Thank you for your interest in working at Southern Montessori School.

Principal – Head of School

Southern Montessori School is a small, coeducational school of approximately 240 students, educating children from birth to age 15 across 2 campuses.

Situated in Southern Adelaide, our school has undergone a period of significant growth over the past 6 years with the establishment of both our Baby Steps and Middle School programs. This year saw the opening of our brand new innovative adolescent campus and the development of our contemporary 5 year Strategic Plan.

Commencing in January 2020, we are seeking a dynamic and inspirational educator with a genuine passion to lead the school into this next important stage. As the face of our school you will be a progressive, charismatic, community-minded leader with strong communication skills that has the enthusiasm to inspire those around you.

Having a background in the Montessori philosophy would be an advantage, but anyone with an enthusiasm to embrace the methodology will be genuinely considered. You will be supported with the appropriate education required to excel in this role.

Have a passion for working with children and families in a supportive, holistic manner
Have the ability to oversee the personalised approach to learning that is a hallmark of the Montessori philosophy
Have an extensive depth and breadth of teaching, leadership and governance experience
Be committed to support, develop and motivate our strong and established team of educators
Work constructively and collaboratively with the Board of Governors and staff to implement our strategic plan

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Montessori

Demonstrate an understanding of Montessori philosophy and its benefits
Demonstrate an ability to manage and implement an authentic Montessori program
Willingness to undertake additional training as needed

Vision and Leadership

Create a culture of support and collaboration within a learning community focused on continual improvement and positive growth
Demonstrate an ability to monitor and lead a motivated, passionate and innovative team to deliver high quality educational outcomes

Organisational Management

Understand and implement all necessary legislative and regulatory requirements including clear, evidence-based plans and policies.
Demonstrate an ability to manage the school’s resources efficiently through strong financial management and business knowledge

Community Engagement

Demonstrate a capacity to develop positive relationships with all members of the school community
Demonstrate a willingness to develop connections and promote the school in the wider community

What you will receive in return

A fulfilling role, advancing your professional career, at an authentic and accredited high quality education facility.

Amongst colleagues and peers, your passion for leadership within education will be supported and developed within the unique small Montessori community, and beyond.

You will be involved throughout the organisation from the classroom to the community.

This will not only provide you with an understanding of the schools philosophy in action, but also professional fulfilment.

Next Steps

Further information can be found www.southernmontessori.sa.edu.au or for questions contact Carmel Maher on president@southernmontessori.sa.edu.au

Submit your CV and a covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria to the Board secretary secretary@southernmontessori.sa.edu.au by Friday 30^th August 2019

PRINCIPAL JOB DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Principal, as Chief Executive Officer, is appointed by and accountable to the Board of the Southern Montessori Education Centre Inc (the “Centre”). The Principal is responsible for administering the educational and operational matters of the Centre in accordance with the policies set down by the Board.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THIS POSITION

Teaching experience in a collaborative, innovative and caring Primary and/or Middle School educational environment
Extensive experience in School leadership, administration and staff management roles
Extensive experience in providing clear communication to a broad range of interested parties.
Leadership, communication, motivation and team building skills
Strong interpersonal, relationship building and counselling skills to deal with a diverse community of interests and needs within the school
Ability to effectively impart knowledge to the school community
Ability to translate the vision for the school into practical day to day reality
Self-management attributes to achieve desired results
Knowledge of educational needs (in some combination of) preschool, primary and secondary students
Knowledge of current educational policies, innovations and trends within both SA and Australia

HIGHLY DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THIS POSITION

A working relationship with a School Board/Governing Council
Teaching Primary and/or Middle School students in a Montessori environment
Self-management attributes to identify areas for personal/professional growth and development
Knowledge of relevant Government policies and Statutory regulations, and the obligations associated with them including, but not limited to;
- Work, Health and Safety
- Duty of Care/Child protection
- Non-government Schools Registration
- Curriculum Implementation, Assessment and Standards
- Work Place Relations
- Discrimination and Disability
- Food Safety
- Privacy

LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

VISION

The Principal, in conjunction with the Board, facilitates the development and implementation of the strategic direction of the Centre in keeping with Montessori Philosophy. The Principal creates a culture of support and collaboration within a learning community focused on continual improvement and positive growth.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The Principal keeps abreast of the latest research and developments in pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and student wellbeing. They also understand the practice and theory of contemporary leadership and apply that knowledge when managing staff, students and community

SOCIAL AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

The Principal aims to build trust across the school community and create a positive learning atmosphere for students and staff. They regularly review their practice and implement change in their leadership and management approaches to suit the situation as is required.

This position requires a confident yet approachable individual ready to work with an established and passionate team of teachers and support staff.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES

Under each of the following areas is a range of possible activities in which the Principal might engage.

LEADING TEACHING AND LEARNING

High quality teaching and learning will be developed, implemented and monitored. The essential skills for the Principal’s role will include:

Overseeing student development, health and welfare
Allocating students to classes consistent with policy guidelines in consultation with classroom teachers
Supporting and articulating a contemporary Montessori educational vision to the community with a focus on the student as an individual learner and person
Facilitating and promoting collective responsibility and accountability amongst staff for student achievement and wellbeing
Supporting the development of a contemporary, holistic, high quality curriculum within Montessori philosophy and legislative requirements
Providing for the diverse needs of students
Facilitating and overseeing appropriate assessment, reporting and evaluation processes
Building on the existing collaborative learning culture within the students and staff
Promoting and facilitating effective Montessori pedagogy for lifelong and life-wide learning
Supporting a safe learning environment

DEVELOPING SELF AND OTHERS

Through supporting others and building capacity, a professional learning community is developed that is focused on continuous improvement of teaching and learning. The Principal’s role includes:

Working effectively in close collaboration with other Leadership staff
Establishing processes to uphold and improve the well-being of staff and students
Engaging in succession planning and developing leadership potential
Supporting and mentoring staff
Assisting Leadership Team members with annual Goal Setting and Performance Reviews and monitoring results
Developing a culture of reflection, self-review and improvement within the school
Promoting and nurturing a collaborative culture of leadership within the school through regular leadership team meetings
Clearly communicating expectations to staff and providing support and guidance when necessary
Maintaining confidentiality in accordance with school policies
Engaging in ongoing learning to keep abreast of contemporary educational issues

LEADING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL

Processes to manage the human, physical and financial resources are developed and maintained to support the effective delivery of educational programs. The Principal’s role will include:

Overseeing the development of the educational program offered by the school and, together with key subject teachers, implementing, reviewing and managing the delivery of the Montessori curriculum so that it meets the diverse needs of students
Maintaining a working knowledge of contemporary curriculum issues and ensuring that the required areas of learning, as prescribed by the Non-government Schools’ Registration Board, are being addressed within the Montessori context
Ensuring compliance with legislative policies and protocols including Student Protection, Code of Conduct and Workplace Health and Safety processes
Employing of all staff and undertaking staff reviews
Ensuring processes for the recruitment, selection and induction of staff comply with the Centre’s policies and all legislative guidelines and ensuring employment duties and conditions are understood and agreed to by staff
Managing staff and workplace practices effectively, determining staffing requirements and overseeing the day-to-day management of staff
Developing, implementing and reviewing staff professional development plans, with special reference to furthering the understanding and incorporation of Montessori principles as well as ensuring that staff remain abreast of developments in the broader education field.
Engaging staff, Parents & Friends (“P&F”) and Board in effective processes to appropriately allocate funds and resources
Overseeing budget processes and outcomes that model appropriate and sound stewardship practices
Directing school operations including areas such as:
- staffing and administration; grounds and building maintenance, training and development, student enrolment, policy development and marketing and public relations
Ensuring the compilation and presentation of the various reports required by the Board as outlined in Board policies
Ensuring Board is made aware of any emerging issues which may have an impact on the Centre and which may require their consideration and input
Maintaining a close working relationship with the President of the Board
Participating in an active role at Board and sub-committee meetings
Preparing and/or overseeing the preparation and tracking of grant and funding applications
Developing and maintaining a sound understanding of Commonwealth and State funding issues and opportunities and ensuring that the various accountability requirements are being met.
Providing a leadership presence for the school community in relation to standards of behaviour and public speaking in order to promote and represent the school within the community
Establishing systems for data and record management and retrieval
Providing for appropriate risk management

COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Appropriate relationships are fostered and developed by the Principal with the school staff, students, P&F, School Board, parents and the wider community by:

Implementing systems as necessary for promoting the school to maintain/grow enrolments
Meeting prospective and new parents
Conducting pre-enrolment interviews and oversight of student enrolments
Establishing a good working relationship with the Association of Independent Schools (AISSA) including, where possible, attending relevant meetings and leadership seminars
Fostering good relationships with other Montessori organisations
Organising and maintaining the school’s internal and external communications i.e. bulletins, prospectus, website etc
Overseeing the School’s social media presence
Supporting parent activities (fundraising or otherwise)
Developing and fostering good relationships with the wider community
Liaising with relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies such as:
- Department for Education & Child Development (DECD)
- Education and Early Childhood Services Registration and Standards Board SA (EECSRSB)
- Montessori Australia
- AISSA
- Office of Non-Government Schools and Services
- Local Council

LEGAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The Principal shall have control of and be responsible for the efficient running of the school, the administration of school funds, the maintenance of academic standards and the supervision and direction of staff and students at the school in accord with Southern Montessori Education Centre Inc. processes, policies and guidelines.

The Principal is responsible for the observance of all standards required for the Work Health and Safely Act, and for all matters pertaining to the safely of staff and students at school and on camps and excursions. The Principal is responsible for ensuring all legal obligations to students are met.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

An attractive salary package will be offered
The salary package will be subject to an annual review
Annual Principal appraisals will be undertaken. The process of these appraisals will be determined by the Board in consultation with the Principal
Funding for appropriate Professional Development activities will be provided in consultation with the Board
The Principal will receive twenty days annual leave
The Principal may undertake work on behalf of the school away from the school site during periods of student vacations. This will be by agreement with the board
The Principal will receive ten days sick leave each year. Any unused sick leave will accrue
The Principal will be eligible for long service leave according to the Long Service Leave Act of South Australia

Positions Vacant