POSITION: Head of Junior School.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal.
DIRECT REPORTS INCLUDE: Deputy Head of Junior School, Junior School Teachers and Junior School Support Staffl
KEY FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Leadership Team, Learning Enhancement Team, and Co‑curricular Coordinators.s.
The Head of Junior School provides energetic, visible, and community‑centred leadership for the Junior School at Fairholme College, encompassing Kindergarten to Year 6. As a key member of the College Leadership Team, the Head of Junior School is responsible for the effective daily operation, culture, compliance, and student experience across the Early Years and Primary Years.
The role ensures that the Junior School is a nurturing, structured, and inspiring environment where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow as curious, confident learners. The Head of Junior School works closely with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Kindergarten staff, Junior School teachers, specialist teachers, and co‑curricular leaders to ensure the Junior School operates smoothly and reflects the College’s Christian ethos and commitment to excellence.
1. Leadership of the Junior School
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Junior School (Kindergarten–Year 6), ensuring alignment with College values and priorities.
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Build a warm, inclusive, and aspirational culture that supports student wellbeing, engagement, and a strong sense of belonging.
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Lead the Junior School team - including Deputy Head of Junior School, Kindergarten staff, classroom teachers, specialist staff, and support staff - in delivering a cohesive and consistent student experience.
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Oversee daily operations, routines, and communication to ensure the smooth functioning of the Junior School.
2. Early Years Leadership and Compliance
- Ensure the Kindergarten program complies with the National Quality Framework, including the Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland), National Regulations, and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline, with programs aligned to the EYLF.
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Maintain high standards across all National Quality Standard (NQS) areas, supporting staff to deliver quality practice in educational programming, health and safety, relationships, staffing, and governance.
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Oversee all Early Years policies, procedures, and required documentation, ensuring accurate completion of enrolment records, incident reports, risk assessments, and regulatory notifications to the Queensland Regulatory Authority.
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Lead continuous improvement and quality assurance processes, including self‑assessment and Quality Improvement Planning, ensuring the Kindergarten reflects best practice and the College’s Christian ethos.
3. Student Experience and Engagement
- Lead initiatives that enhance student engagement, wellbeing, and participation in the life of the College.
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Promote age‑appropriate student leadership opportunities, fostering responsibility, confidence, and positive decision‑making.
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Oversee attendance monitoring, student conduct processes, and reintegration plans following extended absences or wellbeing concerns.
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Support Junior School teachers in managing day‑to‑day student matters, ensuring clarity and consistency of expectations.
4. Culture, Behaviour, and Standards
- Practice Restorative practice and Collaborative Proactive Solutions to uphold and promote high standards of behaviour, presentation, and conduct that reflect the College’s values.
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Support staff in addressing behavioural concerns using restorative, relational, and developmentally appropriate approaches.
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Strengthen a culture of kindness, respect, responsibility, and integrity among students.
5. Staff Coordination and Support
- Provide leadership, guidance, and support to Junior School staff in their pastoral, supervisory, and instructional roles.
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Support professional learning related to Junior School pedagogy, Early Years practice, student management, and community culture.
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Support the induction of new staff into the Junior School, ensuring clarity of expectations, routines, and processes.
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Foster a collaborative, collegial, and supportive staff environment.
6. Communication and Community Partnerships
- Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and caregivers through clear, timely, and respectful communication.
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Serve as the primary point of contact for Junior School and Kindergarten matters, ensuring responsive and solutions‑focused engagement.
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Represent the Junior School at College events, parent forums, and community functions.
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Strengthen connections between students, families, and the broader Fairholme community.
7. Co‑Curricular and Student Life
- Support co‑curricular leaders to ensure programs are well organised, inclusive, and aligned with the College’s values.
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Encourage student participation in sport, arts, service, and enrichment activities.
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Attend and support co‑curricular events, ceremonies, and activities that contribute to the vibrancy of the Junior School.
8. Operational and Administrative Leadership
- Oversee Junior School logistics including assemblies, calendar events, daily schedules, and communication processes.
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Ensure accurate maintenance of student records, attendance data, Early Years documentation, and administrative requirements.
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Contribute to risk management, policy development, and compliance processes relevant to the Junior School and Kindergarten.
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Collaborate with the Principal and Leadership Team on planning, resourcing, and improvement initiatives.
Prospective candidates are requested to read the following documents prior to submitting an application.
As a College we are committed to the health and wellbeing of all our members and, in particular the welfare of all students in our care. As such, staff members are committed to prevention, identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect and adherence to the Child Protection Policy and the Staff Code of Conduct, both of which are available - .
Whilst such policies have direct relevance to boarding, coaching, nursing and teaching staff, all prospective candidates are requested to read the following documents prior to submitting an application. Our responsibilities to work respectfully and thoughtfully with all, and particularly the young people in our care, are shared across all staff, evident in our demeanour, as well as our adherence to policy requirements.
Successful candidates are required to undergo a screening process prior to appointment and must comply with all College policies and relevant legislation related to student protection.
- The ability to work collaboratively with work colleagues, and to communicate clearly and enthusiastically with staff, students, and families.
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An ability to support and enact a restorative practices approach to conflict resolution is required.
As a member of the College, the successful applicant is required to follow all workplace, health and safety requirements that include but are not limited to:
- Adherence to and working knowledge of policy requirements;
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Cooperation with audit, professional learning and training/drill processes;
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Meticulous attention to reporting responsibilities and record-keeping obligations in relation to all workplace, health and safety matters.
The appointment is currently under the conditions of the Fairholme College Certified Agreement 2025.
Fairholme College is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls from Prep to Year 12 in Toowoomba, Queensland. With a history dating back to 1908, the College is known for its academic excellence, strong Christian foundations, and a thriving Junior School culture that fosters curiosity, compassion and character.
Applications, which close on Friday 3 July 2026, should include including a cover letter and a full curriculum vitae (no longer than two A4 pages, font: Calibri, size 11) and will include the following details:
- Personal details including name, address, contact details, religious affiliation, QCT registration number;
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Academic qualifications;
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Employment history;
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Professional associations and recent professional learning activities;
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Significant professional or personal achievements; and
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Names and contact details of 3 referees.
- The College reserves the right to contact other persons who may have relevant knowledge of your qualifications and experience.
Within the submission, applicants are also required to provide a written response which:
- Outlines your experience in each of the Key Responsibilities;
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Explains the appeal of the position to you personally; and
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Discusses your alignment with the College’s values and mission.
Submissions Due: Friday 3 July 2026
Applications to:
Mrs Colette Whell
Administration Manager
Fairholme College
PO Box 688
TOOWOOMBA 4350
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 4688 4688
Fairholme College is committed to child safeguarding. All applicants should hold, or be in the process of obtaining, Queensland College of Teachers registration.
Selection Process
The interview panel will review applications and determine a short list. Non successful candidates will be advised via email once the interview process has been completed and the successful candidate appointed. Following email receipt, there will be opportunity for further face-to-face feedback.
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