Diocese of Wagga Wagga Catholic Schools Office Applicant Information for the position of

School Service Officer National Partnerships Secondment 2014 school year

THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE, WAGGA WAGGA The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) is accountable to the Bishop and is led by the Director of Schools, Mr Alan Bowyer. The Director is supported by 2 Assistant Directors (Catholic Life and Mission and School and System Improvement), 4 Service Leaders. Service Leaders occupy the following roles: two Consultants who support principals and school staff; Finance & Resources; and Employee Services. There are 27 primary schools and 5 secondary schools that educate in excess of 8,500 students through the dedication and work of approximately 1,000 staff. Our Catholic school communities encounter and engage with Jesus and His message as communities of faith, learning, care, service and stewardship. We strive to educate tomorrow's adults, developing their God-given individual talents to enable them to fulfil their life’s potential. Today's students enjoy challenge and embrace the learning technologies and religious and spiritual opportunities available to them as part of their education in a Catholic school. Staff in our schools address the expectations of an ever-changing world in their commitment to educating the whole child. They acknowledge the role of parents as the first educators of their children and appreciate the confidence which parents have in them to deliver appropriate, focused and quality Catholic education. Catholic Schools and Colleges in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga continue to strive for excellence so that the choice of a Catholic education remains affordable and the right choice for your child’s education. THE WAGGA WAGGA REGION Wagga Wagga has a population of approximately 60,000 people, and is the state's largest inland city. It is an important agricultural, military, educational and transport hub of Australia. The city is located midway between Sydney and Melbourne, and is close to the ACT. It is the major regional centre for the Riverina and South West Slopes. Higher education in Wagga Wagga is provided by Charles Sturt University (CSU), the University of NSW, University of Notre Dame, TAFE NSW - Riverina Institute, Australian Airline Pilot Academy and two major Defence Training Centres at Kapooka (Australian Army) and RAAF Forest Hill (Royal Australian Airforce). Wagga Wagga has wonderful parks and gardens. You can cycle the “bikeways”, take a nature walk along the banks of the Murrumbidgee or an outing to one of the speciality markets. Visit the Museums, Art Galleries and Theatres – from traditional to contemporary there is something to suit all tastes.

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

ADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN WAGGA WAGGA Career: 

This is an opportunity for career development and advancement, working with a diverse range of staff from across a wide community, on a more personal level.

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Professional experiences are supported and made available to advance knowledge in your chosen field.

Work/Life Balance:     

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A healthier work/life balance. Regional areas provide a real sense of community. Friendly people. Good schooling; sports facilities; cultural facilities. Regional cities are the most family-friendly places to live in Australia ahead of the nation's capitals, experiencing less mortgage stress, higher employment and safer communities. Wagga Wagga was the nation's number one city to live, according to a new report, boasting better employment levels and safety in the city and on its roads. (Jan 2014) A real sense of community in the various schools and towns across the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

Financial:   

No long, daily commute Housing is much more affordable than metropolitan areas Entertainment is reasonably priced and a wide variety of entertainment is available eg: Forum 6 Cinema, Wagga Wagga School of Arts Community Theatre (SoACT), Civic Theatre, and a large number of excellent restaurants. FURTHER INFORMATION

Please visit the Wagga Wagga CSO website located at http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au to access a range of information including the CSO Vision and Mission; the CSO Strategic Plan; and ‘A Framework for Learning’. For general information on Wagga Wagga and the surrounding area, please visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

TEAM:

School Service Team

ROLE:

School Service Officer – Learning and Teaching – National Partnerships

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Assistant Directors’ Catholic Life Mission and School and System Improvement

REMUNERATION:

CSO Remuneration Framework – Level 8/3 ($116,736.74pa)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PURPOSE OF THE ROLE This role exists to support the Director of Schools, through the Assistant Directors, in the implementation of the three core areas of the Diocesan Strategic Plan, namely Catholic Identity, Pedagogy and student learning. The role has a focus on promoting the most effective contemporary pedagogy and the best possible learning opportunities for all students in Diocesan schools. The role will facilitate the delivery of a range of services to schools and staff which underpin the learning and teaching and inclusion of students with additional learning needs across all areas of the curriculum, supporting communities of Faith, Learning, Care, Service and Stewardship. The work plan of the School Service Officer is informed by the System and School Strategic Plans through negotiation with the Assistant Directors. The School Service Officer works in collaboration and consultation with other members of the School Services Team. Additional key responsibilities An additional key responsibility of the role is to facilitate the implementation of the National Partnerships in schools by ensuring that principals and teachers are familiar with the philosophy and purpose of the program. This role is responsible for ensuring the Catholic Schools Office remains compliant and meets it obligations in respect of participation in the National Partnerships. The School Service Officer builds authentic relationships with other relevant agencies and disseminates information to the School Services Team.

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY 1. Actively promotes the Vision and Mission of Catholic education in the Diocese by: a. Strengthening the role of all staff as instruments of evangelisation. b. Modelling the values inherent in Christ’s teaching, ie. the discipleship we hope the graduates of our schools will commit to. c. Ensuring that collaboration and stewardship underpin the leadership and management of the System of Schools, recognising the complementary roles of pastors, parents and teachers in the ministry of Catholic education. d. Promoting excellence in the Religious Education curriculum. e. Providing Leadership in accordance with key CSO documents currently i. Bishop Hanna’s Mandate “Continuing the Adventure” and its supporting documentation ii. Catholic Schools Office Vision and Mission statement, and iii. The CSO Diocese of Wagga Wagga Strategic Plan iv. The CSO Diocese of Wagga Wagga Framework for Learning 2. Support excellence in teaching in all Key Learning Areas by: a. Promoting the CSO Learning Framework in Diocesan schools. b. Promoting and supporting Strategic Projects by working with staff in schools as directed by the Strategic Improvement Plan and the Diocesan and Schools Annual Improvement Plans. c. Promoting Action Research for Learning in all classrooms, drawing on data from a wide range of sources, including national testing and school based assessment. d. Engaging teachers and students in the use of technology to enhance contemporary learning. e. Actively promote collaboration and networking amongst school staff to build teacher capacity and develop excellent contemporary classroom practices. f. Provide targeted professional learning, resources and strategies to support projects identified in the Diocesan Strategic Plan. 3. Addressing the diverse learning needs of students by: a. Assisting teachers with strategies to adjust programs for all students with additional and diverse learning needs. b. Providing a comprehensive strategy and program for students with additional special needs. c. Ensuring all aspects of the “COAG closing the gap on educational disadvantage by 2018” are being implemented and understood for the greater achievement of Aboriginal students d. Assist teachers to provide gifted students with appropriate opportunities for growth using contemporary research findings. e. Ensuring that student welfare and behaviour management policy and practice is in place to support the rights of all students to learn effectively in our schools. f. Establish inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of students from different linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

SCHOOL SERVICE OFFICER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Essential: All School Service Officers will have and use: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. n. o. p. q.

A lived understanding of and commitment to the evangelising mission of the Church. Communicate respectfully and professionally. Excellent communication skills. Present a positive and professional image of Catholic Education. Demonstrate consistent and innovative teaching practice over time Initiate and lead activities that focus on improving educational opportunities for all students. Seek to improve their own practice and to share their experience with colleagues. Skilled in mentoring teachers, using activities that develop knowledge, practice and professional engagement. Promote creative, innovative thinking among colleagues. Show ability to offer and accept feedback from peers. Have a working knowledge of RE curriculum statements. Be familiar with and be able to interpret Australian Syllabus documents. Demonstrate contemporary pedagogical practices. Be able to use and manipulate suitable learning technologies. Be able to differentiate curriculum statements to suit learning of any students. Know and demonstrate the ability to work as a team. Have qualifications required for Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead in Catholic Education for at least Category C (or working towards) (Accreditation for Leadership in a Catholic Schools and the Catholic Schools Office)

Desirable: a. Know and understand the principles and practices of coaching. This Position Description may be amended in order to meet the operational and strategic goals of the Catholic Schools Office. You may also be required to carry out other duties reasonably required by the Catholic Schools Office, Wagga Wagga after appropriate consultation.

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT Secondment for the 2014 school year.

LOCATION The CSO Office is located in McAlroy House, 205 Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT       

Salary and Conditions: Level 8/3 ($116,736.74pa) in accordance with the Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Wagga Wagga 2009, General Terms of Employment Leave: 4 weeks annual leave; 2 weeks stand down leave; ex gratia leave between Christmas and New Year Superannuation of 9.25% paid in addition to the above salary. A motor vehicle is provided for work use. Salary Packaging: employees may elect to take their remuneration as a combination of cash salary and benefits as outlined in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga Salary Packaging Employee Information Guide. Applicants who are successful in gaining an interview will receive an interview travel allowance. The successful applicant will undertake a New Working with Children Check and a National Police Checking Service (Crimtrac) prior to appointment. TENTATIVE SHORTLISTING AND INTERVIEW DATES:

Shortlisting:

TBC

Interview:

TBC

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

CORE DOCUMENTS Bishop Hanna’s Mandate

Available on webpage at http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=-ZF__jlSrXU%3d&tabid=64

CSO Strategic Plan

Available on webpage at http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=iLgQZbZVgRw%3d&tabid=145

Building on Strengths

Available on webpage at http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=7wZAhqu9fyw%3d&tabid=168

A Framework for Learning Available on webpage at http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=78ZOQ4sG1PY%3d&tabid=64

Firestick

Available on webpage at http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=KU1XufqzVA0%3d&tabid=168

Accreditation to Work, Teach & Lead in Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Available on webpage at http://web.csoww.catholic.edu.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wNrR58gta6k%3d&tabid=75

EMPLOYMENT COLLECTION NOTICE In applying for employment in the diocese you will be providing the Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Wagga Wagga with personal information. We can be contacted on the details provided above. If you provide us with personal information, for example your name and address or information contained on your resume, we will collect the information in order to assess your application. You may seek access to your personal information that we hold about you if you are unsuccessful for the position. However, there may be occasions when access is denied. Such occasions would include where access would have an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others. We will not disclose this information to a third party without your consent. If you are the preferred applicant you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History Record Check and the New Working with Children Check, prior to an appointment being made. If you provide us with personal information of others, we encourage you to inform them that you are disclosing that information to the Catholic Schools Office and why, that they can access that information if they wish, that the Catholic Schools Office does not usually disclose the information to third parties.

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

MAP OF THE DIOCESE OF WAGGA WAGGA The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga is divided into four major regional centres: Wagga, Griffith/MIA, Finley/South-West, Albury.

School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION Please submit your resume and covering letter (no more than 2 pages), addressing the essential skills and abilities, and the additional key responsibilities (found within the role description) of the position by Monday 10 March 2014. For further information please contact Chris Smyth on 0448272925. Your resume will include: full employment history; academic qualifications (showing institution & year completed); professional association/memberships; recent professional development and the names and contact numbers of 3 professional referees and 1 character referee, which may include your Parish Priest if relevant. Please contact the Employee Services Team on 02 69370014 or email [email protected] for further information. Please complete and return via email to [email protected] or via mail to: Employee Services Manager Catholic Schools Office PO Box 1012 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 Phone: (02) 69370014 Fax: (02)69212286 PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION How did you become aware of this vacancy? Sydney Morning Herald The Age The Canberra Times School Notice Board Web Page Teachers On Net Other……………………………………………… DECLARATION I certify that the information on this form is complete and correct in every detail and I understand that deliberate inaccuracies or omission may result in non-acceptance of this application and/or termination of employment. Signature……………………………………………………Date The Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Wagga Wagga, complies with current Privacy Legislation requirements. School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching National Partnerships Application Package 2014

CSO Structure Chart 2014 Diocesan Schools Advisory Board

Bishop

Director of Schools

Finance and Resources

IT Services

Assistant to the Director of Schools

Assistant to the Director of Schools

(Catholic Life & Mission)

(School and System Improvement)

Employee Services

Directorate

Consultants

Lead School Service Team

School Service Team