability to lead with clarity, consistency and accountability while maintaining a relational and student‐centred approach.
* Strong organisational and case management skills, with the ability to coordinate complex support processes and monitor outcomes effectively.
* A commitment to fostering a positive school culture where all students feel connected, supported and empowered to succeed.
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 will be assessed section of the attached role description.
* Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description.
We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.
Applicants need to be a current Queensland Government employee to be eligible to apply.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
Occupational group: Education & Training
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