Peninsula Grammar School Date: 15/04/21 Position Description

Position Title Head of Middle School Reports to (Position) Principal Deputy Head Middle School, Middle School Wellbeing Coordinators, Middle Direct Reports School Administrative Staff Location Melbourne, Australia Employment Status 0.8 Time Release 0.2 Teaching

Components of this Position Description 1 Organisational Profile 2 Position Objective 3 Key Stakeholders 4 Core Role & Purpose 5 Key Capabilities and Competencies 6 Qualifications, Registrations and Experience

This Position Description is a summary of the core responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Middle School. The incumbent may be required to perform other functions to support the organisation to achieve its objectives.

1. Organisational Profile

Peninsula Grammar School (PGS) is a coeducational school of excellence, which fosters the full and balanced development of each child. In caring for students and their learning, we encourage them to take up life’s challenges both at the School and beyond. The School values a spiritual and moral view of life that prizes the highest standards of personal character with a Christian ethic of service and concern for others.

The Principal is the Chief Executive Officer of the School. The Principal leads the School Senior Leadership Team, the members of which play a significant role in developing, implementing, and evaluating school policy. Ultimately the responsibility for the leadership and management of the School rests with the Principal.

All employees of Peninsula Grammar have a responsibility to:

• Reflect and nurture the aims and philosophy of the School in the course of their work • Through the example displayed in their approach to their work, energise fellow staff, students, and parent by fostering quality relationships and community development • Provide effective role modelling using appropriate conflict resolution and negotiation skills • Maintain strict confidentiality and support for the School • Maintain professional competence and current knowledge in educational trends • Maintain a client-centred approach to all aspects of their work.

Employees are appointed by and act under the direction of the Principal, through the School Leadership Team. The appointee to this position will be required to participate in a regular performance review in accordance with the School Professional Review and Development Program.

PGS is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion at the workplace and expects employees to consistently demonstrate its values through the quality of their work performance and conduct.

2. Position Objective

As a member of the School Executive the Head of Middle School is committed to the School Vision and, in particular, is responsible to the Principal for the leadership and management of the Year 5 to 8 program in the areas of teaching and learning, co-curricular, wellbeing and administration. The Head of Middle School is a dynamic educational leader who has the energy, drive, and commitment to lead and develop an outstanding learning culture in the Middle School to ensure best practice in both educational and wellbeing outcomes for students. The Head of Middle School inspires and motivates staff to be leaders of learning and encourages innovation and collaboration in

Position Description – Head of Middle School Page 1

Peninsula Grammar School Date: 15/04/21 Position Description

professional practice. In thinking, planning, and acting strategically, the Head of Middle School facilitates continuous improvement of the Becoming Me Program. The role includes a focus on reviewing and developing Becoming Me, the aim of which is to assist students to progress through the Middle School, confidently into Year 9 and develop skills for their future lives.

The key focuses of Becoming Me are to instil in students the ability to: • Demonstrate respect, • Develop self-regulation, • Accept and overcome challenges, • Take responsibility, • Recognise the needs of others and give back to the local and global community.

3. Key Stakeholders

Internal • Principal, Deputy Principal, Director of Educational Operations, and Business Manager • Heads of Junior, Middle and Senior School • Deputy Head Middle School, Middle School Administrator, Year 5 – 8 Wellbeing and Academic Mentors • Head of Wellbeing, school counsellors, Head of Learning Support • Heads of Department, Faculty and Subject Area, Deputy Heads of Middle and Senior School, VCE Coordinator • Teachers and other staff • Students

External • Parents and Families • Members of the School Community • Contractors and Visitors

4. Core Role & Purpose

The Head of Middle School has primary responsibility for the leadership of the Middle School Program as well as strategic responsibilities across the whole school.

Leadership and strategic planning (strategic imperative – unique identity and culture and a rigorous and motivational curriculum for boys and girls)

• Provide strategic advice to the Principal and Deputy Principal concerning the implementation of programs and the development of innovations which enhance the School’s offerings with respect to the Middle School • Develop, in consultation with the Deputy Principal, a distinctive approach to curriculum, teaching, learning, assessing, and mentoring that addresses the developmental needs of students in Years 5 to 8 • Keep abreast of current educational trends particularly in curriculum, teaching and learning as it applies to the Middle School • Ensure that the Middle School curriculum approach is articulated in a coherent educational framework which is outlined in policies for effective teaching and learning, assessment, study, and homework. • Develop policies and processes in consultation with other key staff to ensure that every student is monitored academically and pastorally in a consistent and ongoing manner. • Monitor and review systems for the maintenance and enhancement of quality programs and student learning outcomes across the Middle School • Ensure the provision of the highest level of classroom teaching and management for all students, including the integration of technology into classroom practice. • Support the K-12 educational focus of the School. • Be a strong and positive community presence around the Perry Building and surrounding areas including off-campus and service-learning events, and other events across the School.

Position Description – Head of Middle School Page 2

Peninsula Grammar School Date: 15/04/21 Position Description

Leadership of staff – appraisal and performance – (strategic imperative - retain and develop high quality teachers)

• Assist with the appointment of staff and ensure that a comprehensive and supportive induction process is undertaken for new staff. • Be an active member of the Teacher Learning Coalition, developing and implementing the School’s professional growth process for teaching staff. • Lead the implementation of relevant professional development of Middle School staff to enhance academic performance, student wellbeing, and technologies to enhance learning. • Provide leadership to staff in developing their capacity in leadership and management. • Encourage, monitor, and support the career development of staff. • Attend to the wellbeing needs of the staff in the Becoming Me Program; • Meet on a weekly basis with the Middle School team, including informing Wellbeing and Academic Mentors of the activities and implementation of the wellbeing and co-curricular program.

Leadership of students and Student Acquisition (strategic imperative - high quality teaching and learning)

• Provide spiritual and pastoral oversight of the Middle School by developing, implementing, and reviewing quality programs for the Middle School, including the embedded inclusion of Positive Education. • Develop a structured and effective personal and social learning program; • Ensure the monitoring of standards of safety, social conduct, discipline, uniform, punctuality and attendance; • Support the Deputy Head Middle School and the Year 5 to 8 Mentors in the implementation of the School’s Behavioural Expectations Framework and bullying policies in a fair and consistent manner; • Liaise with the Department of Learning Support, Head of Wellbeing, School Counsellors, Heads of Boarding Houses, and other key staff, to ensure appropriate care for the wellbeing and academic development of all students; • Develop Individual Learning Plans in consultation with the Department of Learning Support, Mentors, and teaching staff; • Liaise with academic staff, mediating where appropriate on matters relating to student progress, behaviour and learning support; • Encourage cooperative parent contact and foster positive community attitudes toward the School; • Facilitate and attend meetings with parents when concerns regarding academic progress are identified; • Ensure smooth transition into Pre-senior school for students, including class groupings, and by providing handover to the Head of Pre-Senior School; • Monitor those students identified as at risk or vulnerable by teachers and mentors.

Community and Cultural Leadership (strategic imperative – unique identity and culture, school sporting program)

• Oversee the coordination of all Middle School activities, including Service Learning (local and global), • Liaise with the Director of Outdoor Education regarding Camp programs, and monitor the involvement of students in the School Camp Program; • Oversee the Middle School calendar and ensure that all events are included on the Whole School Calendar; • Liaise with the Deputy Principal and/or Director of Educational Operations with respect to special events in the Becoming Me Program, and changes to the normal routine for Year 9 students and staff; • Coordinate staffing of special Becoming Me Program events, in consultation with the Deputy Principal and Daily Organiser; • Prepare recommendations to the Business Manager and Principal for the Middle School Annual budget, and manage expenditure to ensure adherence to budget allocations; • Ensure clear and consistent communication with students, parents and staff and other stakeholders as necessary; • Liaise with the Head of Senior School and Heads of House about House events, assemblies, and other events involving Junior School, Pre-Senior and Senior School students;

Position Description – Head of Middle School Page 3

Peninsula Grammar School Date: 15/04/21 Position Description

• Assume responsibility for quality reporting processes for Year 5 and 7students, and ensure appropriate provision of NAPLAN and other testing as required; • Proofread reports and other documents as required; • Organise and present at parent and student and parent information evenings; • Oversee the upkeep of the Perry Building with a view to maintaining the buildings and surrounds, and ensure the responsible management of Middle School resources, property and equipment; • Develop and implement policies and procedures which ensure the maintenance of a safe, secure learning environment; • Promote the Middle School by assisting in the School’s marketing initiatives to secure enrolments; • Prepare Board Reports, articles for the weekly bulletin and other publications, and ensure all promotional material and publications are of the highest standard; • Oversee the completion of risk assessments as required; • Coordinate examinations, staffing and venues as required; • Other duties as required.

Other responsibilities

• Other duties as required by the Principal.

Workplace Health & Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations; • Report any equipment or incident that is hazardous or has the potential to affect the health and safety of the Peninsula Grammar workplace and its people.

Child Safety

• Ensure adherence to all student safety standards and mandatory reporting requirements; • Attend training to maintain compliance with all child safety legislation, standards and regulations; • Complete all mandatory training in a timely manner; • Escalate and report all matters related to student safety immediately; • Understand and work diligently to deliver student duty of care accountabilities.

5. Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and develop an outstanding learning culture in the Middle School • Demonstrated use of effective and innovative teaching and learning practices; • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in curriculum design and program development and review; • Demonstrated commitment to the School’s Vision, Motto and Values, and the values of the Becoming Me Program ; • Demonstrated ability to support and sustain positive relationships with students which reflect the values of the School and provide quality pastoral care; • Demonstrated ability to consult and collaborate with colleagues and peers to achieve effective outcomes; • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with parents and other key stakeholders; • Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and development.

6. Qualifications, Registrations and Experience

Qualifications & Registrations

• Degree or Master’s level qualifications in Education • Full VIT registration • Current Police Check • Desirable - Current First Aid – HLTAID003

Position Description – Head of Middle School Page 4

Peninsula Grammar School Date: 15/04/21 Position Description

Experience

• Extensive teaching and leadership experience

Position Description – Head of Middle School Page 5