Long Description
ROLE SUMMARY:
Inspired is seeking to appoint a Middle and High School Assistant Principal: Pastoral, an integral part of the Middle High School team. Start date: in August 2024 or January 2025. Part Time: .25 (to be combined with teaching load).
We welcome applications from exceptional, self-motivated and reflective professionals with the right blend of energy and experience, and a passion for working with middle and high school students, particularly those in Grades 9-12 who need support with well-being and self-management.
Founded in 1964, St. John’s International School is a private, non-profit educational institution. We are an IB continuum school committed to excellence in education through inquiry-based, child-centred teaching and learning. We are accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
Circa 460 students from 50 countries pursue a challenging academic curriculum that includes an emphasis on development in athletics and the arts, all within the context of the ethos and values that make St. John’s unique.
The highly educated, qualified and dedicated international teaching faculty makes the difference for the students at St. John’s. Among more than 15 nationalities represented, approximately quarter each hail from the UK, the US, Belgium and the rest of the world. More than 50% of the faculty hold advanced degrees.
English is the language of instruction throughout the school. French is taught in all grades from kindergarten at foreign language and native speaker levels. Spanish, German and Dutch are offered as world languages from Grade 8 onwards. A dual language programme in English and French is offered as an option from grades Pre-K through Grade 5. Self-taught mother tongue languages are also offered in Grades 9 to 12.
The school is situated in a pleasant residential part of French-speaking Waterloo, within easy walking distance of local shops and amenities. Waterloo and the surrounding area offer a high quality of life whether you are joining solo or with your family. The centre of Brussels is easily reached by car or tram. This world city offers all the cultural, economic and other attractions of a political capital.
As the Middle and High School Assistant Principal: Pastoral, you will be a key leader in the MHS. You will be familiar with the IBMYP and IBDP curriculum and confident working with students from diverse backgrounds, with a variety of learning needs. You will have a sharp understanding of child safeguarding and a firm but compassionate approach to students. You will be an excellent role model and a communicator who is confident with technology, as well as someone who gets on well with colleagues, students and parents. Amongst other things, you’ll be well-organised, have a solutions-oriented mindset and will want to participate fully in the extra- curricular and pastoral aspects of school life.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Middle and High School Assistant Principal: Pastoral will implement pastoral policies and practice in the MHS. He/she will:
1. Lead on MHS Pastoral care, working closely with the MHS Principals, Safeguarding Lead, Grade Level Leaders and Advisors.
2. Guide the Grade Level Leaders on delivering an excellent advisory programming. Attend relevant meetings (TBD).
3. Deliver professional development on pastoral care.
4. Set and maintain high standards of student behavior and promote the schools values of respect, integrity and companionship.
5. Ensure appropriate systems like isams are in place for monitoring pastoral matters and sharing information as required. Enact behavior management measures as needed, according to school policy, ensuring all relevant parties are informed; this includes reviewing the code of conduct with students and staff each year.
6. Support the onboarding of new students.
7. Analyse pastoral data, including attendance, lates and isams information – with support of the Data Manager. Meet with parents/guardians and stakeholders as needed.
8. Provide occasional parent/guardian presentations and content for newsletters, etc.
9. Work with MHS colleagues to implement wellbeing and behaviour strategies in advisories and assemblies. Help to identify staff pastoral training needs.
10. Contribute to the development of the school’s safeguarding policies and practices. Supervise detention once per week after school.
11. Liaise with the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator, the Middle and High School Principals, and the Learning Support (LS) Coordinator to ensure students are fully integrated and supported.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
12. University degree in appropriate subject.
13. Certified Teaching Status.
14. Background in pastoral care, as an advisor, grade level leader or similar role.
15. Expectation of at least five years’ experience with students in a secondary school
16. Passion for teaching and learning, and commitment to educating the whole child.
17. Demonstrates sound leadership and is a role model to faculty and staff.
18. Excellent interpersonal skills, with an even-handed, sensitive approach, and understanding and empathy for the feelings and motives of others, able to see things from others’ perspectives.
19. Commitment to equity and inclusion.
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.