PRINCIPAL– Hester Hornbrook Academy, Melbourne City Mission (VIC)

The Hester Hornbrook Academy (the Academy) is an Independent School, run by Melbourne City Mission (MCM), that provides programs for young people who have or are at risk of, disengaging with education. The Academy offers the VCAL at Foundation, Intermediate and Senior levels, additionally, students have access to a range of VET courses enabling them to gain hands-on skills in visual art, business, community services, music and hospitality.

The Academy operates from multiple locations (learning hubs) across Melbourne, with each class supported by an Educator and a Youth Worker who work in partnership to deliver the education program and provide personalised support to all students. All staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, restorative practices, CPR and first aid.

Students are aged between 15 and 25 and are referred to the school from a range of Community Service providers and mainstream schools. The Connect Youth program, provides outreach education, small group-based workshops and case management support. Students are provided with assistance to access external training providers including TAFE and private providers.

The experienced, passionate team at the Academy sees potential – not problems. Supporting students in every aspect of life and to learn at their pace, their way, some students have had to overcome significant challenges in order to continue with their education. Educators and Youth Workers work together to support students to achieve the goals that they set for themselves and reach towards their academic potential. The innovative model enables students to pursue their learning journey and access a range of choices and opportunities. There are a range of learning options that support young people to gain practical skills, work towards their goals and take charge of their future.

MCM seeks to attract an exceptional leader and relationship builder who has significant experience in developing, implementing and evaluating programs for students who have found it difficult to adapt to the educational and social demands of mainstream education.

With a negotiated start date in 2020, and primarily based in inner city Melbourne, the Principal will have knowledge of contemporary pedagogies in diverse educational pathways and approaches to re-engage young people. The successful candidate will be passionate about developing students holistically, empowering each young person to achieve a sense of belonging, equipped with the necessary skills and attributes for success.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and relational leader able to:

• Manage complex student pastoral care and wellbeing concerns, effectively communicate and liaise with relevant stakeholders
• Position the Academy as a leading provider of innovative and flexible learning pathways focused on engagement and empowerment of young people
• Strategically and collaboratively lead the Academy, taking responsibility for leading multiple teams, systems and approaches involved with the delivery of teaching, learning and caring
• Oversee staff employment, performance review and professional development programs
• Demonstrate a high level of communication skills in building and sustaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Leadership of all financial and commercial aspects of the Academy, including maintaining and developing funding agreements

The Hester Hornbrook Academy 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.

Melbourne City Mission has engaged Hutton Consulting Australia to assist with the search and selection process for this position. For a confidential discussion regarding the application process and to obtain the full position description please contact Fiona Hutton on 0499 000 973 or email fiona@hutton.education or Dr Amanda Samson on 0433 356 911 or email amanda.samson@hutton.education

Applications close on Monday 28 October, 5.00pm