Deputy Head of Middle School

Job Summary

The role of the Deputy Head of Middle School is a varied one, designed to assist in the pastoral care and day-to-day curriculum matters of students in the Middle School.

Selection Criteria

SC1 Educational Leadership  

• A proven record of achievement in schools, of leading others in the process of change, and positively promoting the profile of the organisation;
• Capacity, or demonstrated leadership in improving educational outcomes for all students within a context of contemporary Middle School philosophy;
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current curriculum frameworks, particularly the Australian Curriculum;
• Demonstrated expertise in the successful implementation of a pedagogical framework within a Middle School context – experience with Dimensions of Learning, and Classroom Instruction That Works will be viewed favourably.

SC2 Spiritual Leadership

• Maintain and build on the strong Christian, pastoral and community-oriented culture of the College;
• Capacity to develop and maintain leadership skills based on ethical professional and personal behaviours and Christian values.

SC3 Communication Skills

• Ability to present formally and informally to a variety of audiences in a range of settings, particularly high-stakes ceremonies and assemblies;
• Demonstrated capacity to be an empathetic listener, an engaging and persuasive speaker, and a diplomatic communicator;
• Proven capacity to develop positive and mutually respectful relationships with current and prospective parents and families;
• Strong written communication skills.

SC4 Management Skills

• A proven ability to manage staff, programs and resources on time and within budget;
• Demonstrated operational planning skills that result in individuals and teams successfully implementing and completing projects;
• Capacity to delegate judiciously and effectively;
• Demonstrated high level conceptual, analytical and planning skills for use in the implementation of College policies and priorities which optimise learning;
• Capacity to make difficult decisions in a complex educational organisation, balancing students’ well-being, academic achievement and financial parameters.

SC5 Leadership of Staff and Students

• Demonstrated ability to engage parents, teachers, students and the broader community in such a way that individual creativity and achievement is supported and celebrated within a broader context of uncompromising excellence;
• Capacity to work with the College community in order to motivate and support staff, developing their diverse talents and fostering personal growth through the creation and building of synergistic and effective teams;
• Capacity to generate a compellingly optimistic narrative around all aspects of adolescent development, including spiritual, moral and ethical growth.

What we offer

The College values its employees and aims to provide a positive, nurturing and supportive workplace.  At WestMAC you will be surrounded by like-minded colleagues, in a caring and professional community which acknowledges commitment, dedication, and hard work.

WestMAC is an equal opportunity and family-friendly workplace, offering many benefits including:

• Generous fee remission for enrolled children of permanent staff
• Above award remuneration packages as per Anglican Schools Enterprise Agreement
• Choice of superannuation funds, currently 9.5 percent super with an additional 3.25 percent employer contribution if a voluntary contribution of an additional 5 percent is paid by staff
• Opportunity to salary sacrifice
• Opportunities for career progression through generous provision of Positions of Added Responsibility which well exceed EA benchmarks for teaching staff
• Access to extensive professional development, the in-house delivery of which exceeds minimum requirements to maintain QCT (Queensland College of Teachers) registration comprehensive staff-developed Professional Engagement Program (PEP) for teaching staff comprehensive Staff Wellbeing Program
• Payment for participating in the extra-curricular program
• Generous leave provision including an additional week of paid leave between Christmas and New Year for all non-teaching staff.

Positions of Added Responsibility

It is appropriate that there be some definition of expectation for those who choose to pursue leadership as a career through positions of added responsibility so that they can make a considered decision about their preferred pathway and subsequent remuneration. Each school has its own position description for their PARs which reflects school context and requirements. A PAR allowance is paid in recognition of increased responsibilities, accountability and duties.

The allowance recognises that some of the work is completed in the 1230 hours (hence the time allocation of the PAR allowance); other responsibilities sit outside the 1230 hours and the money allocation recognises this as well as the increased responsibility. The time (in 45 minute blocks) is given to assist with the effective management of the role. To be an effective leader (those receiving PAR allowance) are required to have a degree of flexibility in working hours as they oversee the work of others, meet organisational requirements, remain up-to-date and forward thinking in their area of leadership and management, and model quality teaching and learning practices. The PAR pathway is a choice. The work of the PAR cannot be limited to the 1230 hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold the College mission statement and values.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Middle School in consultation with the Head of Middle School. Specifically, establishing, monitoring and evaluating effective policies, practices and systems to ensure the smooth running of the Middle School.
• Ensure that the implementation of the Middle School pastoral care policy is consistent with Middle School philosophy and the wider College focus on student wellbeing in consultation with the Head of Middle School.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with students, staff, parents and other community members to support the education of students.
• Report directly to the Head of Middle School in relation to all matters pertaining to the wellbeing of students and staff in the Middle School.
• Oversight and leadership of all Middle School activities and events with specific responsibility for those that require attendance of all Middle School students.
• Oversee the The WestMAC Way and levels of consequences documents as it relates to Middle School students.
• Work within the behaviour management system in place within the College to maintain appropriate discipline standards for students. Develop and monitor Behaviour Management plans for students (such as Behaviour cards and monitoring probationary enrolment expectations).
• Oversee Interhouse competitions in the Middle School.
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate the Middle School Leadership selection process in conjunction with the Head of Year 8 and the Head of Middle School.
• Assist the Head of Middle School with the Middle School Leaders and associated functions. Assist with the supervision and development of staff.
• Ensure student compliance with the College Code of Conduct by managing and delegating duties to the Heads of Year where necessary.
• Assist in the enrolment and placement interviews with students and parents.
• Participation in the Middle School Outdoor Education Program, as directed by the Head of Middle School.
• Teach in his/her specific discipline as required at a load in accordance with his or her administrative duties eg 0.5FTE.
• Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of the College’s Strategic Plan.
• In the absence of the Head of Middle School, lead the sub-school.
• Lead, manage and collaborate with the Middle School Wellbeing Assistant.
• Other key responsibilities appropriate to the banding of the position as determined by the Manager of the role.

Knowledge,Skills, and Experience Skills / Knowledge Essential:

• Knowledge of QCAT, the Essential Learnings, National Curriculum initiatives and national testing parameters.
• Proven experience with behaviour management issues.
• Commitment to the Anglican Ethos of the College.
• Middle School classroom experience, including the implementation of effective learning and teaching strategies.
• Experience and/or understanding of the P-10 Syllabus documents.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within teams.
• An effective communicator.

Desirable

• Proven computer skills.
• Sound interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated management skills.

Experience

• Teaching experience is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive and cooperative relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to utilise information technology in the classroom.
• Commitment to the Co-curricular and Extra-curricular programs of the College, particularly the coaching of sporting teams, attendance at camps and support of various out-of-hours functions.
• Well organised, with the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Technical / Professional  Qualifications

• Appropriate tertiary degree(s) and teaching qualifications.
• Preferably a higher degree in education with emphasis on curriculum development, education administration or other related field.
• Must be registered or eligible for registration in Queensland as a teacher.
• Demonstrable work place experience where appropriate.

General Terms

• Comply with all requirements of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland Policy and Procedures Manual – Safeguarding Our Students.
• Comply with requirements of Queensland Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S) Legislation and related WH&S responsibilities and procedures within West Moreton Anglican College. Take full responsibility for compliance with all WestMAC policies, procedures and risk management strategies.
• Compliance with the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland Code of Conduct for Anglican Schools and Education and Care Services.
• Actively participate in the College’s Professional Engagement Program (PEP) and adopt a growth mindset to associated activities, pedagogical development and professional learning. The nature of teaching necessitates that the successful applicant may be required to be present on the campus before and beyond the regular nominated hours of duty. As such, this position also has an after-hours component.
• All employees recognise and accept that multi skilling is an essential component of the College and may be required to undertake duties that are outside their normal position description but within their skills, competency and capability.

Submission of applications

Applicants must forward a covering letter addressing the selection criteria and CV EMAIL to: vacancies@wmac.com.au