Townsville Grammar School | Head of Junior School (Annandale & North Shore)

THE CITY OF TOWNSVILLE

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the Senior Management leadership position of Head of Junior School at Townsville Grammar School, to commence at the beginning of the 2022 academic year.

TOWNSVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Townsville Grammar School is one of the original Grammar Schools of Queensland. The Year 7-12 campus is located on the original site at North Ward (est. 1888). The School also operates two Junior School campuses, one at Annandale (est. 1997) and the other at North Shore (est. 2015).

Townsville Grammar School is a non-denominational school with a current enrolment of approximately 1,200 boys and girls from Pre-Prep - Year 12, including 125 boarders (7-12), of whom approximately 20 are from overseas (mainly Hong Kong).

The School is committed to a culture of academic, cultural and sporting achievement within the context of a ‘one school ethos’ characterised by sub-schools; each currently managed by a Head of School who report to the Principal.

With an urban population approaching 180,000, Townsville is the nation’s largest tropical city and referred to as the Capital of North Queensland.

It is northern Australia’s leading centre for education, health services, defence, research, trade and mining support.

The city is a vibrant blend of old and new, with a rich history and cultural depth. It is also a major gateway to the finest areas of the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed rainforest, tropical islands and Australia’s unique outback.

Magnetic Island is only 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville. The Strand is a mecca for rest and recreation and makes for a beautiful frontage to the Coral Sea. In recent years, The Strand has been further enhanced by the development of the Jezzine headland.

Townsville is currently home to two national sporting teams – Townsville Fire (WNBL) and North Queensland Cowboys (NRL). Sporting clubs, for all codes, abound in Townsville and provide competitions at every level.

Townsville is a short one hour, fifty minutes flight from Brisbane and also enjoys direct flights to Darwin, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, Toowoomba and Coolangatta with connections nationally and internationally, serviced by the major airlines, (Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin). The newly developed Port of Townsville regularly hosts cruise and naval ships.

With education as one of its major industries, Townsville is home to a large number of schools, and two Universities - James Cook University, which boasts a world-renowned Marine Biology faculty, and Central Queensland University.

THE JUNIOR SCHOOL (ANNANDALE & NORTH SHORE CAMPUSES) Townsville Grammar School has an enduring reputation as the academic leader in North Queensland, delivering consistently strong academic outcomes. In the Junior Schools, teachers seek to foster a broad love of learning and discovery with a particular focus on literacy and numeracy.

Students also have weekly lessons with Specialist Teachers in STEM, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Music, Library and Languages.

High standards for respectful behaviour translates into maximised learning in the classroom. Students are encouraged and supported every day to strive for their best, which is an important attitude for life beyond School.

The Head of Junior School oversees the overall operation of the Junior School campuses with responsibility for the following areas.

EARLY EDUCATION CENTRES (PRE-PREP) The Pre-Prep program is the first possible entry point to accessing a Grammar Education, and the beginning of a great love for discovery and learning. Delivered at the Early Education Centres at Townsville Grammar School’s Annandale and North Shore Campuses, the Pre-Prep program provides a wonderful foundation year for children to transition into Prep.

The Pre-Prep program is led by the Director of Early Education and delivered by a team of university-qualified teachers and diploma-level educators who are passionate about educating children in this age group. The Pre-Prep program is designed as a transition year, where children are introduced to the “big school” with visits to the library, use of the Junior School facilities and involvement in events and celebrations.

This gradual building of familiarity with the Junior School teachers and campus paves the way for a confident transition into the Prep year.

PREP The Prep Program sets the foundation for the Grammar approach to teaching and learning.

• Early childhood trained Teachers • Full-time Teacher Aides in each Prep classroom • Optimised class sizes • Specialist Teachers for STEM, Music, Library, Performing Arts,

• Dedicated Prep playgrounds • Music Program • Sports and Swimming Program • Personal development of character strengths through the P-12

• Inspiring learning environments linked to student curiosity and

• Transition to Year 1 Program (Semester 2 focused) • Upper School Buddy Program

Physical Education and Languages interests

• IT-enabled Prep classrooms

School Pastoral Care program, Positive Education

YEAR 1 TO YEAR 6 ANNANDALE

• Small class sizes • Leading NAPLAN results in North Queensland • Specialist teachers for lessons in STEM, Music,

Sport, Library, Languages, Drama • IT-enabled classrooms • Music Program • Learn to Swim and extended swimming program • Extensive co-curricular offerings (20+) • Netball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts and 400m track • Undercovered outdoor Amphitheatre • Pastoral Care Program, ‘Positive Education’ • On-site Early Education Centre (Pre-Prep) • Dedicated Prep Precinct • OSHC and Vacation Care • School bus service connecting the three Campuses

NORTH SHORE

• Small class sizes • Leading NAPLAN results in North Queensland • Specialist teachers for lessons in STEM, Music, Languages, Sport, Library, Drama

• IT-enabled classrooms • Music Program • Learn to Swim and extended swimming program • Extensive co-curricular offerings • Adjacent to Northern Beaches Leisure Centre & Sports Facilities

• Pastoral Care Program, ‘Positive Education’ • On-site Early Education Centre (Pre-Prep) • Dedicated Prep Precinct • OSHC and Vacation Care • School bus service connecting the three Campuses

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL The Head of Junior School is responsible for the leadership and management of personnel, programs and property matters relating to the successful operation of the Annandale Campus and of the North Shore Campus. The Head of Junior School will be a member of the Senior Management Team and will subsequently be expected to make a significant contribution to the overall direction of the School. The Head of Junior School will be responsible for the following duties:

• In consultation with the Principal, delegated responsibility for the

selection of teaching staff and, where designated, appointment of other staff.

• Ensure that appropriate curriculum planning, documentation and resources are in place to facilitate quality teaching and learning of the Australian Curriculum and other key learning areas from Pre-Prep to Year 6.

• Ensure the provision of a differentiated curriculum inclusive of Learning Support, Extension and Enrichment and ESL. • In liaison with the Assistant Head of Junior School, ensure that the holistic progress of students is regularly monitored and assessed in order to maximise learning outcomes.

• Ensure that open lines of communication exist between teaching staff, parents and all relevant stakeholders.

• Facilitate staff professional dialogue through a program of regular staff briefings and meetings.

• Pro-active management of discipline and compliance standards with explicit responsibility for students in Years Pre-Prep - Year 6.

• In liaison with the Director of Early Education and Co-ordinator of OSHC, responsibility for the efficient and effective management of these entities within the context of a ‘one school’ ethos.

• Responsibility for a regular assembly and award ceremony program that builds an appropriate culture of leadership, endeavour and achievement that aligns with a ‘one school’ ethos.

• In liaison with the Head of School (North Ward) and other relevant staff, responsibility for an effective Transition/Orientation program for students entering the Middle School.

• Ensure that all school reporting processes (PP-6) are efficient and effective.

• In liaison with relevant staff, responsibility for Camps, Activity Days/ Special Events, Melior Exi and community service programs.

• Active support for the Deputy Principal in preparation, organisation and delivery of effective Staff PD days.

• Manage parent and staff concerns and liaise with the Principal and other senior management personnel on an as-needs basis.

• In liaison with the Assistant Head, management of supervision rosters to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and students at all times.

• Undertake the role of ‘case manager’ where particular students in

Years Pre-Prep - 6 require complex levels of senior management and are a source of critical concern.

• In liaison with the Assistant Head, actively monitor student absenteeism in Years Prep – Year 6 and initiate action with students and families where there is a matter of concern.

• In liaison with the Head of School and/or specialist members of staff, designated responsibility for the leadership and management of themed week programs.

• Preparation of quality contributions to the Principal’s Newsletter and the provision of a campus newsletter (Annandale Update and North Shore Update).

• In liaison with the Principal, active support for the School’s Parents Network.

• In liaison with the Business Manager, monitor the cost effective operation of the Campus Tuckshop

QUALITIES DESIRABLE IN THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL • Appropriate professional educational and tertiary qualifications and a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning.

• Excellent organisational, administrative and leadership ability.

• A personal capacity to relate extremely well to a wide range of school community members: students, parents, colleagues and wider community.

• A personal and professional commitment to continue school improvement.

• The Head of Junior School will be a fully qualified teacher, eligible for registration as a teacher in Queensland.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE The Head of Junior School is a pivotal member of the Senior Management Team comprising: Principal, Deputy Principal/Head of School (North Ward), Business Manager, Head of Junior School, Director of Curriculum, Director of Boarding & Co-Curriculum, Director of Enrolments and Director of Marketing.

APPOINTMENT • The Head of Junior School is responsible to the Principal for the leadership and management of all matters pertaining to the successful operation of the School’s Junior School campuses.

• The Head of Junior School will be remunerated at a level commensurate with similar senior management positions in comparable independent schools.

• An initial term of appointment of five years is required. The School will meet reasonable relocation expenses.

• Annual remuneration review will be tied to performance appraisal.

• Children of the successful applicant will receive generous fee concessions at Townsville Grammar School.

• The Head of Junior School is expected to take up duties in January 2022 in readiness for the start of the school year.

SELECTION CRITERIA • Experience and demonstrated career progression relevant to this School leadership and management role.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams of staff and students.

• Demonstrated interest in student care and wellbeing and a willingness to embrace Positive Education.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, collegially and as a supportive member of a Senior Management Team.

• An ability to delegate prudently and embrace the holistic life of the School.

• An understanding and positive commitment to a P-12 whole school perspective on policy and program development.

APPLICATIONS Applications for the position of Head of Junior School should include the following information: • full name • address, telephone and email details • academic and professional qualifications • current position and areas of responsibility • details of previous appointments and career achievements • membership of professional organisations • sporting, recreational and other interests/achievements • a brief statement of the applicant’s educational philosophy with particular reference to Townsville Grammar School.

• names, addresses and telephone numbers of three confidential referees.

In addition to the above, the following information would be welcome. It is understood that this information is provided at the candidate’s discretion: • place and date of birth • nationality • marital status and family details • a recent photograph • current salary package

APPLICATIONS, MARKED CONFIDENTIAL, SHOULD REACH THE PRINCIPAL NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, 7 APRIL 2021 MR TIMOTHY KELLY, PRINCIPAL, TOWNSVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL 45 PAXTON STREET, NORTH WARD QLD 4810 EMPLOYMENT@TGS.QLD.EDU.AU