Rabbi Yaacov Chaiton has a vision

After 13 years of teaching at KTC, Rabbi Chaiton has a new view … and it’s from the top, as the school’s new College Principal.

Nothing is clearer to Rabbi Chaiton than the adapted core vision of the college – a singular statement that drives all direction and decision making under his leadership.

“We grow minds. We nurture character. Guided by the Torah. It is this vision statement by which every decision is made in our school,” Rabbi Chaiton said. “And it’s how we intend to educate and inspire our staff and students … daily.”

Focusing on staff, Rabbi Chaiton knows his educators should be cherished within the school. “Teachers are the true agents of change. They are the lighthouses for young souls. They are the ones who hold the key to unlocking the infinite and unique potential in the minds and character of each of their students. They need to be treasured and know how valued they are.”

Supporting staff with a deep sense of community understanding, Rabbi Chaiton began the school year offering a free camp for the children of staff members.

“A nurtured person will always be in the best position to nurture someone else and that is what we are ultimately here for. I know what it’s like to manage child-care during the holidays. If I want my teachers to come to staff development days prepared and present, ready to learn best practices and skills for educational growth, then the first step is assisting in their own child-care. Offering a free camp for their children, which will enable them to focus on the students of KTC, was a no-brainer.”

And that’s just the start. With a drive to move the school into the future, centred around the vision, Rabbi Chaiton has appointed new leadership across the school to ensure KTC stays relevant, ahead and focused.

“Our new Director of Teaching and Learning, James Mulhall, will ensure that we continue to grow minds in our High School’s secular academic education,” Rabbi Chaiton said. “As part of our vision of ‘nurturing character’, we have also significantly boosted our leadership in the Welfare Department. We will be introducing a full Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum across our school”.

“School enrolments are up 15 per cent, with an expected 200 plus students set to fill the high school to capacity within two years, Mr Mulhall has his work cut out for him.

“From my experience in leadership roles in independent schools, I am excited to work with KTC to continue developing the teaching and learning program. I am committed to ensuring that KTC is resourced for ongoing academic success,” Mr Mulhall said.