Application Guidelines 1

Head of Senior School Application Guidelines

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VisionEngage. Achieve. Serve.

MissionOur mission is to provide a vibrant education, rich in opportunities, delivered within a caring, supportive environment, and informed by the gospel of Jesus. Our learning community connects people, ideas and experiences allowing us to strive confidently, to engage, achieve and serve.

ValuesOur values define our learning community and guide our relationships and interactions

Caring – Support each otherAs a caring community, we believe we are better together. We act in the spirit of grace because we recognize God’s love for us. We actively look for opportunities to support each other as we learn and grow

Integrity – Be consistent with our convictionsWe commit to being authentic and honest in everything we do

Personal Excellence – Be our bestWe will challenge and encourage each other to achieve our personal best in all of our endeavours

Respect – Value each otherWe accept and celebrate differences and believe that they enhance and enrich our community. We aim to make people feel valued and appreciated

Responsibility – Own our ActionsWe take personal accountability for our learning and actions. We build a sense of social responsibility and commit to making a positive difference in our communities and in the world

Application Guidelines 3

ContentsAppointment Information 4

Role Overview 6

How to Apply 8

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Appointment InformationIntroductionConcordia College is seeking to appoint a new Head of Senior School who is an outstanding educator and visionary leader with the capacity to embrace and enhance the College values and ethos within the Senior School. The Head of Senior School is also responsible for overseeing and providing leadership in areas of pastoral care and wellbeing. The appointment will commence in January 2020 unless otherwise negotiated.

BackgroundConcordia College is a co-educational Early Learning Centre to Year 12 International Baccalaureate World School located in Highgate in Adelaide’s leafy eastern suburbs, five minutes’ drive from the Central Business District.

On 1 January 2016, St John’s Lutheran School and Concordia College amalgamated to form an ELC to Year 12 Concordia College. The ELC to Year 6 component is situated at the St John’s Campus (20 Highgate Street, Highgate) and Years 7 to 12 are located at the neighbouring Concordia Campus (24 Winchester Street, Highgate) which sits on the opposite side of a shared oval. Years 7 to 9 form the Middle School, and Years 10 to 12 are the Senior School. Current enrolment is approximately 410 students from ELC to Year 6 and 890 students from Years 7 to 12.

Today, Concordia College is a thriving, dynamic, forward-looking community that learns and lives according to the motto: Firm in Principle, Gentle in Manner. Learning continues to expand beyond the classroom with camps, retreats, service learning experiences and student exchange programs. Concordia College aims to prepare students for a life of dedicated service in society, locally and globally.

Concordia College offers an engaging and supportive learning environment that encourages the growth of each individual’s spiritual, intellectual, cultural, social and physical capabilities. This ethos is core to the Senior School where the wellbeing of the student facilitates self-efficacy and personal success.

Concordia’s Strategic Plan, which will guide the College’s direction over the next five years, has excellence in teaching and learning and wellbeing at its centre. Curriculum frameworks, namely the IB (PYP, MYP and DP), Australian Curriculum, SACE and VET, are complemented by other approaches and programs which support students’ holistic growth and development.

GovernanceConcordia College is a school of the Lutheran Church of Australia, SA-NT District, and a member of the system of schools operated by the Lutheran Schools Association of SA, NT and WA Incorporated, which is the authority of the school in relation to State and Commonwealth Governments.

Responsibility for governance is delegated to the Concordia College Board.

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The Curriculum FrameworksYears R – 6 St John’s Campus has offered the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) since 2012. It is aligned with the Australian Curriculum.

Years 7 – 10 Concordia Campus has offered the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) since 2000. It is aligned with the Australian Curriculum.

Years 11 – 12 The majority of the students complete the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Since 2011, the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) has been offered as an alternative pathway for Year 11 and 12 students.

VET opportunities are supported in Years 11 and 12.

These curriculum frameworks all promote student-centered learning and the development of independent learning skills designed to equip young people with life-long qualities that extend beyond the classroom into the community. Many school-organised service activities support this.

College StructureThe College consists of two campuses on the one physical site: St John’s Campus comprises ELC to Year 6, and the Concordia Campus comprises Year 7 to Year 12. Each has its own specialist facilities. The day-to-day management of each of the campuses is the responsibility of each Principal.

The Concordia Campus Leadership Team consists of the Principal, Head of Middle School, Head of Senior School, School Pastor, Director of Staff, Director of Student Learning, Business Manager, Director of Community Relations and Director of Digital Resources. The Head of Senior School is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Senior School.

Concordia Campus Leadership Team meetings are held fortnightly with joint campus meetings being held at least once a term.

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Role OverviewThe Head of Senior School will provide outstanding leadership in the Senior School and work closely with the Head of Middle School and Assistant Heads of School. The Head of Senior School will have a deep passion for teaching and learning within a nurturing and aspirational environment which supports the cognitive, spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellbeing of senior school students. The Head of Senior School will be responsible for the daily organisation of the Senior School and will lead a team of staff who contribute to effective and rich student experiences.

With the Head of Middle School, a key priority will be to lead and implement a coherent and articulated wellbeing model as part of the Year 7- 12 Pastoral Program.

Concordia College seeks to provide a caring and supportive environment for students and staff so that they can attain their personal best. The Head of Senior School, with the Assistant Head of Senior School, has a key role to play in monitoring and working closely with staff and parents in relation to students’ wellbeing, attendance and progress. The Head of Senior School has a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining high expectations of all students and staff within this supportive environment.

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The Head of Senior School has a clearly defined role with responsibilities, delegations and leadership in the areas of:

• leadership and mangement of the Senior School • leading and working with the Assistant Head of Senior School• student wellbeing • the Pastoral Program • the Senior School budget• public relations and external communications• staff feedback• meeting key performance indicators

Reporting RelationshipsThe Head of Senior School reports to the Concordia Campus Principal.

The Head of Senior School reports regularly, in writing, to the Concordia College Board, summarising the progress and performance of the Senior School.

The Head of Senior School will serve on all agreed committees.

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How to ApplyThe Position Description, Duty Statement and Application Form for this position can be accessed

on the College website, www.concordia.sa.edu.au, under ‘About’ > ‘Employment’. If there are any questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Director of Staff, Mrs Vera White (employment@concordia.sa.edu.au or phone 08 8272 0444).

Selection Criteria1. Mandatory criteria

The successful applicant must:a. actively support the Christian ethos of the Collegeb. have significant and successful experience in teaching, leading and educational administrationc. be a highly regarded and experienced Senior School teacher with prior similar experience in

leading and managingd. hold or be eligible for teacher registration through the Teachers Registration Board of South

Australia

2. Preferred experience:The successful applicant:a. is an active Christianb. is accredited or working towards becoming accredited to work in a Lutheran School as

outlined by LEA policy (applicants not yet accredited must complete accreditation within the life of their first contract)

c. holds or is working towards holding a post-graduate qualification in leadership and management

d. has Reception – Year 12 experience

3. Key selection criteria (must be specifically addressed in the written application):The successful applicant must have demonstrated:a. effective leadership experienceb. evidence of outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to engage,

and communicate effectively with, a wide range of stakeholdersc. a clear vision for a Senior School which supports student wellbeing and successd. ability to think strategically, and provide effective leadershipe. a proven capacity to work collegially with senior leadership and middle managersf. commitment to continuous improvementg. experience in successfully motivating others in the pursuit of high-quality education

experiences for studentsh. active participation in relevant professional networks

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Guidelines for Preparing the ApplicationThe written application must comprise the following:

a A brief Statement of Application (no more than two A4 pages) in which the applicant introduces themselves, their Senior School vision and philosophy, their reasons for applying, and a response to the Mandatory Requirements.

b A comprehensive response to each of the Key Selection Criteria (no more than four A4 pages in total).

c Curriculum Vitae covering:1. Full name, home address, confidential email address, mobile and phone contact details2. Nationality and citizenship3. Teacher registration details4. Positions held, dates, scope of responsibilities and key achievements5. Qualifications6. Any other relevant information, such as relevant memberships, involvement in professional

and community activities and organisations

d The names, addresses (postal and email) and contact telephone numbers of at least four (4) confidential referees. These must include:1. applicant’s present or previous employer (either Principal or Council Chair)2. a person who is familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional background and

recent experience3. a person who can authoritatively comment on the applicant’s personal qualities and

capacity to lead4. a minister of religion

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Selection ProcessThe selection panel regards the selection process as a confidential two-way communication process involving applicants and the panel.

The selection panel reserves the right to contact relevant referees contained in the application form and any who have not been nominated by the applicant. Applications that are incomplete, or do not address the matters listed above, may not be considered further.

Applicants will be selected for interview by the Selection Panel based on the assessment of their written application and details included in the general application form completed by all candidates.

Applicants selected for an interview will be provided with additional information prior to the interview.

Applicants should be aware that interviews will be conducted at the Concordia Campus on dates to be determined by the selection panel. Interviews with interstate applicants will be conducted via video call.

The respective merits of each of the applicants will be assessed against the Mandatory Requirements and the Key Selection Criteria. The panel will use the Key Selection Criteria to assess each applicant’s written application, responses to questions asked at the interview, and performance on any other task which may form part of the selection process.

The selection process will be conducted by the selection panel with complete confidentiality.

Applicants should note that they may be required to undergo medical and/or psychological assessment prior to being appointed to the position.

ApplicationsApplications are to be marked Strictly Confidential and addressed to the Principal - Concordia Campus, Mr Paul Weinert, either by email or post:

Email Address: employment@concordia.sa.edu.auPostal Address: Mr Paul Weinert Concordia College 24 Winchester St Highgate SA 5063

Terms and ConditionsThe contract of employment with the successful applicant will be on terms and conditions commensurate with the responsibilities and challenges of the position.

The contract will include the following:1. a five-year contract with the opportunity for renewal based on successful appraisal2. an appraisal in the fourth year3. a salary package commensurate with the position being offered.

Applications close: 10am, Monday, 26 August 2019.

Appointment commences: January 2020.

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St John’s Campus – ELC-Year 620 Highgate Street, Highgate SA 5063t. 08 8271 4299

e. mail@concordia.sa.edu.au

Concordia Campus – Years 7-1224 Winchester Street, Highgate SA 5063t. 08 8272 0444

www.concordia.sa.edu.au