Principal (Level 5) - Balaclava State School

Queensland Department of Education; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Balaclava State School in Cairns is seeking an experienced Principal to lead from 26 September 2026 to 25 March 2027. The role is a temporary full-time appointment under the Partnership Initiative uplift, elevating the position to Level 7 to drive improvements and support the local school and community.

The successful candidate will oversee 520 students from Prep to Year 6, lead collaborative teams, and strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities

Qualifications

• Experienced school leader
• Ability to lead in Partnership Initiative (PI) settings
• Commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students
• Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and communities
• Build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders
• Contribute to regional and state-wide PI initiatives

Responsibilities

• As Principal, you will demonstrate adaptability, resilience and cultural responsiveness.
• Lead a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students.
• Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, parents, families and communities.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Contribute to regional and state-wide initiatives through the Partnership Initiative.
• Contribute to the success of schools and communities across Far North Queensland.

Job description

Queensland Department of Education – Mooroobool QLD

We are seeking an experienced school leader to take on the role of Principal at Balaclava State School.

This is a temporary full-time position commencing 26 September 2026 until 25 March 2027, unless otherwise determined.

With 520 students from Prep to Year 6, Balaclava State School is located in the heart of Cairns, offering an opportunity to lead a diverse school community in a central Far North Queensland location.

About Us:

Balaclava State School is an identified school participating in the Department of Education's Partnership Initiative (PI).

Through PI, schools in communities experiencing a high degree of complexity and vulnerability receive prioritised support and resourcing, while acting as champions for the communities they serve.

Special purpose arrangement - Partnership Initiative (PI)

Under the current Partnership Initiative special purpose classification uplift, this substantive Level 5 position has received a top-up to be remunerated as a Level 7. This special purpose classification level uplift arrangement is intended to retain and attract school leaders who can drive improvements in learning and life outcomes through a system wide approach within PI schools and their communities.

Leave entitlements during the period of the special purpose classification uplift will be paid at the higher classification rate, in accordance with Directive 16/24 - Higher Duties.

Your opportunity:

As Principal, you will:

• demonstrate adaptability, resilience and cultural responsiveness.


• lead a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students.


• work with commitment alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, parents, families and communities.


• build and maintain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders.


• contribute to regional and state-wide initiatives through the Partnership Initiative.


• contribute to the success of schools and communities across Far North Queensland.

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.