Head of Department - Student Engagement - Dakabin State High School

Queensland Department of Education; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakabin State High School in Queensland is seeking a dynamic Head of Department - Student Engagement (Year 7 & 8) to join its leadership team on a temporary full-time basis from 21 January 2027 to 10 December 2027.

You will lead the Year 7-8 Cohort with the Deputy Principal, oversee behaviour and attendance, use data to inform interventions, manage Year Level Coordinators, promote restorative and trauma-informed practice, support transitions from primary school, and work with families and the

Responsibilities

• Leadership of the Year 7 and 8 Cohort with the Deputy Principal, overseeing behaviour, engagement and attendance.
• Strategic use of data to inform interventions supporting student engagement and behaviour.
• Line management of Year 7 and 8 Year Level Coordinators.
• Promotion of restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches across the school.
• Overseeing Year 6 into 7 transition processes, including orientation and data-informed planning.
• Collaboration with students, families, staff and external stakeholders to support positive outcomes and wellbeing.
• Contributing to whole-school improvement priorities and fostering an inclusive school culture.

Job description

Head of Department - Student Engagement - Dakabin State High School

Queensland Department of Education – Queensland

An exciting opportunity exists to join the leadership team at Dakabin State High School as the Head of Department - Student Engagement (Year 7 & 8). This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. Successfulapplicants will be expected to work closely with the HOD - Student Engagement (Year 9 & 10) and the Engagement Deputy Principal to support positive behaviour, promote engagement across the school, lead the Year Level Coordinator team and work collaboratively with the CaseManagement and Wellbeing Team, as well as the broader school community and students, to bring the school's vision to life. This is a temporary full-time position commencing 21 January 2027 until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

About Us

Dakabin State High School was established in 1978 and has a proud history of student excellence and success. The school has developed and maintained strong community support, with academic and vocational foundations throughout its proud history.

At Dakabin State High School our vision is to be a high performing school that develops a culture of learning that will enable our students to be resilient, healthy and successful citizens in the 21st century. We believe that learning is a lifelong process of transforming information and experiences into knowledge, skills, behaviours and positive attitudes.

With an enrolment of approximately 1000 students, our school offers diverse resources and facilities including a working farm. There are signature programs such as our Basketball Program in partnership with the Brisbane Bullets and our Certificate III in Agriculture on offer.

Dakabin State High School has ample space for high quality educational opportunities across academic, sporting and cultural areas as the campus is nestled in 60 acres of native bushland.

Dakabin State High School focuses on providing rich and engaging learning experiences and a supportive environment for students to learn, grow and achieve, whilst maintaining high academic standards.

About the Role

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Leadership of the Year 7 and 8 Cohort in conjunction with the Deputy Principal, including strategic oversight of behaviour, engagement, and attendance.
• Strategic use of data to inform interventions to support student engagement and behaviour across the school.
• Line management of Year 7 and 8 Year Level Coordinators.
• Leadership and promotion of restorative practices and trauma-informed practice across the school.
• Leadership of Year 6 into 7 transition processes, including orientation week, liaison with primary schools and strategic use of data to support a smooth start for students.
• Work collaboratively with students, families, staff and external stakeholders to support positive student outcomes, engagement and wellbeing.
• Contribute to whole‑school improvement priorities and foster a positive, inclusive and supportive school culture.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

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.