Principal: Loreto Normanhurst, Sydney

• Catholic independent boarding & day school for girls
• Commencing Term 1 2019

 Introduction

Established in 1897, Loreto Normanhurst is an independent Catholic day and boarding school for girls from Years 5 to 12. It is part of a worldwide network of Loreto schools, and is one of seven in Australia.

Loreto Normanhurst is a vibrant school which strives to meet the needs of the young women in its care through the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model (LNSGM), a unique method of education. The LNSGM is an award-winning model of education that is innovative and dynamic and which fosters critical thinking, curiosity and joy in learning.

The School aims to provide a learning and working environment that reflects and celebrates diversity, practices affirmative action, offers equal opportunity and is free from discrimination and harassment. Relationships are central to life at Loreto Normanhurst and the nurturing of community and teamwork is an integral part of the way in which staff at the School work together.

Heritage

Loreto Normanhurst is under the care of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), also known as the Loreto Sisters.

The Loreto education tradition spans many centuries, inspired by Mary Ward, the founder of the IBVM, who believed that “women in time to come will do much”. Today, over 400 years later, Loreto schools around the world continue to educate women to be “seekers of truth and doers of justice”. Loreto Normanhurst lives out Mary Ward’s vision through the Loreto Values of Freedom, Justice, Sincerity, Verity and Felicity.

Mother Gonzaga Barry, an Irish pioneer of the IBVM, formed the Institute’s first Australian community at Mary’s Mount in Ballarat in 1875. In 1896 Mother Gonzaga Barry purchased the property on Pennant Hills Road, and in 1897 Loreto Normanhurst was established.

Governance

Loreto Normanhurst is a Company Limited by Guarantee.  The governance model has the School Board as the governing body, accountable to the IBVM.

The School Board is responsible for good governance and the continuing sustainability of Loreto Normanhurst.  They are assisted in these tasks by several subcommittees:  the Finance Committee, the Property Committee, and the Bursary Committee.

The School Board also provides support to the Principal, who manages the operations of the school.

The Principal, while not a member, attends all meetings of the School Board and its subcommittees as an ex-officio.

Leadership of the School

The school’s strategic direction and overall operations are managed by the Principal and the Leadership Team.  This team has responsibility for every aspect of the school, encompassing the following portfolios:

• Learning
• Boarding
• Finance and Property
• Pastoral Care
• Development (Fundraising, Enrolments, Marketing & Communications, Events)
• Mission
• Professional Learning
• Primary School

Members of the Leadership Team, along with the Administration Team (known as Deans) work to weave a consistent fabric from the many threads and networks of school life, and connect these to the school’s overall direction for the future.

The current student population is approximately 1,100, over 150 of whom are Boarders.

Further Information

A range of additional information can be viewed by visiting the Loreto Normanhurst website located at http://www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Position Overview

Position Title:    Principal

Reports to:          School Board

Position Purpose

To ensure that Loreto Normanhurst pursues excellence in education within the Catholic and Loreto traditions.

Key Responsibilities

Each of the following eight leadership domains represents a significant area of accountability and action for the principal.

1. Religious Leadership

The principal is the spiritual leader of the school community and ensures that primacy is given to faith formation of students and staff.

2. Educational Leadership

The principal is the educational leader of the school community and ensures the existence of a vibrant learning environment.

3. Strategic Leadership

The principal works with the School Board in leading the school community in the development and implementation of the strategic plan.

4. Human Resources Leadership

The principal ensures effective leadership and management of the school staff by promoting a collaborative culture and fostering professional growth.

5. Organisational Leadership

The principal implements and manages efficient and effective administrative and financial practices within resourcing constraints and legal and policy requirements.

6. Community Leadership

The principal develops community within the day and boarding schools.

7. Inner Leadership

The principal seeks to achieve authenticity through critical reflection, personal integrity and credibility.

8. Interpersonal Leadership

The principal seeks to build trusting relationships based on personal values and respect for the dignity of all members of the school community.

Initial Areas for Priority and Focus

The priorities will be discussed with people as we move through this process.

Key Relationships

The Principal is accountable to the Loreto Normanhurst School Board and is supported by a Leadership Team comprising:

• Deputy Principal
• Head of Primary
• Director of Boarding
• Director of Business Operations
• Director of Development
• Director of Learning
• Director of Mission
• Director of Pastoral Care
• Director of Professional Learning

A full Organisation Chart can be viewed by clicking here

Reason for Vacancy

In May this year the Principal of Loreto Normanhurst, Ms Barbara Watkins, announced her resignation from the position after 18 years of outstanding leadership, the last 10 years as Principal.  Ms Watkins will step aside from the role at the end of the 2018 school year.

Commencement

The School Board anticipates the new Principal will be able to commence in January 2019  with a suitable period of comprehensive induction and immersion program to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. This induction will also allow for introduction to the Loreto Normanhurst community at some key events.

Location

Loreto Normanhurst is located in Sydney’s leafy Upper North Shore. It is an oasis set back from bustling Pennant Hills Road. Its street address is 91-93 Pennant Hills Road, Normanhurst.

Visit the school’s website www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au or social media sites including www.facebook.com.au/loretonh to view the school facilities and the community life at Loreto Normanhurst.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant
• Leave: 4 weeks of annual leave; 2 weeks Professional Learning leave; ex gratia leave between Christmas and New Year
• The initial contract term of the appointment will be 5 years with consideration given to an additional 5 years, subject to a major appraisal in final year of the initial contract.
• There is an annual appraisal process
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant
• The successful applicant will undertake a Working with Children Check or provide their number for verification, and a National Police Checking Service (Crimtrac) prior to appointment

Selection Criteria

The School Board invites expressions of interest from experienced Catholic educational leaders who align with the following:

• As a practising Catholic, the ability to lead a faith community and articulate the religious purpose and essence of the school;
• Capable of committing to promote the core values which are at the heart of the Mary Ward charism and a Loreto education;
• Able to nurture the well-being of students and staff as an essential foundation for learning and working;
• Capacity to lead and inspire a school community, including building a team where optimum performance is achieved in a collaborative and collegial manner;
• A passion for education with vision, strategic thinking skills and a global perspective;
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication and presentation skills;
• Formal qualifications combined with a track record of ongoing personal and professional learning.

Are You Interested in this Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, then simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email us at jobs@traksearch.com stating your interest and nominating ref number TS1362. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number.

At this stage we do NOT ask you to address the selection criteria or provide an application document – just complete the panel on this page or send a one-line email to Trak Search to indicate your interest in ‘Loreto Normanhurst Principal TS1362’; and providing your brief resume and contact telephone number.

Any questions can be directed to either (a) our Director John Chesher by telephone (0417 068 220) or (b) email our office via jobs@traksearch.com.

The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.

The Selection Process

Key dates are as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for confidential discussions and to provide information to allow you to explore this opportunity and determine your interest in the role
• A range of additional information will be provided to you as we progress through this process
• At the outset you will not be required to: complete an application form; provide a lengthy document to address the selection criteria; or supply referee details. However, you will be invited to supply us with additional information (verbally and in writing) as you progress through the process
• A late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the schedule. Please be aware however that any application received after close of business on the date noted above is more likely to be returned to you
• At the appropriate time (refer above) we will seek written consent to speak with referees – listing referees on your resume does not signify consent
• We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Priest/Religious referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.  You should always expect that prior to reaching the final stage of the project, we will ask to speak with at least one person who has: directly managed you; recently; and for a significant time
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Board unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.