Job Description
Mackay Northern Beaches is seeking an energetic, future-focused and collaborative Head of Department - Student Services for Year 9 to join our progressive leadership team in this temporary position for ****, unless otherwise determined.
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The successful applicant will lead a strong, student-focused approach that supports every Year 9 student to succeed, and transition confidently into further education, training or employment. They will use data-informed practices to closely monitor student engagement, attendance, achievement and pathway progress, working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary sector team, staff, families and external partners to provide timely support and achieve the best possible outcomes for all students.
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About Us
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We are located in the growing Northern Beaches area of Mackay. As one of the newest schools in the Central Queensland (CQ) region, opening our doors in ****, the school boasts 21st century facilities second to none.
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Our school's key focus is to prepare our students both academically and socially for a successful transition into society, through our core values of Excelling in Education, Equipping for Life & Empowering to Lead.
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Your Chance
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As Head of Department - Student Services for Year 9, you will bring a proven ability to:
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Lead a shared vision for Year 9 achievement, engagement and wellbeing, aligned with the Department's Brighter Futures strategy and the school's improvement priorities.
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Use attendance, engagement, behaviour, achievement and wellbeing data to monitor students, identify emerging concerns and guide timely intervention.
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Lead coordinated case management for students requiring additional support, establishing clear actions, responsibilities and progress monitoring.
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Maintain a strong understanding of curriculum,



assessment and learning expectations to support improved outcomes across the Year 9 cohort.
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Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary Middle School sector team, including school leaders, teachers, support staff, families, external agencies and community partners.
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Build strong relationships with students and families, maintaining clear communication about progress, expectations, emerging concerns and available support.
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Strengthen a positive Year 9 culture characterised by high expectations, belonging, inclusion, student leadership, pride and personal responsibility.
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Coordinate strategies that improve attendance, engagement, behaviour, wellbeing and academic achievement across the cohort.
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Identify and strengthen opportunities for students to participate in school leadership, co-curricular activities and broader community experiences.
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Support students to develop the learning habits, resilience and personal responsibility required for a successful transition into the senior phase of learning.
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Set and maintain high expectations for student and staff performance, ensuring consistent implementation of school policies, procedures and agreed practices.
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Contribute actively to the leadership of whole‐school strategic priorities and improvement initiatives.
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Demonstrate reflective, resilient and adaptable leadership, responding proactively to the changing needs of students and the Year 9 cohort.
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We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.
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Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.
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Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
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Occupational group
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Education & Training

📌 Head Of Department - Student Services - Mackay Northern Beaches State High School (North Mackay)
🏢 Queensland Government
📍 North Mackay