High School Principal - SPARK Randburg High School - 2022 at SPARK Schools

Purpose of Role:

The Principal drives student achievement by leading a team of excellent staff to prepare SPARK scholars for university and beyond. The Principal sets a rigorous vision for student achievement and implements strategic steps to lead staff, families, students, and the greater community to fulfill that vision. The Principal collaborates with the Assistant Principal(s) and Operations and Blended Learning Manager to uphold high expectations for school culture, student achievement, and professional development.

The Principal drives decision ­making within the SPARK Schools model in terms of the instructional program and school operations to ensure that every SPARK scholar is academically successful and an excellent representative of the SPARK core values. The Principal is integral to the SPARK Schools “culture” and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars.

Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a school culture that values high achievement, strong character, and a love for learning.
• Implement a highly rigorous and engaging instructional program that promotes content mastery, creative problem solving, and character development, which is consistent with SPARK Schools’ mission and vision.
• Use quantitative (assessment) and qualitative (anecdotal) data to drive decision-­making and instruction at the school.
• Set ambitious goals, academically and otherwise, and holds staff and students accountable for achieving those results.
• Manage behaviour policy, student behaviour and oversee the implementation of individualised plans for students who repeatedly do not meet SPARK Schools’ behavioural expectations.
• Promote a culture of self-reflection and continual improvement of effectiveness in staff:
• Facilitate the professional development of SPARK staff by keeping a consistent weekly observation and coaching cycle and collaborating with SPARK Support staff to provide relevant weekly professional development sessions.
• Conduct termly evaluations of SPARK staff to nurture their professional growth and leadership capacities.
• Facilitate a high-­achieving work environment where staff feel genuinely valued and supported.
• Build relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including parents, families, greater community, and Department of Basic Education, and leverage these relationships to increase student achievement:
• Lead termly and monthly school­-wide community events, leveraging the capacity of the school leadership team, teachers, and active parents for support.
• Lead the process for achieving accreditation with Umalusi for the delivery of National Senior Certificate examinations.
• Lead the process for administering National Senior Certificate examinations and relevant district and provincial standardised examinations.
• Manage the Instructional Assistant Principal(s) including an Operational Assistant Principal and facilitate their leadership development in the context of SPARK’s network­-wide leadership development program.
• Participate in the selection of new school based personnel.
• Responsible for the onboarding of all new staff members.
• Define and share information about policies and procedures to parents, students, staff and community.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
• Manage the school financial budget.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

Experience

• At least 3-4 years of excellent classroom instruction including Grade 12 teaching experience
• At least two years in high school leadership
• Experience and practice with labour laws
• Experience and practice with Umalusi accreditation and National Senior Certificate examination administration

Preferred qualifications and criteria

• English language fluency
• Grade 12 Certificate
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree (SP & FET)
• Honours or a Masters qualification advantageous
• SACE registration
• Clear criminal record

Qualities:

• Grit: Persistence through challenges.
• Excellence: A track record of high expectations personally and professionally.
• Mission and Vision Alignment: Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent education at an affordable cost.
• Self­ Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.