Kyrewyn OKane

As the leader of a year level, I play a crucial role in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for both students and teachers. During my time as Yr 9 YLLL, these are some of the roles I developed.

Liaise with Parents:

• Foster strong communication and collaboration with parents through regular updates and meetings.
• Address parent concerns and inquiries promptly, maintaining an open line of communication.
• Organize workshops or information sessions to engage parents in their child's education.
• Resolve Incidents:
• Respond to and resolve incidents involving students, whether related to behaviour, conflicts, or other issues.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other staff members to address and find solutions to incidents.

Take Notes Using SIMON:

• Utilize the SIMON education management system to document and track incidents, meetings, and important information.
• Ensure accurate and detailed notes are maintained for effective communication and follow-up.

Implement Brain Breaks:

• Integrate brain breaks into the daily schedule to support students' cognitive and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers to identify appropriate and effective brain break activities.
• Deal with Behavior Issues:
• Address and manage behaviour issues among students within the year level.
• Work closely with teachers to implement consistent behaviour management strategies.
• Collaborate with support staff and counsellors to address underlying causes of behavioural challenges.

Run Restorative Practices:

• Implement restorative practices to resolve conflicts and build positive relationships within the school community.
• Facilitate restorative circles or conferences to address issues and promote understanding.
• Provide training and support for teachers in restorative approaches.

Student Welfare and Support:

• Monitor and support the overall well-being of students within the assigned year level.
• Address individual student needs, concerns, and conflicts.
• Collaborate with counsellors and support staff to provide appropriate interventions.

Communication with Parents:

• Maintain regular communication with parents or guardians regarding student progress and well-being.
• Organize parent-teacher conferences and other communication channels.
• Address and resolve parental concerns in collaboration with teachers and other staff.

Academic Monitoring and Support:

• Monitor the academic progress of students within the year level.
• Work with teachers to identify and address academic challenges.
• Implement strategies for academic support and intervention.

Discipline and Behavior Management:

• Enforce and uphold school policies and codes of conduct.
• Address disciplinary issues in collaboration with teachers, parents, and school administrators.
• Implement positive behaviour reinforcement programs.

Collaboration with Teachers:

• Work closely with teachers to ensure consistency in curriculum delivery and assessment.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to discuss student progress, share strategies, and address challenges.
• Support professional development opportunities for teachers.

Transition Planning:

• Assist in the smooth transition of students from one grade to the next.
• Coordinate with teachers from the previous and subsequent year levels to ensure continuity in learning.

Student Engagement and Enrichment:

• Organize or support extracurricular activities, events, and clubs to enhance student engagement.
• Identify and promote opportunities for student enrichment and leadership development.

Crisis Response:

• Be prepared to respond to any crises or emergencies involving students.
• Work with school administrators and support staff to implement crisis management plans.

Attendance Monitoring:

• Monitor student attendance and address any patterns of absenteeism.
• Collaborate with the attendance office to implement interventions for students with attendance issues.

Celebrate Achievements:

• Acknowledge and celebrate the academic, extracurricular, and personal achievements of students within the year level.
• Organize awards ceremonies or recognition events.
• Professional Development:
• Support the professional development of teachers within the year level.
• Provide opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and skill development.

Data Analysis:

• Analyze data related to student performance, behaviour, and attendance.
• Use data to identify trends and implement targeted interventions.

Community Engagement:

• Foster positive relationships with the community, including local businesses and organizations.
• Explore opportunities for community involvement in supporting student success.
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Promote a Positive School Culture:

• Act as a role model for a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Encourage a sense of belonging and pride within the year level.

As the head of the English department, I play a crucial role in shaping the curriculum, fostering a positive and productive teaching environment, and ensuring the overall success of the year 7 English program. Here are some key responsibilities and tasks you may be involved in:

• Lead Meetings:
• Conduct regular departmental meetings to discuss curriculum updates, teaching strategies, and department goals.
• Provide a platform for teachers to share best practices, challenges, and successes.
• Collaborate with teachers to create meeting agendas that address departmental priorities.
• Liaise with Education Perfect Educators:
• Collaborate with representatives from Education Perfect to stay updated on the latest educational technology and resources.
• Organise workshops or training sessions for English teachers on effectively using Education Perfect tools and materials.
• Provide feedback to Education Perfect based on teachers' experiences and needs.
• Develop New UBDs (Understanding by Design):
• Work with teachers to design and implement innovative Understanding by Design units.
• Ensure alignment with educational standards and learning objectives.
• Incorporate feedback from teachers and students to improve UBDs continuously.
• Create Rubrics:
• Develop comprehensive and clear rubrics for various English assignments and assessments.
• Collaborate with teachers to ensure rubrics align with curriculum goals.
• Train teachers on effectively using rubrics for assessment and feedback.
• Use and Teach Aspects of SIMON:
• Utilise the SIMON education management system for efficient data management and communication within the English department.
• Train teachers on using SIMON for tasks such as grade reporting and communication with students and parents.
• Explore and implement additional features of SIMON to enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness. Such as SIMON lesson plans
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• Curriculum Development:
• Collaborate with teachers to design and update the English curriculum.
• Stay current with educational trends and standards in English language arts.
• Integrate technology and innovative teaching methods into the curriculum.

Teacher Support and Evaluation:

• Conduct regular check-ins of English teachers.
• Provide constructive feedback and support for professional growth.
• Address any issues or concerns raised by teachers.
• Student Achievement:
• Monitor student performance in English classes.
• Implement strategies to improve student achievement.
• Work with teachers to develop interventions for struggling students.
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Foster effective communication within the English department and with other departments.
• Collaborate with administrators, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Organise regular department meetings to discuss curriculum, goals, and challenges.
• Assessment and Testing:
• Oversee the development and implementation of assessments.
• Ensure alignment with educational standards.
• ACER Ewrite
• PAT Reading
• Renassaince
• Education Perfect Pre and Post-testing
• Advocacy for the English Department:
• Advocate for the importance of the year 7 English team within the school and the community.
• Promote the value of strong language skills for students' future success.

Teacher Mentor

As a teacher mentor, your role is crucial in supporting and guiding new staff members as they integrate into the school community. Here are additional responsibilities to enhance your role as a mentor:

• Orientation and Onboarding:
• Facilitate a comprehensive orientation for new staff, introducing them to school policies, procedures, and the overall culture.
• Provide an overview of the curriculum, teaching resources, and any unique aspects of the school community.
• Personalised Support:
• Offer personalized support to new teachers based on their individual needs, experiences, and goals.
• Conduct regular check-ins to assess how they are adapting to the school environment.
• Collaboration and Networking:
• Encourage new teachers to collaborate with colleagues, participate in department meetings, and engage in professional learning communities.
• Facilitate networking opportunities within the school community.
• Modeling Best Practices:
• Demonstrate effective teaching practices through co-teaching or modelling lessons.
• Share your own experiences, challenges, and successes as a teacher.
• Resource Sharing:
• Share teaching resources, lesson plans, and instructional materials with new teachers.
• Assist them in navigating the school's curriculum and technology platforms.
• Problem-Solving Support:
• Act as a sounding board for any challenges or concerns new teachers may encounter.
• Collaborate with them to find solutions and navigate potential obstacles.
• Promote a Positive School Culture:
• Foster a positive and inclusive school culture by introducing new teachers to the school's values and expectations.
• Encourage their active participation in school events and activities.
• Feedback Loop:
• Establish an open and honest feedback loop where new teachers feel comfortable expressing their needs and concerns.
• Provide constructive feedback on their progress and celebrate achievements.
• Reflective Practices:
• Encourage new teachers to engage in reflective practices to enhance their teaching skills.
• Model reflective thinking and guide them in developing their own reflective habits.
• Celebrating Milestones:
• Celebrate achievements and milestones, such as the completion of the first semester or the successful implementation of a new teaching strategy.
• Acknowledge and recognize their contributions to the school community.
• Crisis Support:
• Be a point of contact and support during challenging times, such as unexpected challenges in the classroom or personal difficulties.
• Modelling Professionalism:
• Model professionalism in your interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Emphasise the importance of maintaining high professional standards.

Holy Rosary Primary School Heathcote.

Dedicated and accomplished educational professional with a passion for fostering positive learning environments in high-needs school settings. I have had the privilege of contributing to the leadership team at Holy Rosary School, actively participating in the school's growth and transformation. My commitment to educational excellence is evident in my role as a leader, literacy specialist, and coordinator of various initiatives aimed at creating a successful and inclusive school community.

Whole School Literacy Development:

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive whole-school approach to literacy using the Deb Sukana Model.
• Led the school in establishing a recognised literacy block across all levels (F – 6), contributing to enhanced reading and writing proficiency among students.

Whole school behaviour Development Dan Petro

• Wrote and implemented One-page plans across the school
• Became proficient in the behaviour directive across the school
• Modelled good practice in the areas outlined by the program.

Leadership and School Community Building:

• Engaged in leadership responsibilities, contributing to strategic decisions that positively impacted the school's trajectory.
• Played a pivotal role in creating a supportive and thriving school community, witnessing the growth and development of students.

Program Implementation and Coordination:

• Led the implementation of the POL Junior School Leader initiative, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among junior school students and staff.
• Successfully implemented the Dan Petro behaviour program, contributing to a positive and respectful school culture.

Data Collection and Student Support:

• Managed the National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD), ensuring accurate and meaningful data collection for students with diverse learning needs.
• Implemented Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies to enhance student behaviour and overall school climate.

Literacy Professional Development:

• Conducted Deb Sukana literacy workshops, providing professional development opportunities for educators.
• Actively participated in and contributed to literacy-focused programs, aligning with best practices in the field.

Innovative Programs and Collaborations:

• Participated in the Dogs Connect program, leveraging the positive impact of therapy dogs on students' social and emotional well-being.
• Collaborated with the CEO, Craig Simpson, in implementing and developing innovative ideas and programs, showcasing adaptability and commitment to organizational goals.

• Leadership and Team Collaboration
• Literacy Program Development (Deb Sukana Model)
• Behaviour Management (Dan Petro, PBIS)
• Data Collection and Analysis (NCCD)
• Workshop Facilitation and Professional Development
• Collaboration with External Programs (Dogs Connect)
• Implementation of CEO-led Initiatives

Glenvale

As the Head of Teaching at Glenvale School's Bendigo Campus, I assumed a pivotal leadership role overseeing the Primary teachers and students. In this capacity, my responsibilities extended to various aspects aimed at achieving excellence across all areas that Glenvale School prioritized. Here is a detailed breakdown of my role:

Leadership and Administration:

• Led and managed the Primary teachers and students, ensuring alignment with the school's overall goals and values.
• Worked closely with the Principals in Melbourne, providing regular reports on the performance, progress, and needs of the Primary department.

Financial Management:

• Took responsibility for managing finances within the school, ensuring prudent and effective use of resources to support educational initiatives.

Whole School Approach to Teaching and Learning:

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive whole school approach to teaching and learning, fostering a cohesive educational environment across all grade levels.

Leadership in Bendigo Campus:

• Assumed the role of Head of Primary on the Bendigo Campus, leading the teaching staff and contributing to the campus's overall success.
• Organized and managed the classroom environment, drawing on expertise in early literacy and numeracy to create an effective learning space.

Spelling Program Implementation (DIPL):

• Implemented a spelling program called DIPL, enhancing literacy skills among students and contributing to a holistic approach to language development.

Classroom Management and Communication:

• Provided a classroom environment that catered to the specific needs and expectations of the students, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning.
• Maintained strong communication channels with co-workers through various means, including diaries, email, text, and phone calls.

Student Assessment and Reporting:

• Assessed and reported on students' progress throughout the academic year, utilizing various evaluation methods to provide comprehensive feedback.
• Conducted parent-teacher interviews on both formal and informal bases, ensuring parents were well-informed about their child's academic and personal development.

Part of a Larger School Network:

• Operated within the context of a larger Glenvale School network, where the Bendigo Campus was just one part of a broader educational community.
• Collaborated with educators across different campuses, contributing to a shared vision and mission for the Glenvale School system.

Active Member of a 3 to 12 School:

• Contributed actively to the 3 to 12 school model, fostering continuity and collaboration between different grade levels within the school.

In summary, my role as the Head of Teaching at Glenvale School's Bendigo Campus involved multifaceted leadership responsibilities, ranging from financial management and whole-school approaches to teaching and learning to hands-on classroom management, program implementation, and effective communication with staff and parents. This role allowed me to contribute significantly to the educational excellence and community spirit of Glenvale School.