APPOINTMENT OF

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL Glen Waverley Campus

Background

Wesley College, a coeducational school of the Uniting Church in Australia, is located on three sites,

Elsternwick, Glen Waverley and St Kilda Road, each divided into three schools. This organisational

structure closely aligns with the three recognisable stages of development – childhood, adolescence

and young adulthood. The three schools are grouped as follows:

• Junior School: Early Childhood to Year 4

• Middle School: Years 5-9

• Senior School: Years 10-12 The pastoral care leaders include homeroom teachers, cluster leaders, house tutors, counsellors and

chaplains. The curriculum continuum comprises the following programs from Early Childhood to Year 12: • Primary Years Curriculum (Early Childhood to Year 6)

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum of the International Baccalaureate

Organization, satisfying the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS), is our foundation

curriculum. This is also underpinned by the Reggio Emilia philosophy in the Early Childhood

Learning Centre

• Middle Years Curriculum (Years 7-9)

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum of the International Baccalaureate

Organization (which will be introduced from 2013) provides a framework for the continued

development of students and includes the Clunes program as well as satisfying VELS

• Senior Years Curriculum (Years 10-12)

The Wesley Senior Years curriculum includes the final year of the MYP of the International

Baccalaureate Organization, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP),

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the

newly developed Senior Years Learning Framework The Heads of School are pivotal in leading these schools, in managing change, inspiring innovation

and promoting excellence in all areas of educational practice.

VISION

A world class coeducational independent school developing the whole person through timeless principles of learning –

to know to do

to live with to be

with innovation and wisdom

VALUES

A world class coeducational independent school whose distinctive ethos values

• The individual talents and worth of each in its community

• An open entry policy and achievement of personal best in all areas

• A diverse, balanced curriculum, enabling students to excel academically

• Openness and creativity

• Care for the emotional and social well-being of everyone in its community

• A broad understanding of human and cultural diversity, nurturing commitment to social justice

• Spirituality, embracing Christianity and other faiths

• Its history and traditions

Appointment of Head of Junior School 2 October 2012

Position Description Head of Junior School

Nature of Role The Head of Junior School (ECLC to Year 4) leads a teaching and administrative team of one of the

College’s developmentally staged schools and reports to the Head of Campus. In this function, the

Head of Junior School is a member of the Campus Executive, a member of the Campus Management

group, a member of the Campus Curriculum team and is responsible to the Head of Campus for staff

management, pastoral care and the academic performance in the Junior School.

Dimensions of the Role The Head of School leads and manages the activities of students and teachers, in line with the College

Vision and Values statement, in the following areas – pastoral care, academic performance, classroom

practice, administration, and budget and staff management. The Head of School is responsible for the

relationship and interaction of the students, staff and parents of that particular school. Implicit in the

role of the Head of School is involvement in campus-wide initiatives, responsibilities, events and

programs.

Main Responsibilities • Leadership of the pastoral care program

• Maintaining the highest standards of student behaviour and presentation

• Management of staff performance

• Pursuit of academic excellence and curriculum development

• Organisation and administration of the school’s operation and environment

• Team leadership within the school

• Student Leadership Program

• Development of structures and processes to enable College and Campus priorities to be

achieved

• Promotion of the school within the parent and wider community

Position Requirements Knowledge and Experience Knowledge and experience should include:

• Familiarity with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

• An understanding of the philosophy of Reggio Emilia which underpins the practice of the Early

Childhood Learning Centre

• The qualifications necessary to teach in the Junior School

• A minimum of five years’ experience, preferably in a range of year levels

• A deep appreciation of the particular learning styles, social and emotional needs of students at

the stage of development espoused by the school

• Proven leadership, and staff management skills;

• Well developed skills in the management and guidance of students and staff for the PYP

• Demonstrated skills in the management of parent school relationships

• Proven diplomacy and public relationships skills and flexibility

• Knowledge of DEECD requirements for the conduct of a children’s services

Appointment of Head of Junior School 3 October 2012

Key Relationships Persons reporting to the Head of School will include:

• Assistant Head of Junior School

• Administrative Assistant

• Teachers in the Junior School

Persons with whom the Head of School is required to consult and will receive the support of include:

• Deputy Head of Campus

• Other Heads of School on the campus and across the College

• Chaplain

• Director of Curriculum and Campus PYP Curriculum Coordinators

• Counsellors

• Head of Individual Needs

• Coordinator of Teacher Development

• Campus Admissions Manager

• Head of Music

• Campus Head of Learning Technologies

Performance Indicators

Performance Area Indicators

Leadership Effectiveness of leadership and management

Proactive support as a member of the Campus Executive

Appropriate communication between students, staff, parents and

the wider community

Staffing Development of an environment which encourages individual

participation and growth

Building of cohesive and collaborative relationships

Student Outcomes Provides appropriate levels of pastoral care

Achievement of academic excellence

Teaching Excellence in teaching practice

Organisation and administration Effective daily operation of the school

Achievement against budget targets

Strategic Planning Effective implementation of the Strategic Plan

Promotion of the school/College Engagement in endeavours that promote the school locally,

nationally and internationally

Balance of Functions The Head of Junior School is expected to maintain a teaching role within the school.

Salary and Conditions of Employment

The Principal appoints the Head of School for a three year term with the opportunity for renewal.

Annual performance reviews will be conducted by the Head of Campus. The Head of Junior School is entitled to four (4) weeks’ paid annual leave per completed year of

service or pro rata for part thereof. This leave accrues progressively. In addition, the Head Junior

School is entitled to three (3) weeks’ paid leave per completed year of service or pro rata for part

thereof. This leave is granted at the Principal’s discretion and, whilst it accrues on a pro rata basis, it

is deemed to be taken during the non term weeks and fully utilised by 31 January each year unless

otherwise agreed by the Principal. The approval of the Head of Campus is required before leave is

taken. The total remuneration package for this position will be discussed with the successful applicant.

Appointment of Head of Junior School 4 October 2012

Applications

Applications should be made online at: www.wesleycollege.net or posted to:

Julie Sullivan

Director of Human Resources

Wesley College Melbourne

577 St Kilda Road

MELBOURNE VIC 3004

by Friday 26 October 2012 Applications should include the following:

• Letter of application, which includes an educational statement responding to the

selection criteria (see below)

• Current curriculum vitae

Selection Criteria

The following key selection criteria for the Head of School position will be used by the panel in

assessing the abilities, knowledge, potential and qualifications of each applicant. They constitute a

common framework against which all applicants will be reviewed.

1. Educational Leadership

• A significant and highly successful record of achievement in a school, leading others in the

process of change, and promoting the profile of the College

• Demonstrated leadership in the furthering of educational outcomes

2. Communication Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work with parents, teachers and students in a diverse community to

develop a learning environment that fosters creativity and excellence

• Ability to present formally and informally to a variety of audiences in a range of settings

3. Managerial and Administrative Ability

• A proven ability to manage staff, programs and resources

• Demonstrated operational planning skills

4. Leadership of Staff and Students

• Ability to focus on the individual needs of all students and to provide opportunities for

growth and development in all areas

• Capacity to work with the College community in order to motivate and to support staff, to

develop their diverse talents and to foster their personal growth, through the creation and

building of sympathetic and effective teams

5. Program Development, Implementation and Review

• Demonstrated high level conceptual, analytical and planning skills for use in the

implementation of College policies and priorities which optimise learning outcomes

• Demonstrated capacity to adapt to and to manage significant changes

Appointment of Head of Junior School 5 October 2012

Selection Process

Initially a short listing process will be undertaken, successful applications will then be invited to

participate in a two-stage selection process with initial interviews scheduled for late October and

November 2012.

The format of the first interview will include:

• An introduction to and an outline of dimension of the role

• Questions – from the panel (based on key selection criteria)

• Questions – from the applicant

• One short presentation (5 minutes) by the applicant on a topic to be advised prior to

the interview

Further enquiries should be directed to Julie Sullivan, Director of Human Resources by email to:

employment@wesleycollege.net or telephone (03) 8102 6888