U2 Principal

Application Pack

Timeline

Applications close: 2nd March 2020

Shortlisting: 3rd – 6th March 2020

Interviews: 6th – 19th March 2020

Successful applicant notified: 23rd March 2020

Position starts: Term 2 2020

“ Kia Kaha, Whaia te Matauranga”

“Be strong, Seek the Wisdom”

Ramanui School

Dear Applicant Thank you for your expression of interest in the position of Principal at Ramanui School. The application pack contains the following information regarding our school and the application process. These dates and timelines for the principal position are indicative only:

1. Advertising Dates: 18th February – 2nd March 2020 2. Referees contacted before short listing occurs 3. Short listing completed: 6th March 2020 4. Shortlisted Candidates notified by email/phone: 9th March 2020 5. Interviews: 16th – 19th March 2020 6. Successful Applicant Notified: 23rd March 2020 7. Commencement date for Principal position: Term 2 2020

The most recent ERO report for the school is available on their website: www.ero.govt.nz

If you would like to make enquiries about the application process or to visit the school please contact:- Robyn Sandilands, 06 278 7412

Thank you for being part of this process to find a dynamic and inspiring principal who will be the future leader of this school and community. The successful candidate will have the ability to create inclusive learning opportunities and successful educational outcomes for all students.

Yours sincerely

Sarah Graham Board of Trustees Chairperson Ramanui School

P.O. Box 308

85 Fairfield Road

Hawera

Taranaki 4640

Phone (06) 278 7412

Text: 022 153 8083

E Mail: admin@ramanui.school.nz

VISION: Kia Kaha, Whaia te Matauranga, Be strong, Seek the

wisdom

Job Description – Principal, Ramanui School

Position Title Principal, Ramanui School

About School Ramanui School (New entrant - Yr 6) Roll: 70;

Decile: 2

Responsible

to

The principal will report and be accountable to the school board of trustees (as the

principal’s employer) through the board chairperson.

The principal has the dual role of being a board member in his/her own right whilst

undertaking the role of the chief executive of the school.

Working

Relationships

Internal: Board of Trustees

All staff of school All

students

SWIS

RTM

RTLIT

External: Ministry of Education

Education Review Office

Whanau

School Community

Other educational groups (including schools in CoL)

The Special Education Service

Learning Support

Unions

NZSTA

Other agencies/organisations as required

Delegations The principal is responsible for the successful management and professional

leadership of the school by taking direction from the board, the school charter, and

the board’s policies and delegations.

Purpose of the position

The principal is responsible for professional leadership, the day-to-day management of the school, compliance with legal requirements, the implementation of the Board’s policies and plans, the direction and supervision of all staff, and the educational achievement and general well-being of our students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

The Principal as ‘Leader of Learning’ will maintain and enhance the standards of academic, physical and social excellence within the school through:

● Maintaining the vision

o that has the interest and wellbeing of children at the centre of everything the school does.

o that promotes high expectations of student achievement and supporting all students to achieve their potential.

o that promotes the use of technology, the environment, culture, physical education, and arts in education.

● Creating an environment that fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and respect that

empowers staff to provide teaching experiences that engages, excites and motivates all

students.

● Ensuring that goals are set and programmes are developed in line with the Curriculum Plan,

NZ Curriculum Framework, National Curriculum Statements and the school’s charter,

policies and plans.

● Overseeing the planning, implementation and evaluation of culturally responsive teaching

programmes in line with the national education guidelines, the national administration

guidelines, the national curriculum, the school’s curriculum and the school’s charter,

policies and plans.

● Using a range of evaluation, inquiry and knowledge building activities to develop,

implement, monitor and modify strategies for improvement as well as creating a robust

assessment schedule.

● Ensuring teaching and learning environments are inclusive, equitable and uphold the school

values.

● Ensuring teacher planning is coherent and equitable, reflecting the School Curriculum and

school policies.

● Ensuring learning programmes are adapted to meet the specific learning needs of

individual children and enlist the assistance of specialist agencies if necessary

● Provides a safe and positive learning environment for all students and monitors their

welfare and conduct.

● Oversees the monitoring, recording and reporting of student progress and achievements to

parents and the Board.

● Shows progressive and innovative educational practice by keeping up-to-date with

curriculum and administrative developments.

● Provides a curriculum which will engage, excite and motivate all students.

Management

Has overall responsibility for staff performance and development. The Principal will:

● In conjunction with the Board, ensure the school is appropriately staffed.

● Allocate and delegate duties and responsibilities to all staff, conduct performance

appraisals and report to the Board as required.

● Ensure the performance appraisal system is effectively used to identify and address

ongoing improvement of the quality of teaching and goals are specifically linked to school

goals and charter.

● Provide effective guidance and motivational leadership to all staff.

● Support staff and develop their skills through guidance, supervision, appraisal and the

promotion of professional development programmes.

● Give staff the opportunity to express their ideas and views through good consultative

practices.

● Assist the Board to achieve its good employer obligations.

● Promote a culture of health and safety in the school.

Governance

The Principal is a Board member, and also the school manager. Within the role of school manager the Principal fulfils a position as a consultant to the board and its committees to:

● Provide effective executive advice to the Board to help ensure it meets all of its statutory

and other obligations.

● Report Literacy, Mathematics and curriculum student progress and achievement at a

minimum of twice yearly.

● Regularly report on the progress of annual and charter goals (as relevant).

● Assist the Board with Policy development and the ongoing review of its policies and plans.

● Develop/review and present for consultation, the annual school development plan,

updated Charter, school budget, Ministry of Education annual reports.

● Provide professional advice to the board and act on board decisions.

● Support the Board in its aim of establishing good working relationships between the school

and the community.

● Supply information to the Board and highlight issues on all matters relevant to the Board’s

responsibilities.

The Principal will liaise with the chairperson and other board members at all times over matters of mutual interest or concern.

Have an understanding of legislation that impacts our children and school:

● Implement changes to ensure full compliance, including, communication, understanding

and adherence.

● Provide the Board with an insight into up and coming legislative changes.

● Seek external feedback when necessary to ensure full compliance.

School Community and Relationships

To promote a warm, open, welcome environment for staff, pupils, parents and community:

● Be a positive role model for staff, pupils, parents and community

● Recruit staff who will promote positive interaction with people

● Be available to parents and staff for discussion, follow up outcomes from such discussion

and report back to parties involved

Develop partnership with the school community, including:

● Involving the community in our student’s learning where appropriate.

● Maintaining and strengthening existing relationships with Māori whanau.

● Actively fostering relationships with all other ethnic groups within the school community.

● Providing opportunity for school community input through good consultative practices.

● Promote the school and lead school involvement in wider community activities (e.g.

Community of Learning).

● Promote parent participation to further enhance community partnership.

● Foster links with pre-schools and their families.

Be sensitive to parent and community concerns and address them effectively and promptly, and following school policies where appropriate.

Set and maintain appropriate standards for conduct and behaviour of children:

● Consistently reinforce and model the School values.

● Lead and be a champion the Positive Behaviour for Learning Programme.

Maintain and develop effective communication between the school, parents, and the community.

Finance and Administration

Is responsible for the efficient day-to-day management of the school’s finances. The Principal will:

● Help the Board and staff to develop sound financial plans and budgets which reflect the

current and future needs of the school.

● Administer and monitor the school’s funds according to approved annual budget and

financial policies, and report to the Board as required.

● Advise the Board on policy development, budgeting, planning and resources.

● Assist the Board in meeting its annual audit and reporting requirements.

Supervision of Property and Resources

With full support from the Board, the Principal is responsible for ensuring the school environment and school property are well maintained, safe and secure. The Principal will:

● Ensure the school is kept safe and clean.

● Provide for the acquisition, management and upkeep of the school’s equipment and

resources.

● Provide advice to the Board on the maintenance, development and enhancement of school

property and facilities.

Professional Appraisal:

The Principal negotiates an annual performance agreement with agreed and described specific goals for that year.

The Primary Principals’ Professional Standards and the Education Council Standards are the baseline for assessing satisfactory performance.

The Principal is appraised annually through an agreed Board/Principal method.

Declaration:

Approved by:

Chairperson

Principal

Date approved:

PERSON SPECIFICATION

PRINCIPAL OF RAMANUI SCHOOL

The School Board of Trustees requires in its principal, an enthusiastic, committed, and forward thinking professional leader and chief executive to lead the school.

The skills and personal attributes required for the principal of the school are:

Personal Attributes

● A passion and commitment to ensure that the best quality education is delivered to

students.

● High expectations of success and the ability to give effect to these expectations.

● Has the interest and wellbeing of children at the centre of everything the school does.

● Great interpersonal and communication skills which result in well-informed students, staff,

and community.

● Has a strong belief in the Ramanui School culture and values.

● Able to inspire, motivate and challenge staff to reflect on their practice in a supportive

environment where they feel valued.

● Works in a collaborative nature with staff to build a strong team environment which

empowers staff in their roles.

● A strategic thinker who can see the ‘big picture’ of a child’s education.

● Innovative and forward-thinking approach to education which empowers all learners to

maximise their potential.

● Recognises and embraces diversity of learners.

● Is approachable, open and empathetic to staff, student, parents and community

needs/concerns.

● Values setting and maintaining appropriate standards for conduct and behaviour of

children.

● Believes in the value of developing partnership with the school community.

Skills

● A competent trained teacher with experience in senior leadership and/or experience as a

principal.

● To have sound knowledge and demonstrated successful experience of providing education

based on current research and practice.

● Have a sound and extensive knowledge of the NZ curriculum and pedagogy.

● Ability to support and engage staff in progressive and modern learning practices.

● Proven experience of improving student achievement using the best tools and methods

available.

● Strong interpersonal skills which include communicating orally and in writing, listening,

negotiating, consulting, leading, motivating, counselling, and mediating.

● Knowledge and experience in managing staff including personnel, and performance

management.

● Experience in administration including budgeting, delegating, developing systems,

computer literacy.

● Demonstrated strong self-management skills including good time management, decision

making, and self-control.

● Demonstrates an understanding of working:

● with students with high learning needs including those who are ORS funded

● in a multicultural environment

● in a Play-based learning environment

● with PB4L

● with use of technology, the environment, culture, physical education, and arts in education.

● The ability to address parent and community concerns effectively and promptly, and

following school policies where appropriate.

● Able to work in partnership with the school Board.

School Information Introduction Ramanui School is a U2 Primary School. Our provisional staffing entitlement as at January 2020 was based on 83 students. Currently our roll stands at 67.

Background Ramanui is a small town school, established in 1953. The school is welcoming and warm and values very good relationships with whanau and the community. The school’s culture is founded on values which are integral to our everyday life. We call this the “Ramanui Way”. These values are evident to our visitors and often commented on. The holistic welfare of our students is paramount. We have access to the Public Health Nurse as well as support from KidsCan, Milk in Schools, Fruit in Schools and KickStart Breakfast. An open door policy ensures that our whanau are able to come into the school at any time to observe, discuss issues, or seek support.

School Community The school has connections to local marae. Powhiri are supported by a Kuia and Kaumatua. Many of our children come from Kohanga Reo. Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga are especially important at Ramanui. Te Ao Maori is integrated into our curriculum delivery. All students participate in Karakia, Waiata and Kapa Haka.

Personnel Teachers and support staff are very experienced and contribute to an interesting holistic programme that meets the needs of our children and creates awe and wonder to learn. We have 4 classrooms Y1, Year 2-3, Year 3-4 and Year 5-6. A Reading Recovery teacher contributes to the learning of Literacy for identified children. We have a Resource Teacher of Literacy and a Resource Teacher of Maori based at our school. We have 5 teacher aides, a groundsman/caretaker, a cleaner and an office administrator.

Professional Development Being a small school, professional development often has its limitation in terms of staff expertise, numbers and funding. All teachers commit to regular nuts and bolts meetings on a Monday morning and two Professional Learning Group meetings per term where target groups and our professional learning is discussed. Currently we are involved in a Kelly Sports programme.

Facilities We have an excellent playground and large playing fields and courts. Ramanui students and community enjoy these fantastic facilities. There is huge scope at Ramanui School to enhance the facilities and develop the teaching and learning spaces and programmes which are outlined in our strategic direction.

Application Form

Personal Information:

Name: Home Phone:

Address: Work Phone:

Mobile Phone:

Email:

Registration Number: Expiry Date:

Current Employment:

Name of Current Employer: Work Phone:

Address: Other Phone:

Position Held: Date Commenced

Qualifications:

Institute Attended Year Qualifications Attained Date Awarded

Employment History:

Position School Start Date End Date Reason for Leaving

Other Information:

Do you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to effectively carry out the functions and responsibilities of employment, or which may be aggravated or further contributed to by the functions and responsibilities pf employment? Yes /No If you have answered yes to the above question, please specify health problem or disabilities below.

Have you ever been subject to a teachers’ council investigation / proceeding regarding competency, grievance, complaint or any other criminal matter? Yes / No If you have answered yes please give a full explanation.

Are you currently awaiting the hearing of any charges? Yes / No If you have answered yes please give a full explanation and attach your charge sheet.

Have you ever been convicted of any offence against the la (apart from minor traffic convictions)? Yes /No If you have answered yes please give a full explanation and attach your record sheet.

Note: The Ramanui School Board of Trustees may seek a police clearance from all short-listed applicants or preferred applicants, prior to confirmation of appointment.

Please respond to the criteria below and use examples of how you have met them in your previous roles.

Able to build effective relationships with students, staff, other agencies and the community, including the special relationships with Maori and Pasifika.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

The ability to inquire into, and be reflective of, their practice to continually develop their knowledge and skill base

The ability to identify, implement and evaluate a range of educational and management approaches for classroom programmes.

Assessment skills for the evaluation of literacy achievement

The ability to access and use information and communication technologies and materials to enhance and support literacy development

Referee Information:

Please provide referee information. At least three referees must be known to you in a work related capacity. Three referees from the list may be contacted prior to the short-listing of applicants. Please note that the Ramanui School Board of Trustees may wish to contact people not on this list as detailed in the declaration

Name Contact Phone / Mobile

Capacity in which you have known this person and their position

Dates or time period in which you have known this person

Declaration

I declare that the information supplied by me is given voluntarily and is true, accurate and complete in all respects. I acknowledge that I will not hold Ramanui School, the Board of Trustees or their agent(s) responsible for any omission or mis-statements that I have made in the information provided. I understand that all information provided herein about me, including my application form, resume, reference and any assessments will be held by the Ramanui School Board of Trustees to be used for the purpose of evaluation my qualifications, experience and suitability for employment. I understand that if I withhold relevant information, or supply false or misleading information, about myself, my application may not be further considered. I also understand that my employment may be terminated if, after investigation, my employer discovers that any information which I provided is false or misleading. I understand that I am entitled to have access to relevant information retained by Ramanui School Board of Trustees (except for any exemption provided under the Privacy Act 1993 such as evaluate material) and to request correction of the information and/or request that there be attached to the information a statement relating to the fact that I have requested a correction. I consent to the Ramanui School Board of Trustees or their agent making such enquiries with such organisations including, but not limited to, inquiries with all former employers, Teacher Registration Board, and such other bodies or organisations which might hold information relevant to my employment, my suitability to manage or any other information that my prospective employer deems necessary to obtain.

Full Name:

Signature:

Date:

Applications to be sent to:

Board Chair Ramanui School PO Box 308 Hawera 4640 Or email to: admin@ramanui.school.nz

Referees Report for the Position of Principal

Applicant:............................................................ ......................................................... [Forenames] [Surname] Thank you for agreeing to be a referee for this appointment. Your comments will be carefully considered and will be an important factor in the appointment process. YOUR REPORT IS CONFIDENTIAL TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND TO THOSE INVOLVED IN THE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES. Referees reports obtained or provided are subject to S27(1)(c) of the Official Information Act 1982 and shall not be released or their contents disclosed to the applicant or to any person not involved in the appointment process. Please note that agreement between the applicant and referee to complete this written statement also permits the referee to make verbal comment if approached by Ramanui School. Present position of applicant ................................................................................................................ at .......................................................................................................................................................... Date advertised: NZ Education Gazette – 18th February – 2nd March 2020 Closing date for Application and Referee’s Reports: 2nd March 2020 Address for Referee’s Report to: Board Chair - Ramanui School PO Box 308, Hawera 4640 Or email to: admin@ramanui.school.nz Name of Referee: ....................................................................................................................... Referee's occupation and position held: ............................................................................................

Please ensure that your report is returned to Ramanui School electronically by 2nd March 2020.

Application for position of Principal REFEREE’S REPORT Name of Applicant

Name of Referee

Address

Phone

Cell Phone

Email __ ____________________ Relationship to Applicant (Please be specific):

How long have you known the applicant?

Are you prepared to be contacted by telephone to follow up on the information contained in this report if necessary?

YES

NO

Referee Information: Please be assured that your report will be kept confidential to this Board of Trustees and those directly involved in the selection process. We ask that you assess the applicant’s performance for each of the following selected performance indicators by circling the number in the appropriate box:

1 2 3 4 5

Outstanding

An area of strength

Competent

Satisfactory but needs further development

Not satisfactory

1. PERSONAL QUALITIES

Please circle one

High Low

Approachable 1 2 3 4 5

An effective listener 1 2 3 4 5

Empathetic 1 2 3 4 5

Resilient & manages stress effectively 1 2 3 4 5

Leads by example 1 2 3 4 5

Community minded 1 2 3 4 5

Well organised 1 2 3 4 5

Has high standards 1 2 3 4 5

Comments

2. PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES Has the ability to:

Please circle one

High Low

Focus the school on learning and teaching; 1 2 3 4 5

Share curriculum knowledge; 1 2 3 4 5

Manage a very busy workload; 1 2 3 4 5

Communicate effectively; 1 2 3 4 5

Foster a culturally responsive environment; 1 2 3 4 5

Manage conflict appropriately and effectively; 1 2 3 4 5

Be assertive when required and make difficult decisions; 1 2 3 4 5

Be consultative; 1 2 3 4 5

Initiate and manage change where appropriate. 1 2 3 4 5

Comment

3. RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS Has the ability to:

Please circle one

High Low

Earn respect; 1 2 3 4 5

Establish warm relationships with all students regardless of age, ethnicity and individual abilities;

1 2 3 4 5

Encourage and support students to engage and take appropriate responsibility for their own learning;

1 2 3 4 5

Address the needs of students and target priority learners; 1 2 3 4 5

Support students to uphold high standards of achievement and personal conduct.

1 2 3 4 5

Comment

4. RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEAGUES Has the ability to:

Please circle one

High Low

Develop & lead a successful team; 1 2 3 4 5

Establish and maintain positive working relationships; 1 2 3 4 5

Mentor/coach teachers to develop their practice; 1 2 3 4 5

Utilise the strengths of others; 1 2 3 4 5

Build leadership capacity in others; 1 2 3 4 5

Promote professional learning for them self & the staff; 1 2 3 4 5

Deals diplomatically and effectively with difficult situations. 1 2 3 4 5

Comment

5. MANAGE A SCHOOL ORGANISATION Has proven ability in:

Please circle one

High Low

Finance and resource management; 1 2 3 4 5

Property management; 1 2 3 4 5

Working effectively with outside agencies; 1 2 3 4 5

Design PLD opportunities 1 2 3 4 5

Mentor and coach teachers and middle leaders 1 2 3 4 5

Implement effective appraisal processes 1 2 3 4 5

Recruiting and retaining high quality staff; 1 2 3 4 5

Promoting the school and its achievements ; 1 2 3 4 5

Working positively with the BOT and the school community; 1 2 3 4 5

Providing sound and timely professional advice to the BOT; 1 2 3 4 5

Working with the NEGs/NAGs; 1 2 3 4 5

Setting and achieving goals 1 2 3 4 5

6. GENERAL

What do you consider are the candidate’s key accomplishments in their current or most recent position?

What is the applicant’s conflict resolution style?

How does the applicant manage crisis, pressure, and/or stress? Be specific.

What do you believe are the three strongest qualities they would bring to the position

SUMMARY:

Outstanding No Reservations

Highly Recommended

Recommended

Recommended Some Reservations

Not Recommended

How would you rank the applicant for the position?

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Signed: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________ Thank you for your time.