Primary School Principal

Founded in 1924, the Foundation of the International School of Geneva, commonly known as Ecolint educates 4500 students aged from 3-18 representing over 130 nationalities. Each of our eight schools is dedicated to the development of seven life-worthy, future-ready global competences: we develop lifelong learning, self-agency, the ability to interact with the world, with others and with resources so as to develop transdisciplinary, multiliterate thinking. Through this, we drive our mission, which is to educate students to be global citizens with the courage and capacity to create a just and joyful tomorrow together. Ecolint is built on strong humanitarian values and prides itself on its long history of pedagogical innovation, including the creation of the Model United Nations system and the International Baccalaureate. We have around 1250 employees representing more than 60 nationalities, united as one core of dynamic professionals, committed to our mission. The La Châtaigneraie Campus is set amidst the picturesque rolling farms and villages of Founex overlooking Lake Geneva not far from the city. With a mix of historic and new buildings, the campus is split into a Primary and Secondary school with a combined total of around 1600 students. We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School while also offering our students the option to complete the Swiss Maturité. Our programmes are based on the IB’s ‘Learner Profile’, a set of ideals that inspire, motivate and focus the work of the school and help students to become more thoughtful, grounded, responsible and caring global citizens. Fostering these qualities is at the heart of all we do. The international team of educators is devoted to supporting and celebrating a diverse population of students.
Information
LocationLa Châtaigneraie (Primary/primaire)
Application closing date31/05/2023
Starting Date01/09/2023
ContractFull-time

To complete our team, we are looking for a:

 

Primary School Principal

 

Reporting to the Director General, the Primary School Principal has overall responsibility and accountability for the academic and administrative leadership of the La Châtaigneraie Primary School.

The Principal will provide leadership, expertise, and innovative thinking around emerging trends in primary school education, administer and manage the operations of the Primary School, and inspire faculty, staff, and students to be active and engaged learners.

In addition to being accountable for the Primary School, the Principal is also a member of the senior leadership team of Ecolint, providing guidance, leadership, and strategic direction to Ecolint as a whole.

 

Key responsibilities:

LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT

  • Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team of Ecolint to ensure that all three campuses are providing an outstanding education to their students, and the overall goals and strategies of the School as a whole are being pursued.
  • Have overall accountability and responsibility for all aspects of La Châtaigneraie Primary School including (through working with Ecolint’s central administration) HR, budget, admissions, and marketing.
  • Oversee the appointment and professional development of outstanding educators with experience of the emotional and cognitive development of primary school students.
  • Provide direction, motivation, and inspiration to the Primary School faculty, staff, and students.
  • Seek new approaches to innovative learning and programme delivery, based on educational research and best practice.
  • In collaboration with the Secondary School and Campus Principal, set and implement strategic priorities for teaching and learning across the campus.
  • Work constructively with the Staff Association and the unions to ensure productive, positive partnerships and open and collegial relationships.
  • Work closely with parents, students, staff, and other members of the internal and external La Châtaigneraie community, acting as an ambassador for the Primary School.

ACADEMIC

  • Work collaboratively in identifying and integrating technology tools that transform learning in the classroom.
  • In collaboration with the Secondary School Principal, work to ensure a seamless transition for students as they journey through their time at La Châtaigneraie.
  • Work in partnership with the pastoral care and learning support teams to ensure appropriate provision for students with identified learning needs.
  • Oversee the development of innovative programmes that provide authentic and transformational learning opportunities for students.
  • Ensure continuous professional growth of staff to support programme excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.
  • Conduct staff evaluations, oversee staff induction orientation programmes, and take an active role in the mentoring of new teachers and department heads.
  • Lead, coach, and support teachers in the areas of curriculum design and development and ensure consistency in instructional and assessment practices.

STUDENTS

  • Take an active interest in the lives of the students at La Chataigneraie, providing advice, counsel, wisdom, and support as they journey through the Primary School.
  • Set and communicate high standards for curricular/instructional quality and student achievement.
  • Seek out and support students’ involvement in the leadership of the Primary School.
  • Ensure that La Chataigneraie Primary School continues to develop conscientious global citizens with both emotional and cultural intelligence.
  • Ensure that the safety and welfare of students and staff are at the centre of all action and all decision making.
  • Ensure that the Primary School offers an inclusive and safe environment for students, with a constant focus on anti-discrimination and community-building.

 

Profile:

Ecolint welcomes applicants from different backgrounds and with varied experience gained insettings around the world. First and foremost, the new Primary School Principal will be bilingual (English/French) with a command of both languages, both spoken and written. The Principal will bring intellectual depth, expertise in primary education and belief in the transformative power of a truly international education. The Principal will have the ability to inspire, excite, support, and engage faculty in striving for excellence in teaching and learning, and they will connect deeply and authentically with a diverse, engaging, and involved student body. The successful candidate is likely to possess all or most of the following experience, qualifications, credentials and personal qualities.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • A strong and respected educational leader, with a track record of mentoring and developing teaching and non-teaching staff, encouraging students, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning community.
  • Senior level leadership experience, earned in an international independent school environment, or in a variety of complex educational contexts.
  • A learning-focused leader with a passion for primary school education and strong experience as a classroom practitioner.
  • A global mindset, an international outlook, and deep experience in (and commitment to) educating young people for success in a complex and changing world.
  • A demonstrated track record of administrative leadership and management, and a reputation as a fair, collegial, and collaborative colleague.
  • A consultative mindset and willingness to listen and to seek consensus where possible, coupled with the courage to make tough decisions that are not always popular or easy.
  • The ability to identify trends and anticipate developments in our rapidly changing education environment; this will include experience with integrating new educational technologies in the classroom.
  • A track record of success in both thinking strategically and taking strategy through to tactics and implementation
  • Experience preparing and delivering instructional feedback to staff, particularly as it relates to curriculum design and lesson plans, but also in the context of evaluations, coaching, and mentoring.
  • A track record of growing capacity and excellence in all teachers and holding them accountable for their performance and for their ongoing professional growth.
  • A deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of community and diversity, and a commitment to respecting and embracing the philosophy and values of La Châtaigneraie Campus and Ecolint as a whole.
  • Experience of working with bilingual programmes would be desirable.

CREDENTIALS

- A strong academic background, and a track record of success in academic leadership at the primary school level.

- Experience with, or an aptitude for, working collaboratively and constructively with faculty/staff unions.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

  • An excellent listener who possesses tremendous organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to “roll up their sleeves” and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining an excellent rapport with all constituents.
  • Strong emotional intelligence, with the sensitivity to understand the needs of others and the ability to create the conditions for all students to thrive.
  • A calm, consistent and articulate communicator, with strong relationship building skills.
  • A commitment to diversity and inclusion, strongly complemented by cultural intelligence.
  • A collaborative and collegial approach, with the ability to bring faculty, staff, students, and parents together in pursuit of a common vision.
  • Integrity, an open mind, empathy, resilience, optimism, compassion, humility, and respect for others.
  • A truly global mindset, a deep appreciation of diversity in all of its forms, and a sensitivity to cultural differences and traditions.
  • Ability to personally model the school’s core values, as well as approachability, openness, and enthusiasm.
  • Ability to connect easily with others, and balance firmness and fairness in problem resolution.
  • A passion for teaching and learning, and for working with children of all ages.
  • A strong desire to support students’ growth, and to enable them to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.

 

Candidates are required to apply online by sending their:

- CV,

- three professional references from your Managers, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer, that may be followed at the point of interview

- a covering letter addressed to Conrad Hughes before May 31th 2023 mentioning the reference number 230 339.

 

Apply Online

The International School of Geneva values and encourages diversity among its staff. As such, we welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. The School is seriously committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous conduct and child protection checks appropriate to their position, including prior checks with their previous employers and the authorities.