IS THIS YOU?

Mungalla Silver Lining School (Cairns) in Far North Queensland is seeking a highly motivated, compassionate and dedicated School Principal to lead our small independent Special Assistance School.

- Are you someone who will deeply invest in our mission and, most importantly, in the potential of our Indigenous young people?

- Are you someone who is engaging and passionate about transforming lives through meaningful relationships and learning experiences?

- Are you passionate about working with young people who are disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from school?

- Do you have patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to see young people thrive?

- Are you are motivated to make a tangible difference in the community and shape the next generation of Indigenous young people?

ABOUT US

Silver Lining Foundation Australia Ltd (SLFA) (https://silverlining.org.au) is a growing Indigenous led charity whose objective is to provide benevolent relief to First Nations Australians. SLFA has multiple School and Programs based in Queensland that provide culturally appropriate services that cater for the diverse needs of disenfranchised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our Schools and Programs work with predominantly Indigenous young people to provide culturally appropriate education and other social and health focused support services.

SLFA is committed to meaningful equity and diversity in our workforce. We do this by creating a workplace which embraces and celebrates the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, their skills and contributions. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

SLFA's Mungalla Silver Lining School (Cairns) is a Co-Educational secondary independent Special Assistance School caters for the diverse learning needs of disenfranchised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. The School is a ‘micro school’, where the student cohort generally does not exceed more than 35 students. The School provides opportunities for young people to re-engage in their education by delivering learning experiences that are culturally rich, age appropriate and academically achievable. Students are at the centre of professional practice, with their needs, backgrounds, perspectives and interests reflected in the School's learning programs. Grounded in strong relationships, trauma-informed practice, and community connections, the School is committed to walking alongside its young people on their educational journey.

CHILD SAFETY STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
SLFA is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children and young people. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, or neglect and are dedicated to upholding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of every child and young person.

We recognise that children and young people have the right to feel safe, respected, and heard. We actively work to create a culture where child safety is embedded in everything we do, guided by the National Child Safe Principles and the Universal Child Safe Standards.

SLFA is committed to:

- Promoting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our schools, programs, services, and activities.

- Creating a child-safe culture where children and young people are valued, their voices are listened to, and their concerns are taken seriously.

- Ensuring equity and inclusion, with particular attention to the safety and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disability, and children who may be vulnerable.

- Maintaining robust child-protected policies, procedures, and practices that are clearly communicated and regularly reviewed.

- Ensuring all staff, volunteers, contractors, and SLFA Board Directors understand their responsibilities to keep children and young people safe and are appropriately screened, trained, and supported.

- Encouraging and responding appropriately to the reporting of concerns, complaints, or allegations, in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

- Continuously reviewing and improving our child safety practices to ensure they remain effective and responsive.





- Everyone at SLFA shares responsibility for safeguarding children and young people. We are committed to acting in the best interests of children and young people at all times and to fostering environments where they can thrive, participate, and reach their full potential.

ABOUT YOU

You are someone who:

- Is reliable, dedicated, and consistent in coming to work each day.

- Is hardworking and conscientious about contributing to the team and achieving outcomes with young people.

- Is caring, nurturing, and patient, with a calm and positive approach in working with young people and as part of a small staff team.

- Is organised and can follow structure and processes.

- Is a team player who can work collaboratively with others.

- Is a leader, effective communicator, and active listener.

- Respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.

- Is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment for young people and work environment.

THE ROLE

Mungalla Silver Lining School (Cairns) has an exciting opportunity for a School Principal to join and lead our small team.

We are looking for an individual who has team leadership, staff management and teaching experience, and a passion for working with and supporting disenfranchised young people who have disengaged from education.

Applicants with QCT Registration are preferred, however, non teacher applicants will be considered if relevant criteria is met.

Teacher Applicants: The role is a teaching role, where the School Principal will teach the Australian Curriculum, QCAA Senior Courses and other education programs to students. The successful applicant will be a QCT Registered Teacher with experience in Primary, Middle Years or Secondary schooling. (Teachers with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) are also encouraged to apply).

Non-Teacher Applicants: The non-teaching role requires the School Principal to perform the same duties that a School Principal with QCT Teacher registration will perform but they will not be required to supervise, or assess the work of, a teacher or student teacher. Head Office staff will oversee these obligations.

Criteria for Non-Teacher Applicants include:

- Working with Children Check (Blue Card): Must hold a valid Queensland Blue Card or Exemption for working in a child-related environment.

The School Principal will lead a small team of committed Teachers and Education Support Workers to provide holistic, student-centred education, and they will be 'hands-on', visibly present and actively involved in working with students and staff on a day to day basis.

The School Principal will be an instructional leader who will lead and support staff.

The School Principal will be responsible for the overall day to day operation and management of the School and ensure the School maintains its accreditation, legal and compliance obligations. (SLFA Head Office will provide support).

Key Responsibilities

- Oversee the overall day to day operation, responsibility and management of the School, including the School's financial budgets.

- Be actively involved in the Non State Schools Accreditation Board's Review Program and participate in school improvement programs with Independent Schools (ISQ) Qld. (You will be supported by SLFA Head Office staff in fulfilling these responsibilities).

- Shape and implement the SLFA Board of Directors' strategy to improve educational outcomes, foster cultural identity and pride, support well-being and re-engagement for our young people.

- Provide regular written reports to the SLFA Board on accreditation compliance, operations, staffing, WHS and other matters, and attend Board meetings.

- Oversee a safe school environment and implement and model Restorative Practices and behaviour management strategies to support positive outcomes.

- Oversee and manage non-attendance, and identify engagement issues,



barriers and students at risk of disengagement.

- Manage staff on a day to day basis (SLFA Head Office staff oversee the management of HR matters, including performance management).

- Connect with people and stakeholders, and build strong relationships with young people, families, Indigenous Elders, Traditional Owners and communities.

- Teacher Applicants only: Oversee the delivery of the Australian Curriculum, QCAA Senior Courses and education programs and activities, which may include individualised literacy and numeracy, ACARA integrated units, cultural learning and personal development programs, as well as facilitating senior years coursework. (You will be supported by the Curriculum Development Officer, Learning Support Coordinator, Senior Education Officer and other SLFA Head Office staff).

Skills and Experience

- Proven leadership experience in education, ideally with disengaged or at risk students or young people.

- Well-developed skills and strategies for proactive and effective behaviour intervention, including the ability to work restoratively when conflicts arise.

- Demonstrated ability to manage student matters such as behavioural expectations, discipline, restorative justice practices, engagement and disengagement, attendance and non-attendance.

- Experience working with young people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, who are marginalised and disenfranchised and who may present with a complex history of trauma - as well as their families/carers.

- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other staff, parent/carers, and external stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for students.

- Demonstrated ability to build positive but professional relationships with young people and their families, carers, caseworkers, etc, and effectively communicate with them, and network, interact, consult and collaborate with Indigenous stakeholders such as Elders, Traditional Owners and communities, and other community stakeholders.

- Demonstrated ability to work within guidelines for promoting Health and Safety, including the ability to plan, monitor, report, and resolve matters within policy guidelines.

- Demonstrated ability to self-evaluate, reflect on professional practice, and engage in processes that support professional development.

- Demonstrated proficiency in using ICT tools, including Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel), for administration tasks, record keeping and communication.

- Teacher Applicants only:

- Ability to work in a multi-ability level classroom (where many learners are working well below their year level).

- Demonstrated ability to deliver highly differentiated learning experiences and support a variety of learning styles.

- Demonstrated experience planning and delivering high quality, engaging, inclusive, and culturally appropriate teaching and learning programs.

- Well-developed skills and strategies for proactive classroom management and effective behaviour intervention, including the ability to work restoratively when conflicts arise.

- Demonstrated understanding of the impacts that adverse childhood experiences may have on student engagement and the implications for academic, social, and emotional learning.

- Demonstrated ability to plan for, monitor and meet the needs of diverse learners through processes such as Indigenous Bandscales and NCCD.

- Demonstrated experience with using a variety of assessment and diagnostic tools to effectively and accurately monitor and report on student progress.

QUALIFICAITONS

At a minimum, you must have a:

- Current and valid Class Code C (Car) and Type Code O or P2 (Open or Provisional 2) Driver Licence; and

- Teacher Applicants: Current QCT Teacher Registration - Full or Provisional.

- Non-Teacher Applicants: Working with Children Check - Blue Card (or Exemption).

- Unrestricted right to work in Australia.

POSITION START DATE

- Monday 18th January 2027.

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:

1. Cover Letter: explaining your reason/s for applying, why you would be suited to this role.

2. Current CV / Resume: including at least two professional referees (referees will only be contacted following an interview).

Note: Only submit your application through SEEK.

Applications Close: Friday 30th October 2026.

📌 School Principal (Special Assistance School) (Cairns)
🏢 Silver Lining Foundation Australia
📍 Cairns