Leader of Learning and Wellbeing

Leader of Learning and Wellbeing

Candidate information pack

Closing date: 26 September 2021

September 2021

Leader of Learning and Wellbeing - Candidate information pack

About Kinross Wolaroi School

Kinross Wolaroi School is a co-educational Independent School of the Uniting Church. The School has a strong history of excellent academic results along with a diverse co-curricular program. Kinross Wolaroi is a non-selective school with over 1100 students (including 330 boarders in Years 7 to 12), located in the NSW central tablelands in the city of Orange. The School has a proud tradition of educating young people in an environment where ideals are based solidly on friendship, spirituality, the security of family values, hard work and the pursuit of excellence to the very best of one’s ability. The School offers the unique opportunity for co-educational learning with separate boarding sites for boys and girls. Students are provided with a holistic education with a varied curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students. The School has two main campuses. The main campus, called “Wolaroi”, is a picturesque campus of 20 hectares and accommodates the main teaching facilities as well as the boarding facilities for boys boarding. A second campus, called “PLC”, is located approximately five kilometres west of the main campus (on the opposite side of the city of Orange) and houses the girls’ boarding facilities, a number of staff residences, a recreation and examination centre, an outdoor swimming pool and playing fields. All classroom activities (the normal school day activities) for all students enrolled in the Early Childhood Centre and in classes from Kindergarten to Year 12 occur on the Wolaroi Campus. The main campus also includes a performance theatre, an auditorium, and a sports complex including gymnasium and indoor swimming facilities, a medical centre as well as five playing fields. The school is committed to a highly effective whole school approach to student wellbeing that supports the emotional, social and academic needs of every student.

Further information

For more information on the organisation, please visit www.kws.nsw.edu.au. Among other information, on the home page can be found a helpful ‘pictorial tour’ and also a video, ‘Every story has a beginning’, which provides a good insight into the School.

http://www.kws.nsw.edu.au/


About the Position The Position in context

The Leader of Learning and Wellbeing is a new position developed in recognition of the understanding that in order for students to flourish in their learning they need to be flourishing emotionally. The creation of this role recognises the importance of effective wellbeing programs and frameworks to support students alongside rigorous academic programs. This role will bring together several strands of responsibility including leadership of academic programs alongside the Leader of Contextual Learning, development and implementation of wellbeing strategies and programs for students and staff and offerings to support and educate parents.

As a member of the Junior School’s Executive team, it is vital the Leader of Learning and Wellbeing is a strategic thinker with outstanding interpersonal skills, capable of building highly effective working relationships with all members of the School community and of devising and delivering effective programs to promote student and staff learning and wellbeing. Working with key Executive and pastoral care staff, this role will continually revise and adapt the School’s frameworks and programs to ensure it delivers to staff, students and parents the key messages and information necessary to support the academic development and wellbeing of all members of our School community.

The Leader of Learning and Wellbeing is responsible for building a learning community and developing a holistic curriculum reflecting the School's commitment to providing a challenging, enriching, inspiring and supportive education environment for students and teachers. Consistent with the School’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission and Values, the Leader of Learning and Wellbeing alongside the Leader of Contextual Learning will lead the development and implementation of a school-wide Vision for Learning.

The Leader of Learning and Wellbeing will be expected to take a systematic and strongly evidence-informed approach which supports the School’s values and strategic objectives. A key aspect of the role is evaluating the effectiveness of programs and ensuring consistency and quality for all students and staff.

This position is responsible to the Head of Junior School and works closely on a day-to-day basis with the Leader of Contextual Learning (Pre Kinder-6). As a member of the Junior School executive team the Leader of Learning and Wellbeing provides strategic guidance in the Junior School on educational practice. The successful candidate will effectively manage an agenda of change focused on academic excellence and the incremental raising of standards. They will play a key role in the development of the School as it continues to evolve as an innovative, high performing 21st-century organisation.


The Leader of Learning and Wellbeing is responsible for:

Key Word Duties Alignment ▪ Maintain a close working relationship with the Head of Junior School and

deputise when required

▪ Maintain professional confidentiality concerning information about staff

and/or students and their families

▪ Consult with the Leader of Contextual Learning (Pre Kinder – Year 6), Head

of Teaching and Learning (7-12) and the Head of Wellbeing (7-12) to ensure

best teaching practice in alignment with the School’s strategic plan

▪ Research, create, instigate, embed, and appraise a high-quality teaching

and learning model

▪ Ensure K-6 English, mathematics and standalone subject areas of PDHPE,

Creative Arts and Language programs satisfy NESA registration &

accreditation guidelines including whole school scope and sequences,

teaching programs and accurate recording and monitoring of assessment

data and work samples

▪ Be an active and enthusiastic leader in the full life of the School, including

co-curricular activities and School events outside normal teaching hours

▪ Operate as a “team player” at all times and fully support the Principal, Senior

Management Team and activities of the School

▪ Organise relief staff as required, maintaining a relief database and ensuring

all classes and duties are covered for the day, the Head of Junior School

and Reception are aware of absences and relief staff on site

Learning ▪ Design and deliver staff professional learning, developing knowledge and

understanding of the curriculum enabling teachers to drive deep learning

▪ Collaborate with Junior School staff in developing and maintaining teaching

and learning programs across each year group from Pre Kinder – Year 6.

▪ Maintain whole school scope and sequences, teaching programs and

accurate recording and monitoring of assessment data and work samples in

the curriculum areas of English, mathematics, and standalone subject areas

of PDHPE, Creative Arts and Language

▪ Closely monitor student progress in literacy and numeracy and maintain up

to date student records on each student’s learning through tracking files

and data walls

▪ Advise teachers on strategies to support student learning including

appropriate adjustments and provisions; targeted intervention for students


with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and extension activities to

stretch and challenge

▪ Manage NAPLAN testing administration

▪ Ensuring external assessments are administered as necessary

▪ Support staff development and teaching through timetabled co-teaching

and in-class observations

Wellbeing ▪ Assist in the management and welfare of students including management

of student behaviour

▪ Ensure discipline and behaviour management processes are effective and

consistent to ensure a K-12 alignment

▪ Respond to and track students at risk (behavioural Wellbeing concerns

/attendance)

▪ Ensure all record keeping is accurate and comprehensive and in line with

School’s legal and professional obligations and responsibilities

▪ Model and provide appropriate classroom management strategies in order

to a provide positive and effective learning environment

▪ Enable students to manage their own behaviours through agreed and

negotiated classroom management plans

▪ Maintain communication lines with Counselling and Psychological Services,

Head of Wellbeing (7-12) Co-ordinators of Learning Support and other

relevant parties

▪ In conjunction with Head of Junior School and Head of Wellbeing (7-12),

investigate or manage serious behavioural incidents including investigating,

interviewing, conducting mediation, communication with parents and

outside agencies where appropriate

▪ Assist Coordinator of Learning Support with NCCD monitoring

▪ Respond to pupil and parental concerns relating to Wellbeing matters

▪ Uphold and support the guidelines for student behaviour and dress

Leadership ▪ Participating as an active member of the Junior School Executive team and

the broader School’s leadership team as appropriate

▪ Attending meetings conducted between staff and parents as required

▪ Providing professional leadership and management of staff, acting as an

exemplar of high-quality teaching practice by:

o Co-teaching, supervising staff and monitoring the teaching

performance of probationary teachers


o Overseeing staff guidelines, polices, and procedures, ensuring they

are up to date and available to staff and they are adhered to

Collaboration In conjunction with the Head of Junior School and Leader of Contextual Learning,

the Leader of Learning and Wellbeing will:

▪ Lead day to day operations of the Junior School

▪ Help to build and promote a culture of future thinking in education

▪ Develop and manage a vision for the School’s resources in support of

enhanced learning and business efficiency

▪ Assist with planning and presentation of orientation programs for

students, teachers, and parents

▪ Liaise with the Co-ordinators of Year 7 and other key staff to enhance

academic transition from Junior to Senior School

▪ Support staff selection, accreditation and appraisal process as directed by

the Head of Junior School including new staff appointments, staff loads,

position descriptions and responsibilities

▪ Prepare the timetable for Pre Kinder to Year 6 classes, including specialist

lessons

▪ Prepare supervision rosters

▪ Develop and maintain the Junior School calendar

▪ Prepare and chair staff administration meetings and professional learning

experiences

▪ Assist in the preparation and management of school resources levies

▪ Organise and take responsibility for Junior School events

▪ Compile reports and articles for School publications and support other

staff to do so

▪ Prepare reporting timelines, report templates and ensure a high standard

of content and timely submission

Teaching ▪ Plan and present learning experiences that are student centered, and

outcome focused

▪ Timetabled co-teaching of a minimum of 1 period per week Pre Kinder –

Year 6 in English and Numeracy

▪ Timetabled teaching and learning meeting with each staff 1 period a week

▪ Collaborate with teachers to develop and carry out suitable formative and

summative assessments to enrich and assess the teaching of units of inquiry


General ▪ Undertake an average of 5.5 hours pers week to contribute to the co-

curricular program.

▪ Attend to other matters appropriate to the position, consistent with the

skills of the incumbent as directed by the Principal, Head of Teaching and

Learning and Head of Junior School

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW This position description as outlined above is intended as a framework for professional review. The School reserves the right to alter roles and responsibilities requirements as required REPORTING In all matters concerning their employment, all employees are ultimately responsible to the Principal. However, in relation to this role, for practical purposes these functions are delegated to the Head of Junior School for day-to-day functions.


Selection Criteria General Expectations for staff at KWS: Support for the culture of an Independent Uniting Church School is an essential prerequisite for all employees of the School Serve as good ambassadors of the School. This includes conducting oneself in accordance with the professional standards of the School, including being well-groomed and wearing appropriate professional attire Take an active interest in the general life of the School - supporting policies, procedures, aims and objectives in order to facilitate the day-to-day operation of, and promote a high quality of education within, the School Attend staff meetings and training when required Ensure all students and parents are provided with a quality service in a timely, efficient and friendly manner Maintain professional confidentiality concerning information about staff and/or students and their families Act as a member of a team, developing and supporting the philosophy and ethos of the team Ensure that all documents are prepared and presented in accordance with the School’s Style Guide Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) The Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) applies for anyone working in child related employment. It is expected that a verified Working Children’s Check Clearance will be provided before commencement of duty for any role at the School and that the employee will ensure this clearance is maintained and updated as required whilst ever employed at KWS. Workplace Health & Safety Be informed of WHS legislative and associated requirements (as employer makes information available, employee is to take steps to understand how it applies to self) Observe Kinross Wolaroi School WHS Protocol Identify WHS information and training needs for self Be involved in WHS projects according to priorities set by consultative processes and management direction Comply with WHS initiatives as directed and agreed with management and consultative processes


Comply with safe work procedures as instructed by supervisor or manager Comply with legal and reasonable instructions from employer representatives Report all hazards, accidents and incidents to your supervisor and comply with WHS committee recommendations Personal Qualities

Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain constructive working

relationships at all levels across diverse groups, including teaching and non-teaching staff.

Cheerful disposition

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Willingness to support the mission and values of KWS

Demonstrate a high degree of discretion, initiative, and personal organisation

The ability to provide leadership and courage to introduce and manage change and innovation in learning

and wellbeing, building non-existent cultures, structures, and systems

Promote student agency and wellbeing

Demonstrate high-level of communication and interpersonal skills to develop and sustain quality

relationships within and beyond the School community

The ability and history to provide high integrity including sound judgment and the ability to always

demonstrate professional conduct and discretion

The ability to take responsibility and provide effective leadership of staff, curriculum, and wellbeing

matters.

Demonstrated a track record of working productively and collaboratively as a part of a leadership team to

achieve strategic and shared goals. Proven experience and interest in the use of Information Technology

and/or the design of Learning Spaces to enhance learning outcomes.


Essential Criteria

Appropriate professional educational and tertiary qualifications and a demonstrated commitment to

ongoing professional learning

Energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for assisting students including providing pastoral support

Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and proven ability to relate to staff, students, and parents

Excellent level of communication and interpersonal skills

Effective time management skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

An understanding of key child protection regulations, WH&S issues and relevant legislation

Work positively, to promote the ethos of Kinross Wolaroi School

Comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum across primary, inquiry-based pedagogy, restorative justice

and intrinsic motivation.


Appointment Conditions The role is a full-time position and will require attendance on School business at a variety of locations at any time of the day or week. On occasions, the incumbent will be required to undertake duties outside of “School hours”, including in the evenings and on weekends or public holidays to meet the inherent requirements of the role. Remuneration has been established at a level to reflect this requirement. Remuneration will in accordance with the Independent Schools NSW Standards Model (Teachers) Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2017 (MEA) as it applies from time to time, or any industrial instrument that replaces the MEA. The position is classified at the Band 3 scale with a Level 2 Leadership allowance. The position requires the incumbent to hold accreditation, or the capacity to obtain accreditation, and authority to teach in New South Wales by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA). The incumbent will be required to maintain a part teaching load of 0.5 FTE (approximately 27 classes per fortnight). Employment to the teaching staff of Kinross Wolaroi School will be offered on an ongoing basis at a load of 0.5FTE. In addition, the position of Leader of Learning and Wellbeing will be appointed on the basis of a three year fixed-term tenured position whereby the employment fraction is 0.5 FTE. At the end of the tenured period, and subject to the general terms and conditions of employment, an opportunity to seek reappointment may be available. Employment will be offered subject to a period of probation, defined as six months in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Comprehensive terms and conditions of appointment will be the subject of a separate employment agreement.

Right to Work in Australia Kinross Wolaroi School is not in a position to sponsor entry into Australia. In applying for an Australian

based position you will be expected to already have a valid Australian work permit (permanent residency

or applicable work visa). Information on Australian visas and working entitlements are available from the

Department of Immigration.


Application

To make a confidential enquiry about the position, please contact Madeleine Thomas, Human Resources

Advisor on

02 6392 0484 or [email protected]

Before submitting your application please ensure that you have:

• Carefully reviewed the position description and ensure that you understand the role you are

applying for and that it is suited to your skills, experience and qualifications.

• Your cover letter is the School’s first opportunity to assess your suitability for the position. Your

letter should provide insight into not only what you have achieved but also who you are.

• Please ensure that you have addressed the Essential Criteria in your Cover letter.

• Ensure that your CV clearly outlines your qualifications (including the institution and the date

completed), career history and current contact details. The CV should clearly detail achievements

under each position held preferably in point form and focusing on challenges and how you resolved

them.

• A separate document that includes a statement of Education Philosophy.

• You will need to include at least two referees at the end of your CV. Please provide referees names

and current positions. Referees will not be contacted without your prior agreement.

Cover letter and CV can be submitted to [email protected] or addressed to Ms Madeleine Thomas Human Resources Advisor Kinross Wolaroi School Locked bag 4 Orange NSW 2800

Preferred applicants will be screened in accordance with Child Protection legislation

mailto:[email protected]


The Recruitment Process

Below is some information on how the recruitment process works at Kinross Wolaroi School and expected

timeframes:

• The position has been advertised in digital media.

• All applicants will receive an acknowledgment of receipt within two working days. If you have not

received an acknowledgement, you should contact the School to confirm receipt.

• The initial shortlisting process will be completed within two weeks of the closing date.

• First round interviews are scheduled for shortlisted candidates either face-to-face, via telephone or

via skype within two weeks of the closing date.

• Candidates may be further shortlisted for a second round of interviews.

• Should they be required, second round of interviews will be conducted in Orange for preferred

candidates. This will include a tour of the School.

• Referee checking of the preferred candidates happens in the week following the final round of

interviews. Referees will not be contacted without prior permission.

Documents

Leader of Learning and Wellbeing