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School Director
Pechersk School International (Ukraine)

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

On behalf of the Search Committee and Board of Governors of Pechersk School International in Kiev, Ukraine, I am pleased to announce that after a worldwide search which produced a large number of highly qualified candidates, Ms Rachel Caldwell has been appointed as the new Director to begin with the 2018-19 academic year.

Ms Caldwell is currently Principal of the Pretoria Campus of the American International School of Johannesburg in South Africa. Prior to her current position, she was Deputy Head of School of Utahloy International School in Guangzhou, China. She has also held administrative and teaching positions in Italy, Turkey, Dominican Republic, and in her home country in the UK.

Ms Caldwell earned her BA in English and Drama at Westfield College at the University of London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a specialization in Multiculturalism from Avery Hill College in London. She also earned an MA in Educational Leadership, and an IB Certificate in Leadership Practice from the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

The Search Committee, Board of Governors and Search Associates would like to thank all candidates who expressed interest in the Pechersk School International Director position, and to everyone who assisted and supported the search process.

Sincerely,
Ralph Jahr and David Cramer

 

 

SCHOOL DIRECTOR - AUGUST 2018 / JULY 2021

PECHERSK SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL, KIEV, UKRAINE

THE SCHOOL

Our Vision

We Grow. We Lead. We Succeed.

Our Mission

Pechersk School International is a diverse learning community which provides an academically challenging programme in a student-centred environment. As an IB world school, PSI is committed to developing well-rounded, global citizens by promoting personal excellence in the classroom and beyond. 

PSI, is the only school in Ukraine that has been fully authorised to offer all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes from Early Childhood (3 year olds) to Grade 12. The school also holds accreditations with the Council for International Schools (CIS) in Europe and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the USA.

As an IB World School, PSI encourages students to explore their various abilities and interests to the fullest. Our extensive extracurricular activities programme gives students access to a wide range of clubs and sports, including overseas sports competitions, drama, music, student leadership roles and community service activities.

The school is proud of its vibrant and diverse international community. We educate nearly 400 students between the ages of 3 and 18 from more than 40 different countries. Students and staff joining PSI are quickly made to feel part of the school, with a sense of being safe and cared for in a challenging and motivating learning environment. This commitment is the reason why our school motto is ‘A Place Where We Belong’. The real warmth of the school is the atmosphere of friendship combined with endeavour that is embodied by our students, parents and staff.

PSI At A Glance

Governance - PSI is the largest non-profit international school in Kyiv, with a parent-elected Board of Governors.

Classroom Nationality Ratio - 70% of all classroom positions are held for expatriate students.

Teachers - All teachers are fully certified in their area of instruction. 72% hold advanced degrees, from Masters to PhDs.

Curriculum - We have International Baccalaureate World School status and are the only school in Ukraine fully authorised for all three IB programmes.

English Language Focus - The language of instruction and inclusion at PSI is English in all grade levels.

Programme Diversity - PSI prides itself on ‘differentiated’ classroom delivery to those that excel or require additional attention.

Special Education Needs - Our specialised staff provide modified programmes for students with moderate special needs.

English Language Support - Withdrawal classes, small group programmes as well as in class support are provided to students.

Additional Languages - Eleven additional languages are supported at PSI as in school or after school programmes.

Ukraine Externum - The PSI curriculum is approved and accepted by the Ukrainian School of External Studies, allowing students to earn credits towards high school graduation from the Ukrainian Ministry of Education.

Information Technology Focus - We are an IT-rich school with an established 1:1 notebook programme in Grades 6 to 10.

Extra Curricular Programmes - Over 100 exciting programmes and over 50 events are provided every school year.

CEESA - PSI is a proud member of the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) network, providing staff and students with unique international experiences.

Week without Walls- Our Week without Walls programme is included in the annual tuition fees for all students in Grades 6 to 12.

External Testing - PSI annually conducts MAP testing in Grades 3 -8, ACER testing in Grades 3 - 9, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test in Grades 10 and 11 and the IB Diploma in Grade 12.

Grade 12 Results - Annually our IB Diploma scores are well above the world average.

University Placements - PSI graduates attend leading universities around the world, especially in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.

 

New Facilities

In October 2017, a new building will be completed on campus increasing the total learning area by 43%. The new building will provide the following facilities:

• Purpose-built Early Childhood Centre for students aged 3 and 4 years
• Specialist teaching blocks for Secondary Science, Fine and Performing Arts and Technology
• Full-sized double gymnasium
• Swimming pool
• School auditorium for assemblies, special events and productions
• An on-site kitchen and cafeteria
• Additional classrooms, offices and meeting rooms

 

 

In the 2017 / 2018, school year PSI will also host a synchronised visit for the IB, CIS and NEASC for re-authorisation / re-accreditation.

Please (click on) and access the links below for additional information about PSI and several specific school development projects;

PSI School Website //URL: www.psi.kiev.ua

PSI Introduction Video & Key Demographics //URL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ela-aNf8QfE&feature=youtu.be

PSI Life Quarterly Magazine //URL: https://issuu.com/psipsi/docs/06_psi_life_winter_2016_2017_print

PSI Annual Performance Report //URL: https://issuu.com/psipsi/docs/psi_annual_report_2016-print

 

THE POSITION

PSI seeks an experienced educator who will act as the chief executive officer, and who will gain the respect and confidence of a highly motivated staff, an outstanding student body and highly supportive parents. 

It is essential that the new director have a thorough understanding of the International Baccalaureate Programme, modern teaching and learning pedagogy, business acumen and international accreditation systems.

 

Preferred Qualifications and Experience of the Successful Candidate Include:

•  An advanced university degree in education or a related field (required)
• Experience as an international school director
• High energy level and high visibility around the school
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, motivational and communication skills
• Experience working with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes
• Dynamic instructional leadership skills for learning and quality teaching
• Knowledge of best school governance practices
• Ability to create a grounded, shared vision and a long-term strategic view
• Experience implementing Strategic Plans and leading accreditation work
• Proven skills of organisational management, programme development and creating change
• Willingness to delegate authority and the ability to recognise good ideas from others
• Financial, accounting, and budget development experience
• Background in latest information technology used to support student learning
• Experience working with a multinational staff and community
• Ability to build rapport and loyalty with the community and faculty
• An appreciation of and willingness to celebrate ethnic / cultural diversity
• Verbal and written fluency in the English language

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The outcomes and actions required of the position are as follows:   

The director is the educational leader, administrative head and senior professional of Pechersk School International in Kyiv, Ukraine. S/he is responsible to the Board of Governors for all aspects of the School. S/he is the Board's chief executive officer and attends all meetings of the Board.

To carry out his/her responsibilities, the director should have all powers and authority vested by Pechersk School International Board of Governors in its chief executive officer. In that spirit and subject to Board supervision and review, the director has (but is not confined to) the following specific responsibilities:

Personnel

Leads the recruitment and selection of all personnel (professional and non-professional) employed by the school. Manages the assignment, orientation, supervision, development and evaluation of all personnel.

The director may delegate authority and responsibility to assistants and others at his/her discretion, but in every instance, s/he is responsible for the proper conduct of the school and its programme.

Fiscal

Develops and submits to the Board an annual budget in consultation with the Board Finance Committee.  Administers funds in accordance with the approved budget and spending authorisation levels; provides a monthly budget and fund status reports to the Board.

Administration

Manages all activities related to the successful performance and wellbeing of the staff, student body, the physical structures and grounds, all property of the School and all arrangements and records customary in educational institutions or necessary to the successful and efficient operation of the School.

Education

Leads the development and implementation of the curriculum, ensures that the School delivers a high standard of education, fosters an environment of continual improvement and ensures all necessary materials and resources are available for teachers and students.

Performs other appropriate duties as assigned by the Board.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position begins 1st August 2018.

The initial contract is for three years and is then renewable.

Contract includes salary, pension, housing, health insurance, annual home flights and student tuition.

The final salary and benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with the overall package reflecting the importance of the position.

PROCEDURES FOR FILING AN APPLICATION

PSI has appointed Search Associates as consultants, with Ralph Jahr and David Cramer as the lead consultants. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2017. Candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and the requested materials as early as possible as the Search Committee/Board of Governors reserves the right to close the selection process at any time if the right candidate is found. The review of files will begin as soon as applications are received. Skype video interviews of selected candidates will take place on a rolling basis and can be scheduled at any time after applications have been received. Site visits will be arranged for finalist candidates in October 2017. The new Director will be selected immediately after interviews of the finalist candidates have been completed. Current plans are to have the new Director identified prior to the end of October 2017.

Interested candidates should submit the following;

• Two-page letter of application / introduction
• Two-page statement of personal, educational philosophy
• One page statement matching the candidate’s specific skills to the school and job description above.
• Two-page resume / curriculum vitae
• The names of at least three line-managers / previous line managers and two current School Board members, to be contacted for referee comments
• Three written references (optional)

Applications should be prepared as a single PDF file not larger than 5 MB in size.

Applications should be sent to:

 RJahr@searchassociates.com

and to

 DCramer@searchassociates.com

Additional information about Pechersk School International can be found at the PSI website < www.psi.kiev.us >