Head of Boarding, Wilderness School (SA)

Wilderness School is a non-denominational girls’ school educating students from Early Learning through to Year 12. Since 1884, Wilderness School has prepared girls to be adventurous, courageous, responsible and respectful learners and leaders. The legacy of our Founders, the Misses Brown, continues today and is a rich and integral part of our school culture.

Staff members at Wilderness School are required to uphold the values and the reputation of the School and community. Staff members are expected to show a commitment to:

• conducting their relationships with respect and kindness;
• demonstrating high behavioural, moral, ethical and professional work standards;
• working together to successfully manage change.

Boarding:

Our Boarding Community is made up of girls from regional, interstate and international locations and the broader school community values this diversity. Our boarders form a tight group of remarkable young women who demonstrate a wide range of abilities. We believe boarding at Wilderness provides a unique opportunity for our girls to achieve their full potential. Whilst the academic life of the School is a key focus, the boarding philosophy at Wilderness strives to foster growth by responding to the individual needs, gifts and talents of each girl.

The Head of Boarding leads an environment where girls can thrive and develop their natural independence, self-reliance and self-efficacy. Together we build trust, understanding and respect, with a focus on the three Cs – Confidence, Connectedness and Competence.

Conveniently located on campus, the domestic feel of the School carries through to the boarding facilities. Our Boarding House is a combination of heritage buildings and purpose-built contemporary accommodation, which provides students with excellent study, technology, recreational and dining facilities. Our highly experienced chefs look after our catering service.

The Role:

The Head of Boarding will report directly to the Principal, and as an integral member of the Wilderness School Leadership Team, will work in close liaison with the Heads of School, Heads of House, School Counsellors, Boarding Staff, School Health Officer, Café Staff and the Property & Facilities team to create an outstanding boarding community.

The Head of Boarding is responsible for providing leadership in all aspects of the boarding program, ensuring the highest standards of academic and pastoral support for boarding students at the School.

Working effectively with the boarding staff team to create a supportive, safe and caring boarding environment, the Head of Boarding has the responsibility to ensure that the overall program of wellbeing, study, supervision, co-curricular activities and discipline for the boarding community operate efficiently whilst ensuring that each boarding student has the opportunity to develop and reach their personal potential across all areas of school life. Additional responsibilities include communicating with parents and liaising with key staff in the Senior and Middle School on issues affecting the welfare and academic performance of boarding students.

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Experience in a boarding or residential environment
• An appreciation and understanding of what is needed to oversee a successful boarding school
• a high capacity to lead self and others in the delivery of boarding and initiatives
• excellent skills in communicating to staff, students and parents through the gathering and delivery of information
• a high capacity in developing others in their professional growth and their development
• excellent planning and organisational skills, demonstrating the ability to balance resources, timelines and priorities to achieve objectives
• excellent skills in problem solving and decision making, including the ability to analyse, identify solutions, and make appropriate decisions
• a high capacity to lead and work with others in achieving common goals, objectives and outcomes.
• an ongoing commitment to learning and self-development, particularly in relation to boarding and girls’ education
• Have a commitment to, and a clear understanding of, the ethos of the Wilderness School and the Wilderness’ Mission and Values
• Promote positive role modelling in all dealings with students, staff and parents
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and demonstrating high professional standards within the School and community

The successful candidate will:

• hold relevant tertiary and post graduate qualifications and/or experience related to the leadership responsibility required by the position
• Demonstrated experience working in a student residential environment or in a pastoral leadership position
• Training in Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care
• First Aid Certificate

Wilderness School is committed to child safety. As such, the successful applicant will be expected to satisfy child protection screening and adhere to the School’s Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct.

Wilderness School has engaged Hutton Consulting Australia to assist with the search and selection process for this position. For a full position description, a confidential discussion or enquiries regarding the application process, please contact Darren Roylett 0488 001 064 or darren.roylett@hutton.education

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY ON-LINE

Applications must include:

• a full cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria (maximum 2 pages)
• a detailed curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages)
• contact details of three professional referees

Closing date: Tuesday 5th October at 5.00pm, 2021