HEAD OF PRIMARY POSITION BRIEF AUGUST 2021
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in contributing to the leadership of Southern Cross Grammar. Our school is a modern, high-performing and personalised school established in this century, for this century, and at a scale that is designed to promote the knowledge of each child and a premium experience across our community. 2021 marks the tenth year of operation for Southern Cross Grammar. Our school is placed in a unique position that should excite the right leader looking to make an impact in a vibrant school community and across education more broadly. The school is now well-established with strong enrolments, noteworthy waiting lists, excellent resources and programs, and a genuinely enviable school community. Our students, parents and staff are a joy to work with at SCG. Our school is able to evaluate learning, teaching, and wellbeing through a modern, evidence-based lens and is not held back by nostalgic ties to outdated methods or ideas. This means that the best ideas are valued and traded here whether they are traditional methods or more recent, cutting-edge approaches. The best ideas approach at SCG also extends to our student voice, staff co-production of programs and strategy, agile teams and projects. In balancing priorities and outcomes, the views of those experiencing the changes: the students in a classroom, the teacher navigating remote learning and the parent seeking valuable feedback and insight, all have a voice and bring great value to the decisions made by those leading their aspect of our school. We have an enthusiasm for utilising technology for learning and as learning. Those seeking to join the leadership team will have an eagerness and curiosity for the role of digital learning to support or enhance personalisation and high performance at SCG. Creating an environment for growth, leading others to build confidence and agency through a strengths-based approach, and being comfortable with others knowing more than you at times, will help build success and enjoyment for the right leader for this role. Whether you are still curious or you feel this is the school to further develop your skills while enjoying the challenge of building and delivering strategy in a modern, high performing and personalised environment, I encourage you to keep reading. Follow the QR codes where others voice their wants in a SCG leader. I look forward to having a conversation to further explore our potential match for this significant role at SCG. Feel free to connect or message me directly to begin a conversation via LinkedIn. Should you choose to progress to a formal application, the method and timelines are outlined in this guide. Kind regards,
Mr Matthew Dodd
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INTRODUCING SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR Officially opened in July 2011, Southern Cross Grammar (SCG) is a vibrant, Foundation–Year 12 school focused on maximising the learning of every member in our school community. Founded in the 21st century, we have modern, up-to-date facilities, teaching and learning practices. With a capacity to balance traditional approaches with contemporary ideas supported by latest research, we are committed to selecting the best methods to suit our students’ needs. Our students enjoy the liberal curriculum and variety of opportunities we provide. The facilities, the overall size of the school and the way we teach, all support our focus on the care and knowledge of each individual. We maintain a commitment to providing personalised learning experiences for all our students. Our students, parents and staff enjoy a deep sense of belonging as part of a strong community. This high level of care and inclusion forms an integral part of our students’ high performance in their studies. SCG provides a variety of pathways to excellence by adopting a personal approach to recognising and developing each student’s personal strengths. In addition to national sporting representation, awards for citizenship and general academic achievement, the school has introduced an exciting select entry pathway for Music and STEM at Year 7. Our students enjoy learning beyond the classroom, in local and international settings. We enjoy the teamwork and competition of house and regional sports, and the cultural and academic challenges that allow students to test their abilities at a school, local or national level. We have a clear vision for our school and remain committed to an intimate, small student population, with a modern and impressive campus supported by high performing and caring staff. Together, we have shown great resilience and an ability to build positive futures with our community. We are confident that we are well-placed to continue to provide a highly personalised and impactful experience for our families into the future.
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OUR AMBITION
We have a genuine ambition for continual improvement. We remain restless to improve the experience for staff to support their important work, and maximise their impact on student learning. SCG leaders are builders and curators of high performing learning and caring, rather than caretakers. Therefore the role requires someone with a balance of ambition for the community that they will be leading with the skills, knowledge and experience to create the strategy and operating systems to support this ambition.
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The Head of Primary role is a great opportunity to develop the team in the important work of educating students’ as they begin their first steps in Foundation and mature into calm and confident students, ready for secondary school. HEAD OF PRIMARY • 6
OUR PROGRAM
The Primary Years at Southern Cross Grammar are designed to set each student up for success in our secondary school and beyond. Our Primary Years program is divided into Lower Primary (Foundation-Year 2) and Upper Primary (Years 3-6). Our F-2 learning program places great emphasis on the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy, and gaining a clear picture of each child to set our youngest students up for success as they progress through Southern Cross Grammar. In addition to laying strong academic foundations, our F-2 students spend their day learning how to learn. Under the guidance of our highly experienced teachers and support staff, they learn how to listen, develop their questioning skills, and social and emotional regulation. In addition to their classroom teacher and support staff, students also enjoy a number of specialist classes including Music, Art, Physical Education, and Chinese. By Upper Primary, our students enjoy greater personal responsibility and are further involved in their own learning. In addition to the specialist classes introduced in Lower Primary, we also introduce regular STEM classes with a specialty teacher. Literacy and numeracy skills remain important and continue to form the majority of our lessons. However, our emphasis shifts to inquiry learning. This provides students with opportunities to apply their skills across a greater variety of contexts. Our off-site camps programs begin in Year 3 with an overnight camp. The camps program, which concludes in Year 11, provides students with opportunities to explore and learn in remote, interstate or overseas environments. In Year 5, students partake in the Band Program where they are introduced to a greater range of instruments including brass, woodwind and instruments. They also begin visiting the Secondary School on regular incursions. This familiarises them with the secondary areas at SCG and allows them to begin building relationships with other members of staff and older students. As role models in the Primary School, Upper Primary students take on leadership roles and build their leadership skills as they prepare to enter Secondary School. By the end of their Primary Years, our students emerge confident and ready to take part in a calm and productive Year 7 Program, as new members of our Secondary School.
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Southern Cross Grammar is a modern, high-performing and personalised school established in the 21st century, for the 21st century. We have a modern and beautiful campus with state-of-the-art technologies to teach, work and learn. Our resources underpins our committment to providing personalised experiences for students to pursue subjects and topics of interest. Southern Cross Grammar’s intimate size has enabled us to have a long tradition of knowing each student, and building a culture that supports the individual student while promoting belonging. Our prioritisation of adopting a personal approach to recognising and developing each student’s personal strength promotes a culture of high performance. Our students, and staff, have been recognised in local and national sporting groups, received awards for citizenship and academic achievement and, as Alumni, have launched themselves into bright futures. The Head of Personalised Learning leads our school’s efforts in data collection and research of each child such as their contributions in co-curricular activities. We plan to stay at a scale that supports good knowledge of each student.
The joy, discipline and neurological value of music is well celebrated at Southern Cross Grammar. EVENT: 2021 AUTUMN MUSIC CONCERT
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR AUTUMN MUSIC CONCERT HEAD OF PRIMARY • 8 HEAD OF PRIMARY • 8
MODERN (adj) Involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas: UP-TO-DATE
HIGH PERFORMING (adj) Designed to perform to a high standard
PERSONALISED (adj) To make personal or individual
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OUR COMMUNITY
We are a diverse, collaborative and productive community. Families, staff, Alumni and local, national and international partners all contribute to the deep sense of belonging students and their families feel throughout their time at Southern Cross Grammar. Our families are at the heart of our school community. Successful in their own right, through study or business, and in life more broadly, their collective role in valuing their child’s education and showing a genuine interest in partnering with us to educate their child, makes a strong foundation for students to launch into successful adult lives.
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Event: FIRST DAY OF FOUNDATION, 2021
We enjoy a diverse, collaborative and productive community. Our parents are focused on high performance and success in their own lives, and model that success for their children.
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Is Southern Cross Grammar the right match for your next leadership appointment? Here are a few publications and resources that might help you to begin answering that question.
Our community looks to the stars during the PFC’s Supper Under the Stars event earlier this year. Beside the school, The Centauri Project takes shape. Event: 2021 PARENTS AND FRIENDS COMMITTEE (PFC) SUPPER UNDER THE STARS WITH THE ASTRONOMY SOCIETY OF VICTORIA (ASV)
SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 1
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SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 2
SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 3
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTAURI PROJECT AND WATCH ITS TRANSFORMATION
2020 YEARBOOK
2021 AND BEYOND
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HEAD OF PRIMARY: ROLE DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE:
Head of Primary
SALARY / RUMUNERATION:
Remuneration will be paid according to qualifications, experience and demonstrated capacity to achieve outcomes.
LOCATION:
Southern Cross Grammar
REPORTING TO:
Principal
PURPOSE Southern Cross Grammar invites applications for this Executive position from qualified Primary School educators with demonstrated leadership experience in the Primary School setting. The Head of Primary will be a leader of learning, experienced in creating personalised curriculum, and in leading colleagues to maximise learning opportunities for students from Foundation to Year 6. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of Primary will work collaboratively within the context of the whole school, providing and facilitating transformational leadership in curriculum innovation, pedagogy, staff development, student learning and wellbeing, ensuring there is a genuine, integrated F-12 experience for students at SCG.
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KEY ASPECTS OF THE ROLE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP •
Sound knowledge of emerging trends in educational theory, learning theory, curriculum design, learning technologies, assessment and methodologies underpinning all F-6 learning and teaching programs
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Confidently lead a culture of professional learning to enhance the capacity of Primary teaching staff to apply whole school initiatives and agreed practice, and to support teachers in their individual professional learning needs
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Lead, oversee and motivate Primary teaching staff through constructive monitoring of professional growth, capability development and mentoring
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Initiate and develop programs and projects to facilitate current best practice in teaching effectiveness
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Lead staff discussions and practice about effective teaching, student learning, assessment, student progress, analysis and reporting
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Ensure a cohesive, challenging and flexible curriculum for Foundation – Year 6 students
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In collaboration with the Head of Teaching and Learning, collect and review student data to improve outcomes, and to develop measures to effectively monitor student academic progress
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Promote and monitor the use of digital technologies to support teaching and learning throughout the Primary School
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Work with the Head of Teaching and Learning in establishing year level development plans, curriculum implementation, pedagogy and assessment strategies that promote and sustain whole school improvement
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Work with the Head of Additional Needs to support staff in developing a personalised approach to pedagogy and curriculum to address the developmental and differentiated needs of students
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Typically, the Head of Primary will have a small teaching load to be negotiated with the Principal
RESEARCH •
Lead the Primary Teaching staff in gathering, assessing and contextualising modern, evidenced-based local and international research on personalised learning
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Initiate and support Primary School-based action research to improve student-learning
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Create opportunities for staff to conduct their own research as part of their feedback and assessment of the impact on learning
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Actively build the school’s connections with tertiary and other educational networks including opportunities for external collaboration
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION LEADERSHIP •
Collaborate with key staff and teams in the management and administration of the school’s operations and events and in particular, responsibility for smooth running of the Primary School.
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Ensure operational decision-making processes are embedded through appropriate structures, reporting lines and delegated authorities
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Review organisational plans for their effectiveness in supporting the strategic outcomes in teaching and learning, staff engagement, and organisation management
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Work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure compliance with statutory requirements
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STUDENT WELLBEING •
Monitor student behaviour management and student wellbeing in the Primary School and provide guidance to teachers as required
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Ensure child-safe principles and practices are implemented in the Primary School at all times
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP •
Communicate effectively with all stakeholders and model effective communication within the school community
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Promote a positive school culture that is founded on collaboration and consultation with staff, students, and parents
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Actively assist in managing critical parent, stakeholder, and broader community concerns
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Maintain an active presence and engagement with all stakeholders at school functions and events
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Through appropriate forums and opportunities, engage with all staff, parent groups and stakeholders regularly about the vision, direction, successes, and challenges of the school
CHILD SAFETY Southern Cross Grammar is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe environment in which students feel safe, and are safe. All staff are required to: •
Provide students with a chid safe environment
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Proactively monitor and support student wellbeing
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Have a working knowledge and understanding of the School’s Child Safe Policies and Code of Conduct, and any other policies and procedures relating to child safety
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Undertake annual training to maintain compliance with all child safety legislation, standards and regulations
KEY CAPABILITIES LEADERSHIP •
Capacity to lead and encourage with candour, and be tolerant of others’ opinions
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Demonstrate presence, poise, courage and resilience
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Have a demonstrated record of successfully promoting and communicating key strategic objectives to staff ensuring there is understanding, engagement and participation across all levels of the school
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Effectively lead and manage change and whole school improvement
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Capacity to inspire and build trusting relationships with students, staff, parents and community stakeholders
LEARNING •
Confident in leading and motivating multi-disciplined teams, and in developing and maintaining co-operative working relationships which promote excellence in teaching and learning
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Exemplary teacher with demonstrated understanding of contemporary pedagogy which embrace best practice principles of learning and teaching
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Capacity to lead and implement ideas for innovating and transforming the learner experience based on feedback assessment and associated data
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Promotes academic excellence across the school
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OPERATIONAL •
Excellent management and administration skills
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Confident in using technology to support efficient workflow and communications
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Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
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Attention to detail and ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
SELF •
Clear sense of personal accountability
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Awareness of personal strengths, weaknesses, passions and prejudices
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Values own health and wellbeing
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High level interpersonal and communication skills, drive, energy, warmth, authenticity and commitment
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT •
The initial term of appointment will be five years. Further terms may be offered, subject to review.
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Remuneration will be paid according to qualifications, experience and demonstrated capacity to achieve outcomes.
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Salary packaging benefits, professional learning opportunities, fee remission for children of staff.
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Employer superannuation contributions as prescribed under the Superannuation Guarantee legislation.
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6 weeks annual leave.
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VIT Registration.
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Qualification/s in Education.
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The School is an equal opportunity employer.
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Southern Cross Grammar is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe environment in which students feel safe and are safe. All staff are required to comply with the Child Safe Code of Conduct and the School Child Safe Policy.
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NEXT STEPS
JENNIFER TURNER DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE
As the Director of People and Culture, I look forward to supporting candidates through the recruitment process and welcoming you to the Executive Leadership Team.
HOW TO APPLY 1. CANDIDATE STATEMENT Provide a Candidate statement briefly addressing the following: Southern Cross Grammar is a vibrant F-12 school focussed on balancing traditional approaches in teaching and learning with contemporary ideas supported by latest research. What three priorities should Southern Cross Grammar pursue to maintain this balance?
2. CURRICULUM VITAE (NO MORE THAN 4 PAGES) INCLUDING: •
Name, address, email address and mobile phone contact details
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Confirmation of right to work in Australia
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Positions held, dates, scope of responsibilities and key achievements
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Details of education and qualifications
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Details of involvement in professional and/or community activities.
3. REFEREES AND DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: •
Contact details of three referees
The position commences January 2022.
4. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VIA SEEK BY FRIDAY 27 AUGUST Applications will be reviewed as received, with the closing date of Friday 27 August 2021.
PRIVACY STATEMENT In applying for this position, you will be providing the School with personal information. The School is committed to ensuring that the privacy of applicants is respected. Written information gained from interviews and referees will be retained and will be kept temporarily, and only be used for the selection process.
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A strong body and strong mind are vital to students’ high performance at Southern Cross Grammar.
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Whether you choose to settle in Caroline springs or opt for city living, a sea change or tree change, Southern Cross Grammar provides a range of lifestyles for our staff.
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OUR LOCATION: CAROLINE SPRINGS
Caroline Springs is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 21km west of Melbourne’s Central Business District. In 2016 the suburb recorded a population of 24,205 at the Census. The town square and main shopping centre, CS Square, is centrally located north of Kororoit Creek. Beside the Square is a man-made lake known as Lake Caroline, which runs through the centre of the suburb. Due to development of large lakes and wetlands, species of frogs have reclaimed the area, with many species of birds also returning to the creeks and lakes. The Common Eastern Froglet, the Eastern Banjo Frog and even the now endangered Growling Grass Frog have been seen and heard in the new lakes, wetlands, and in the Kororoit Creek. There are also a few kangaroos: several located in the endangered grassland bordered by Holland Way and College Street. These can usually be seen from the steel board walk or 4m viewing platform at Kororoit Creek. The Caroline Springs railway station connects the suburb via the V-line to towns such as Geelong and Ballarat, with buses connecting travellers to Southern Cross Grammar. Caroline Springs is represented in a number of local and regional sports. Caroline Springs Hockey Club is one of the newest members in the local sports community. Founded in 2016, ‘The Springers’ compete in the Hockey Victoria Pennant and Metro competitions. Soccer and cricket are well supported sports at Southern Cross Grammar with students representing these, and many other sports, in house and interschool competitions, and through local clubs. While many staff enjoy living locally, a significant number also travel from Melbourne suburbs, country areas including Kyneton and Ballarat, and seaside locations from Port Philip Bay through to Geelong. From comfortable suburbs, city neighbourhoods, tree and sea changes, working at Southern Cross Grammar provides a great variety of lifestyles, and beautiful settings to work and live.
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DAYLESFORD 1 HOUR MACEDON 30 MINUTES
BALLARAT 1 HOUR
MELBOURNE AIRPORT: 20 MINUTES PORT MELBOURNE: 25 MINUTES ESSENDON: 35 MINUTES COLLINGWOOD: 30 MINUTES MACEDON: 30 MINUTES DAYLESFORD: 1 HOUR BALLARAT: 1 HOUR GEELONG: 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES
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GEELONG 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES
Map not to scale, locations are approximate. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
SUNBURY 22 MINUTES
MELBOURNE AIRPORT 20 MINUTES CAROLINE SPRINGS
ESSENDON 35 MINUTES
MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK 30 MINUTES COLLINGWOOD 30 MINUTES
PORT MELBOURNE 25 MINUTES
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What do we want in a leader? Hear what our community has to say about what makes a good leader and what we value in a good leader.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY’S VIEWS ON LEADERSHIP.
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SCG leaders are builders and curators of high performing learning and caring. Event: YEAR 2 FEATHERS, FUR AND SCALES INCURSION
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2 - 20 Lancefield Drive Caroline Springs, 3023 (03) 8363 2000 admin@scg.vic.edu.au
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