Location: Lansdowne, Cape Town, South Africa

Start Date: January 2024

THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you passionate about being a force for change in education? Do you believe that a society is transformed by the renewing of the minds of individuals? That education can unite, build and bring hope? We do.

The Vine School is an independent Christian School – established in 2012 as the second of six Ambleside schools in South Africa. As members of Ambleside Southern Africa (ASA) we embrace Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education. The school now serves 170 children from Pre-Grade R to Grade 7 and intends extending to Grade 8 in 2024 and Grade 9 in 2025.

We believe in the infinite dignity and worth of each child. We are dedicated to serving the growth in character, knowledge and competence of our children, equipping them to flourish in an ever-changing world. We work to cultivate the emotional, relational, cognitive and spiritual maturity of the next generation. We are looking to recruit an individual who shares the same vision to lead our school into the next decade.

YOU WILL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE IF…
You want an opportunity to serve Jesus Christ in education; you have a high degree of relational wisdom and understand the pastoral nature of leading a Christian school; you have relevant educational and operational experience; you are an articulate, excellent communicator, self-motivated and willing to collaborate and partner with other key role players; you are flexible and adapt well to change; you have a resilient, pioneering spirit; you have a growth mindset, believing in people and their capacity to grow and change; you value community and communal life; you lead a disciplined life spiritually – marked by faith, joy and peace.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY – TO LEAD THE SCHOOL IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
Leading inspirationally:

• Articulating the school’s mission, vision and ethos to all its constituents (pupils, parents, staff and other stakeholders) to inspire engaged, united support

Leading spiritually:

• Having a gospel-centred, grace-based, biblical worldview
• Praying and modelling prayer for the whole school community.

Leading in the methodology:

• Attaining expert understanding of the ASA philosophy of education, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the ASA Principal’s Manual, and Ambleside’s method and curriculum for all grades.
• Working with the Director of Instruction to ensure that ASA’s expectations of teachers and pupils are upheld

Leading administratively:

• Implementing and overseeing the entire school program in a manner consistent with the ethos of Ambleside Southern Africa (ASA), in accordance with the policies and budgetary guidelines established by the School Board
• Working closely with the school’s Business Manager to ensure effective administration of all operations that support the educational programme, including financial management, human resources, property maintenance, marketing, fundraising and regulatory compliance
• Liaising with organisations with whom the school is affiliated or to whom the school must report, including the WCED, ISASA, ACSI and ASA

Leading relationally:

• Leading the school as a committed Christ-follower by setting and maintaining a joyful, inspirational atmosphere throughout the school
• Managing conflict effectively.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors’ degree or Higher Education Diploma
• SACE Registered
• A testimony of growth in relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour
• Committed to Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy & methodology
• Cross-cultural competencies and desire to build a diverse community
• Commitment to participatory, listening leadership without neglecting authoritative decision-making
• Strong interpersonal, organisational and administration skills
• Advanced computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Apps.

COMPETENCIES

• Experience of school operations and strong administration skills
• Understanding of the legal and regulatory framework in which schools in South Africa operate
• Excellent relational skills with a natural ability to lead, manage and work with a team
  • High emotional intelligence and the ability to work in a diverse setting with a variety of constituents
  • Excellent spoken and written communication skills
  • Effective planning and time management skills
  • Good conflict management skills
  • Ability to plan strategically, prioritise key objectives and make decisions
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • General good health, both physically and mentally
  • Capacity to work hard, to cope with pressure and to manage stress well
  • An agile, entrepreneurial, adaptable, energetic mindset
  • A healthy measure of the character traits we value: joy, peace, determination, hope, love, relational wisdom, gratitude, respect, humility, patience and a sense of humour

  ADVANTAGEOUS:

  • 5+ years of senior management experience
  • Experience teaching in or leading an Ambleside school and familiarity with the Gr R-7 curriculum
  • Familiarity with Ed-Admin school management program