1979–1983
Mr Daryl Hanly
Kirwan High's inaugural Principal, Mr Hanly's career with Education Queensland spanned 37 years and included a dozen schools. Mr Hanly retired from education as a respected expert in 2015 and has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia.
1984–1987
Mrs Robin Sullivan
Kirwan High's second Principal started her career as a teacher before moving into administrative roles. Mrs Sullivan would go on to be appointed the first female Deputy Director General of Education in 1997 and became the Commissioner for Children and Young People - championing the 'Blue Card' system for adults working with young people.
1988–2014
Mr John Livingston
Kirwan High's longest-serving Principal, and the first to become an Executive Principal, the late Mr Livingston was described as "upwardly mobile" upon taking up his position at Kirwan High. Mr Livingston's passion for young people and his belief in education as a great equaliser lead him to forge a long-term career at the school. Mr Livingston tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2015, his funeral was attended by over 2000 mourners - a testament to the enduring legacy of 'Mr 110%".
2015–2021
Mrs Meredith Wenta
Mrs Wenta forged a long-term career at Kirwan High, starting as an English and Drama teacher before moving into leadership and administrative roles. Mrs Wenta committed Kirwan High to a new standard of academic excellence - introducing the Global Leaders, Creative Arts and Sports Academies currently running at Kirwan High. Mrs Wenta retired in 2021 with numerous accolades from her peers and the Department of Education.