St Philip’s
Christian College
Gosford
Appointment:
Deputy Principal
Information for Applicants
INTRODUCTION
This position is for an energetic and resourceful person who has leadership skills to manage the daily
operations of St Philip’s Christian College, Gosford.
The school has been in operation since 1982 and was acquired by St Philip’s Christian College in 2007
and currently has 500 students K-12, including 30 young Parents on a separate campus. The College is
currently enjoying significant growth of between 15% - 20% increase in enrolments each year. We are on
our way to becoming a world class school of over 800 students by 2020:
“A treasure trove of confident Christ-thinkers; a networked community of people who love learning and
are aware of their life-long journey of passion and purpose. Our students, staff and families are flexible
learners; innovators and leaders who have spiritual, social, intellectual, financial and governmental impact
in the world.” Mrs Michelle Kelly, Principal
The person chosen will be responsible for managing the implementation of this vision and will be
accountable to the Principal of St Philip’s Christian College Gosford.
Applicants will need to be committed, practising Christians with exemplary teaching skills, sound
curriculum knowledge, administrative expertise, proven management and human relations qualities and a
commitment to the philosophy of Christian education. Successful experience in a management position
in a Christian school is preferred.
A teaching load will be part of the role.
The successful applicant is required to commence duty at the beginning of Term 1, 2014 or as soon as
practicable thereafter.
BACKGROUND
The school is situated at 20 Narara Creek Road, Narara (just north of Gosford), New South Wales, and
is 80 kilometres north of Sydney. The school is located on the side of and at the bottom of a hill with a
lush bush outlook. In 2010 our Information Resource Centre was completed and we are currently
upgrading our College Hall. Further building plans are underway to enhance our infrastructure and
accommodate our growing population.
Of the 2013 enrolments, there were 93 in the Pre-school (called Narnia), 182 in the Junior School (K-4),
158 in the Middle School (5-8) and 138 in the Senior School (9-12), 30 part time enrolments at DALE
Young Parents Wyong. Each of the sub schools is managed by a Head of School.
There is a strong emphasis on student pastoral care and establishing core learning skills within a flexible
learning environment which is Christ centred. All students from Years 5 – 12 have their own Macbooks
and smart boards or data projectors are in each classroom. Sporting opportunities, creative arts, and an
International Students Program are all important features of our Education Program. There are still
opportunities for innovation and development in our educational programs.
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SCHOOL PROFILE
St Philip’s Christian College – Gosford
20 Narara Creek Road
Narara NSW 2250
Telephone: (02) 43244744 Facsimile: (02) 43234848
Email: [email protected]
Principal:
Mrs Michelle Kelly
The school is owned and administered by: St Philip’s Christian Education Foundation Ltd 57
High Street, Waratah NSW 2298
Executive Principal: Mr. Graeme Irwin
Business Manager:
Mr. Garry Paget
Current Staff
The Principal administers the Gosford College with the assistance of the College Leadership Team,
comprising:
Principal: Mrs Michelle Kelly
Head of Senior School: Mr Malcolm East
Head of Middle School: Mr Stephen Babbage
Head of Junior School: Mrs Deborah Diedricks
Narnia Preschool Director: Mrs Sandra Zocher
Bursar: Mrs Georgina Strong
Registrar: Mrs Janet Parkhouse
K – 12 there are 38 members of the teaching staff (full time and part time) and approx.16 supporting
ancillary staff members at Gosford. Within the Junior School, there are currently 11 teaching staff and
supporting ancillary staff, 7 Core Middle School Teachers and 18 Senior School Teachers.
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VISION AND VALUES
Our Vision
St Philip’s Christian College seeks to be a leading provider of quality Christian schooling
within our nation, where:
Every student develops a personal faith in Jesus Christ and is empowered to live with purpose,
integrity and joy.
Every student achieves their God-given potential and is well equipped to make a significant
contribution to society.
Every student benefits from innovative and effective learning experiences taught by skilled and
dedicated teachers.
Every student enjoys a safe and secure learning environment wherein they feel connected and
affirmed.
Every student contributes to a culture of respect, dignity, care and concern for others.
Every student has access to excellent learning resources and is taught in the best learning facilities
we can provide.
Our Mission
St Philip’s Christian College will continue to provide quality education in a caring, secure and challenging
learning environment based on Christian beliefs, values and practice
Our Core Values
1. Christ First - we want to honour Christ in all things.
2. Serve One Another - we want to appreciate the unique God-given potential of each person.
3. Strive for Excellence - we want to aim to do our very best all the time.
4. Do what is right - we want to always behave in a Christian manner.
5. Build Community - we want everyone to feel they belong.
College Motto - "The Way, the Truth and the Life"
The Motto is taken from the words of Jesus in John 14:6
"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no-one comes to the Father but by me."
Jesus alone is the means by which men, women, girls and boys can come to know, for themselves, our
Creator and Father God.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Rationale
This position sets aside someone to assist the Principal to operate the College, with specific reference
to the Christian ethos of the College, and the full operation and development of the Gosford College.
The focus of the position is embodied in the Mission, Vision and Value statements of St Phillip’s Christian
College.
General Position Description
The Deputy Principal is the operational manager of the Gosford College and is delegated to make those
decisions necessary to further its Mission and Vision within the Core Values. In this role, s/he is
responsible to assist the Principal in the development and management of the College. The Deputy
Principal is to assist the Principal as the team leader of the Gosford staff, and is accountable to the
Principal.
Primary Role
Specific Functions:
To manage the daily operations for the Gosford College
1.
Deputise for and represent the Principal as required
2.
Oversee implementation of teaching and learning programs and
processes across the College
3.
Oversee implementation of student welfare and discipline
programs and processes across the College
4.
Oversee implementation of staff development and performance
programs and processes across the College
5.
Provide a point of contact for referred parent communication
and concerns
6.
Oversight of daily administration and management of special
events for the College
7.
Support College Principal, Bursar and other executive staff with
related:
Development
Administration
Compliance
Planning
8.
Reports To:
Other tasks as required
Principal
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Routine responsibilities
Deputy Principal
Achievement:
Relationships: Communications:
Outcomes: Strives to achieve
Maintains
excellent outcomes in appropriate
all aspects of role
relationships
throughout the
organisation
Communicates clearly
and accurately in
establishing College
daily operations
Initiatives:
Reputation:
Successfully
implements
initiatives under
the 7 specific
functions
Build a reputation
for College daily
operations within
the organisation
Processes: Employs best
Uses a variety of Uses agreed simple and Employs effective Becomes known
processes available to effective processes effective
compliant
for using effective
work towards desired to establish positive communication systems processes to
and streamlined
goals for College daily relationships as a to support College
implement
processes for
operations
leader and follower daily operations
initiatives
College daily
operations
Community Supports our
Engagement: community
Ethos:
Strategic
Intent:
Builds relationships
that strengthen
expectations for
community and
achievement through promote
College daily
commitment to
operations
College daily
operations
Elicits a positive and
supportive response
when communicating
our shared executive
culture
Involves and
Becomes
engages our
acknowledged for
organisational
consulting
community in 7 appropriately with
specific functions stakeholders in
without
creating College
alienating key
daily operations
stakeholders
Achieves College daily Conducts
operations in a
relationships
manner consistent
according to our
with our vision +
shared
Biblical foundations understanding of
Biblical principles
Upholds our ethical
standards in
communication of our
vision for College daily
operations
Aligns 7 specific Conducts role with
functions with integrity and
organisational
reputation for
vision and Biblical alignment with the
foundations
organisational
vision and Biblical
foundations
Sets and achieves
goals with respect to
College daily
operations guided by
our strategic
intention
Focuses
Engages organisational Supports and
Build a reputation
relationships on
stakeholders in the goal strengthens
for advancing the
engaging with our of College daily
implementation vision of the
organisational
operations
of strategic plan organisation and
strategies and goals
through 7
enhancing others’
specific functions capacity to do the
same
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SELECTION CRITERIA
Criteria 1 Strength and Depth of Christian Commitment
Descriptor A mature Christian person with a genuine faith experience. Who endeavours to live a holy
lifestyle. Leads his/her family toward godliness. Has healthy devotional habits. Has a good Biblical
knowledge. Is actively involved in a local Church. Displays evidence of ministry development and
experience especially with children.
Criteria 2 Appropriate Qualifications and Relevant Experience
Descriptor A person with good qualifications in Secondary/Primary Education and School
Administration. Other qualifications or areas of expertise that would enhance the position: Teaching
experience and/or familiarity with NSW and Australian Curriculum; Substantial experience within a
Christian School; Administrative and Leadership experience. Other relevant experience e.g. ministry,
curriculum development etc.
Criteria 3 Administrative Competence
Descriptor Has well developed organisational and administrative skills and the ability to manage
resources. Is responsible to and supportive of the needs of teachers. Is aware of what is going on in the
classrooms. Enables the sharing of duties and resources to occur in the most efficient manner. Has a
flexible administrative style.
Criteria 4 Social and Inter-personal Relationship Skills
Descriptor Has the personal qualities of sensitivity, enthusiasm and confidence in educational settings.
The ability to communicate effectively with students, teachers, parents and the community. The ability
to support, encourage, build and maintain staff morale. Success in resolving conflict. The ability to pray,
consult, negotiate and liaise effectively with groups and bodies inside and outside of the school.
Criteria 5 Educational Expertise
Descriptor The ability to develop and monitor high educational standards. An in-depth knowledge of
each Key Learning Area and the most effective pedagogical approach to each. Curriculum development
experience and expertise. Ability to supervise and evaluate teaching programs and practice.
Criteria 6 Leadership Ability
Descriptor The capacity to initiate improvement. Has the presence and skill to be able to focus the
attention of others on matters of greatest importance. Has the capacity to build a unique school culture
characterised by a distinctively Christian approach and the pursuit of excellence.
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CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
The appointment shall be for an initial period of three years. Reappointment will be after a review,
which shall be subsequently undertaken every five years.
The position will be reviewed at the end of the first year based on performance.
The successful applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination before appointment.
The position carries four weeks’ annual leave. The timing of annual leave is to be negotiated with
the Principal.
The College will meet reasonable removal expenses.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants for the position of Deputy Principal should include in their application:
full name and relevant personal information
academic and professional qualifications in detail
outline of career and positions held, especially as they relate to the responsibilities of this position
church membership and involvement
cultural and sporting activities and other interests
a statement addressing each of the selection criteria
a brief statement of educational philosophy including the applicant's vision for Christian education as
it might apply to the School
a recent photograph
a statement of health
two written references - one from the Pastor of the Church currently attended by the applicant and
one related to the applicant's educational and administrative activities
names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least two other referees from whom confidential
information may be obtained
Applications close 4pm 23rd August, 2013
Applications (marked Personal - Confidential) should be forwarded to:
Mrs Michelle Kelly
Principal
St Philip's Christian College
PO Box 640
Gosford NSW 2250
Email: [email protected]
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