Finnway International School is looking to appoint a dedicated and experienced school senior leader to deliver the Head of School role at Finnway International School Phuket, Thailand. The ideal candidate will have had the experience of successfully leading a school as a Deputy Head Teacher or Head of School level with a proven contribution to increased attainment and standards.

Overall Leadership Vision:

Finnway International School Phuket (FISP) is committed to fostering a dynamic and collaborative school culture, prioritizing creativity, skill development, global citizenship, and the well-being of both staff and students. The Head of School provides strategic leadership for the school and reports to the Deputy Director. All leadership positions contribute to achieving this vision while aligning with the Finnway 2023-2026 strategy. The Head of School should have a strong understanding and experience of the Finnish Education System.

Shared Leadership Principles:

Collaboration: All leaders will work together to achieve school-wide goals.

Clear communication: Frequent and transparent communication will be maintained between leadership and staff, as well as with parents and the wider community.

Shared accountability: Each leader will be accountable for their specific areas, while also supporting the overall success of the school.

Support: Leaders will provide ongoing support and mentorship to staff members.

Part of School Leadership team:

Deputy Director, Head of School, Head of Primary, and School Manager

Head of School (HOS) Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Oversees the entire school’s development and ensures it aligns with the Finnway 2023-2026 strategy.
• Provides strategic direction and fosters a positive school culture.
• Cultivates awareness and commitment among teachers to fully comprehend and embrace the Finnish curriculum’s philosophy.
• Develops and reviews school policies.
• Partners with the business department to effectively communicate the school’s strengths through social media and other channels.
• Promotes volunteerism and social responsibility: encourage community engagement, organize community service initiatives, and build community connections.
• Leads weekly leadership team meetings.
• Participates in the recruitment and interviewing process for staff.
• Represents Finnway at local, national, and international events.

Kindergarten Leadership:

• Leads, mentors, and coaches the Kindergarten (KG) team, including teachers, assistants, and classroom staff.
• Oversees Head of Primary, in their KG-related responsibilities.
• Develops and implements the Kindergarten Curriculum, aligning it with Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care principles and local needs.
• Strengthen the Finnway identity and four pillars: Well-being, Discovery, Agency, and Action
• Continue implementing FGES Literacy and Numeracy guidelines in K2 and K3.
• Plan lessons and activities according to the new timetable structure.
• Conducts workshops and observations with KG teachers to ensure Finnish ECEC quality.
• Collaborates with Head of Primary, on teacher performance reviews for KG staff.
• Manages the yearly KG budget (excluding salaries).

Professional Development:

• Focuses on social and emotional learning, positive and strength-based approach in kindergarten (2024).
• Ensures Finnish ECEC cornerstones are integrated into daily KG activities (play-based learning).

Communication:

• Prepares termly welcome and farewell messages for the school community.
• Provides weekly KG and school-wide topics to the executive assistant for the newsletter.
• Conducts termly Learning Cafes for parents.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with partners, staff, students, and the wider community.
• Manages transparent and effective communication with KG parents.

Assembly and Staff Meetings:

• Leads primary assemblies every other week and Kindergarten “assemblies” every other week.
• Leads staff morning briefings with Head of Primary, (fortnightly or as needed).

Student Welfare:

• Collaborates with the safeguarding representative, nurse, and learning support team (starting term 2).

Admissions:

• Interviews all families applying to Kindergarten.
• Conducts welcoming meetings with families whose children are accepted into Kindergarten.

Education:

• Continuously evaluates and improves the KG educational programs.
• Leads weekly KG staff meetings.
• Updates report templates (Terms 1 & 2).
• Arranges teacher-parent meetings for KG students with learning concerns (based on data).
• Works with the DD and Head of Primary, on school accreditation and educational standards compliance.
• Plans and implements teacher duty rosters with Head of Primary, (pick-up/drop-off).
• Together with the teachers assess the need to rearrange groups for the next academic year
• Arrange individual meetings with KG staff based on data notifications
• Ensure consistency between KG classrooms
• Work closely with the president of PTA

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of Primary and Kindergarten School leadership experience in international schools
• Proven track record of leading a team to achieve excellence and continuous improvement.
• Have a strong understanding and experience of the Finnish Education System.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Knowledge of local and national education policies and regulations.
• Experience with strategic planning and change management.

The school offers a competitive international salary and benefits package, comparable to similar international schools in the region.

Applications

To apply please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae (with a minimum of three referees, one of which must be your current Head of School/Management or Senior Leadership Team, a one-page Philosophy of Education statement, and a recent passport photograph to [email protected]