Kindergarten Manager vacancy

Permanent/Fulltime: Kindergarten Manager – Te Kura Kōhungahunga Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi (Christchurch Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten)

Te Kura Kōhungahunga o Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi, is a vibrant and thriving educational community situated on a beautiful site, nestled between the Ōpāwaho | Heathcote River and Hansen Park with Ngā Kohatu Whakarakaraka o Tamatea Pōkai Whenua | the Port Hills as its backdrop.  Our kindergarten and school are deeply rooted in the principles of Rudolf Steiner education and are committed to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to explore their unique potential and develop a strong sense of self.  The Kindergarten is made up of four kindergartens and a nursery with mixed age classes of children from 2 to 6 years old.

What matters to us:  
At Te Kura Kōhungahunga o Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi, our special character is underpinned by the core values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Rangatiratanga. Our kaupapa is also shared by the School and provides the guiding principles that define our educational philosophy. See ‘Our Strategic Priorities’ here

We are seeking a manager who shows a strong commitment to our special character, embodies our values, and is passionate about leading our Kindergarten.
The successful candidate will be a creative leader with a deep understanding of early childhood education, leadership, and management principles. They will have strengths in developing collaborative relationships, inspiring others to achieve the goals of the Kindergarten, use sound judgement to make timely and effective consultative decisions, respect and value individual differences, adapt and respond positively to unforeseen circumstances, and use these many strengths to guide our dedicated team of educators and staff, ensuring that our tamariki receive the highest quality care and creative environment.

Our Kindergarten Manager will:

  • Provide leadership and direction to ensure continued growth and development of our Kindergarten, aligned with our values, special character, and strategic plan.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, belonging, kindness, and respect within the Kindergarten and wider school community.
  • Build and maintain strong and trusted relationships with teachers, students, parents, caregivers, tangata whenua, Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School Trust, the School and Te Pou Ārahi | the Leadership Team, and external stakeholders e.g., Waekura (SEANZ ECE), Ministry of Education, ERO.
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Kindergarten, including financial management, regulatory requirements, staffing, enrolments, staff development, and curriculum development.
  • Uphold and promote the principles of Rudolf Steiner education as outlined in the Steiner/ Waldorf Early Childhood Essentials alongside Te Whāriki, the Early Childhood Curriculum of Aotearoa, whilst also adapting to the evolving educational landscape.
  • Give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by enabling te reo me ngā tikanga Māori to be heard, seen, and valued in our Kindergarten.

What are we looking for in our next Kindergarten Manager:
1. Several years of experience managing an ECE licensed centre, preferably in a Steiner/Waldorf setting.
2. Deep understanding of early childhood education principles and philosophy, preferably including the distinctive features of Rudolf Steiner/Waldorf education.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities and proven experience in team leadership and development.

If you are a passionate and dedicated ECE leader who aligns with our special character and values, we invite you to apply for this position.

Please read the full job description below, complete the job application form and submit with your resume, a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, and contact details for two professional references to bop@ch.steiner.school.nz

Applications will be progressed as they are received and will be accepted until 3pm, Monday 11 December 2023.

Join us at Te Kura Kōhungahunga o Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi and help shape the future of our tamariki by nurturing an environment that supports developing a strong sense of self, creativity, and an appreciation for the world around them.

 

Full job description.pdf

Job application form.pdf

Tumuaki vacancy

Permanent/Fulltime: Tumuaki (Principal) – Te Kura o Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi (Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School)

Location: Ōtautahi, Aotearoa

Our kura:  Te Kura o Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi is a vibrant and thriving educational community situated at the foot of Ngā Kohatu Whakarakaraka o Tamatea Pōkai Whenua/Port Hills and next to Opāwāho/Heathcote River in Ōtautahi. Our school is deeply rooted in the principles of Rudolf Steiner education and is committed to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to explore their unique potential and develop a strong sense of self.

What matters to us: 

At Te Kura o Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi, our special character is underpinned by the core values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Rangatiratanga. These values are not just words; they are the guiding principles that define our educational philosophy.

Manaakitanga (Our Place): We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration within our school community. Our students, teachers, and parents work together to create an environment where everyone is valued, and learning is a shared journey.

Whanaungatanga (Our People): We place a strong emphasis on kindness, care, and respect in all our interactions. Integrity and trust are the cornerstones of our relationships, and we believe in creating a safe and nurturing space for every member of our community.

Rangatiratanga (Our Purpose): We hold high expectations for all learners, always. Our commitment to excellence and equity drives our educational mission. We believe that every student has the potential to achieve greatness, and it is our responsibility to help them realize it.

What you will do with your time: 

We are seeking a Tumuaki who shows a commitment to our special character, embodies our values and is passionate about leading our kura. The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking educational leader with a deep understanding of education, leadership and management principles. They will have strengths in developing collaborative relationships, inspiring others to achieve the goals of the kura, use sound judgement to make timely and effective decisions, respect and value individual differences, motivates, and use these to guide our dedicated team of educators and staff, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education.

What does success look like in the role:

§ Provide leadership and direction to ensure continued growth and development of our kura, aligned with our values, special character and strategic plan.

§ Foster a culture of collaboration, belonging, kindness, and respect within the school community.

§ Set and maintain high educational standards to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

§ Build and maintain strong relationships with teachers, students, parents, caregivers, tangata whenua, and external stakeholders.

§ Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, including financial management, staff development, and curriculum development.

§ Uphold and promote the principles of Rudolf Steiner education while adapting to the evolving educational landscape.

§ Give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by enabling te reo Māori and tikanga to be heard, seen and valued in our kura.

What are we looking for in our next Tumuaki:

1. Minimum of 5 years of educational leadership experience, preferably in a Steiner/Waldorf school.

2. Deep understanding of education principles and philosophy, preferably including the distinctive features of Rudolf Steiner/Waldorf education.

3. Demonstrated ability to balance the long-term aspirations with the day-to-day operational requirements of running a kura.

4. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

5. Proven experience in team leadership and development.

6. A commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

What’s next:

If you are a passionate and dedicated educational leader who aligns with our special character and values, we invite you to apply for this position. Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, and contact details for three professional references to recruitment@ch.steiner.school.nz.

Don’t hesitate, apply now:

Applications will be progressed as they are received and will be accepted until Friday 20 October 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to discuss the selection process.

Join us at Te Kura o Rudolf Steiner i Ōtautahi and help shape the future of our tamariki by nurturing an environment that supports developing a strong sense of self, creativity, and an appreciation for the world around them!

CRSS Application Pack 2023.pdf

Kindergarten Relievers wanted

At the Christchurch Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten, we are looking for qualified and unqualified early childhood teachers to join our team of relievers. Our relievers ideally have experience and knowledge of Steiner early childhood education; are warm and approachable; calm, respectful, and kind with tamariki; have good teamwork skills; and are familiar with the use of te reo and tikanga Māori. If this is you, then please contact the Kindergarten Coordinator, Lily England, lilye@ch.steiner.school.nz to request an application form.

How to become a Steiner School teacher in Christchurch

Teaching in a Steiner school is one of the most rewarding vocations. Our aspiration as teachers is to inspire young students in their relationship to the world, in their love for their fellow humans on earth, to give them skills to effectively create a future for themselves and to find their own unique individuality.
We attempt to create Teaching into an Art form that elevates our vocation into something very meaningful.

Trained teachers with a Bachelor of Education, or with a post graduate diploma, or untrained teachers can enrol in a three seminar course, the CRSE,  at Taruna College in Hawke’s Bay, the country’s only dedicated Steiner Training institute.  This course gives an overview of Waldorf education.

 

New Zealand Steiner Teacher Diploma- Early Childhood (NZSTD-EC).

This is a NZ diploma, accredited by International Association for Waldorf Early Childhood Education (IASWECE) and in partnership with Steiner Education Aotearoa New Zealand (SEANZ). This is a three year part time course, with 2 seminars per year. It is held at the Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School, Auckland during the school holidays in January and September/October. For more information, please contact Edith van der Meer: edith.vandermeer@gmail.com

 

Each school has an extensive ongoing Professional Development programme in both Steiner and State best practices and principles. Untrained teachers would be required to complete a Bachelor or equivalent degree before being employed by the school.

Taruna also offers refresher courses for all teachers throughout the year. They provide Steiner based courses in many areas including nursing, art, and agriculture.

Teachers who have been trained overseas and wish to teach in New Zealand, or have qualifications that could be cross credited towards education qualifications, will need to have their qualifications approved by the NZ Qualification Authority.

 

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