Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale, is a co-educational college that offers classes from Prep to Year 12. The College values effort and commitment and supports and challenges students to become their best selves. In doing so, a college environment is provided in which students can grow holistically and promote activities, processes and structures that enhance a love of life.

About the role

Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Deputy Principal (Secondary) to join the College Leadership Team. This role is a full time, 5 year fixed term contract commencing 19 January 2026.

The Deputy Principal, Secondary undertakes a senior leadership role in the college’s organisational structure and, as such, is a member of the College Leadership Team. The Deputy Principal works in collaboration with the Principal to provide effective leadership within the school community to ensure that students receive an enriching Catholic school experience.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Deputy Principal assists the Principal in the leadership of the College and, by negotiation, may be expected to assume the delegated role of the Principal in his/her absence.

Leadership presence is described as being present to the College community as an entity and as an individual. The presence of leadership of the Deputy Principal will be enacted through a variety of dynamics including: being physically present, being emotionally present, being spiritually present and being nurturing of the ethos and the story.

Townsville Catholic Education has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people and/or adults-at-risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has a zero tolerance to abuse of children or adults-at-risk.

Key Accountabilities

People Leadership

The purpose of the Deputy Principal–Secondary is to exercise leadership and assist with the school’s management under Catholic Education policy and in consultation with other personnel as appropriate and with due reference to Catholic Education structures, processes and practices.

Specific responsibilities of the role holder will include:

• Setting Clear Expectations: Communicate the college’s goals, objectives, and performance expectations clearly to each staff member.
• Decision-Making: Make well-informed and timely decisions that align with the college’s goals and objectives. Involve staff members in the decision-making process when appropriate to encourage collective ownership and buy-in.
• Leading by Example: Demonstrate the values, ethics, and behaviours expected from staff members. Be a role model in terms of work ethic, integrity, and professionalism.
• Change Management: Help staff to navigate through organisational changes effectively, providing reassurance, support, and direction during periods of transition.
• Empowering and Delegating: Delegate tasks and responsibilities to staff members based on their strengths and capabilities. Empower them to take ownership of their work and make decisions within their scope.
• Building and Maintaining a Positive Culture: Foster a positive work environment that promotes collaboration, trust, respect, and open communication. Encourage diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels valued and respected.
• Motivating and Inspiring: Encourage and inspire staff members to achieve their best performance. Recognise and reward their efforts, boosting morale and job satisfaction.
• Recognition and Celebration: Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team accomplishments. Publicly recognise staff members’ contributions to boost morale and reinforce positive behaviours.
• Coaching and Development: Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to help staff members enhance their skills and develop professionally.
• Effective Communication: Be a concise and considerate communicator; ensuring information flows effectively between staff members and leadership. Keep staff informed about organisational changes, goals, and strategies.
• Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts within the team promptly and objectively, mediating disputes and work towards finding resolutions that foster a harmonious working environment.
• Integrated Service Delivery: Recognise and play a primary role in connecting and integrating service delivery across multi-dimensional functional teams across the college.

Wellbeing Leadership

• Expert Advice and Direction: Provide expert advice and guidance on pastoral care and student wellbeing programs, interventions, and resources.
• Professional Relationships and Networks: Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with the TCE Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Services Team, allied professionals, relevant community support agencies, and other networks to optimise and leverage services and resources available for students.
• Coaching and Development: Offer professional development and coaching support to college staff and pastoral team members to continually enhance team effectiveness, services, performance, and capability.
• Building and Maintaining Student Wellbeing: Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the college’s approach to pastoral care and student wellbeing. Identify opportunities for improvement and impact. Collaborate with peers, team leaders, and guidance counsellors to develop a range of pastoral and student interventions and programs to address significant student wellbeing concerns and issues.

Leadership Success for those in positions of Senior Leadership in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Townsville Catholic School Leadership is to be undertaken in a spirit of Christ-centred values and ethics. Christian leadership embodies a presence that is communal, transformational and serving. The six dimensions of leadership are bound by this context. (Refer to the TCE School Leadership Framework Brochure  for further details)

Mandatory Criteria

• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner
• Appropriate Tertiary qualification with registration or eligibility for registration with Queensland College of Teachers
• A minimum of 8 semester units of post graduate study in Religious Education, Scripture, Theology, Catholic Ethos (or currently undertaking, with a commitment to completion).
• Full accreditation to teach in a Catholic school.
• Is committed to the Catholic faith, an active member of a Catholic Eucharistic community and is free from any impediment to full acceptance by the church and the school community
• Current Driver’s Licence
• Ability to travel from time to time within the Catholic Diocese of Townsville
• Applicants should note that as part of the hiring process, a criminal history check and a bankruptcy check will be completed.

What we offer
An attractive remuneration package including:

• Competitive salary range
• Annual Leave at 17.5% leave loading
• Salary packaging options
• Modern facilities, equipment and resources
• Superannuation up to 12.75% employer contribution
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service
• Up to 14 Weeks’ paid parental leave
• Deferred Salary Scheme
• Corporate health insurance
• Induction, professional development and learning opportunities
• Wellbeing programs and initiatives

How to apply

Click on the link to apply via the Careers page.