High School Principal Leadership Opportunity August 2017
Hong Kong International School
Hong Kong, China High School Grades 9-12 750 students
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THE OPPORTUNITY Hong Kong International School (HKIS) seeks a Principal of the High School to lead a community of 750 students of more than 40 nationalities and 80 faculty members. Located in one of Asia’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, HKIS has two idyllic campuses on the quieter south side of Hong Kong Island. HKIS is a private, coeducational day school offering a challenging American-style curriculum with both international and multi-cultural elements. The quality of the High School program resides in the range and depth of study offerings, and in the personal and professional strength and commitment of the faculty. HKIS is proud of its strong sense of community and its students’ excellent achievements. The Principal of the High School is charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the division as well as articulating a clear and compelling vision for the future. The new leader will report directly to the Provost, Dr. Ron Roukema, and is a member of the senior administrative team. Ron has served as Provost (Associate Head of School) since 2015 and is committed to reinforcing and enhancing HKIS’ reputation for excellence and its position as one of Asia’s premier international schools. He continues to build on the important progress being made in curriculum, student learning assessment, and the ongoing professional development of faculty. The School seeks an accomplished professional who can consistently inspire learning and teaching at the hands of highly experienced professionals in an environment filled with joy and achievement. HKIS seeks a strong, visionary leader who can take a School to the next level of excellence. THE SCHOOL Hong Kong International School was founded in 1966 by a group of expatriate business executives and US consular officials in conjunction with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). In the years since its founding, HKIS has emerged as one of the top international schools in the world. A school of choice in Hong Kong, HKIS has waiting lists at virtually every level and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The mission statement of HKIS captures the school’s goal and role: “Dedicating our minds to inquiry, our hearts to compassion, and our lives to service and global understanding - An American-style education grounded in the Christian faith and respecting the spiritual lives of all.” A sense of spirituality and faith adds context to everyday living and learning at the school which is dynamic, global, and service-oriented; HKIS is a Christian school with a fundamental acceptance of others.
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HKIS’ Strategic Plan which articulates the school’s vision to be a leading place of learning that inspires a socially engaged community of collaborative, creative, and resilient learners dedicated to realizing their full potential. They are well on their way to ensuring their students are: • • •
Imaginative thinkers, exploring passions and challenges using novel and innovative strategies, Demonstrating courage and confidence in response to challenges and showing the ability to adapt and thrive; and Using a variety of methods within diverse environments to communicate and respectfully work together to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
The school keeps students at the heart of everything it does, with robust and passionate student learning its highest priority. It ensures that students learn what the community values, starting with the six Student Learning Results, and aligns the educational program and all of its resources in support of what and how it wants students to learn. Importantly: • • •
The school's excellent faculty and staff, who are the keys to effective student learning, are strongly supported by professional development and a professional learning community. Their strategic Master Facilities Plan ensures building decisions are driven by clearly identified educational priorities and ensures up to-date facilities. The organization's primary function is to support student learning and colleagues, with an emphasis on being one school.
THE CAMPUS Hong Kong International School has four divisions spectacularly set on two campuses on the south side of Hong Kong Island. The Lower Primary (Reception 1 through Grade 2) and Upper
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Primary (Grades 3-5) are located in Repulse Bay. The Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (Grades 9-12) are located ten minutes away in Tai Tam. The Lower Primary is undergoing a complete redevelopment and will open in August 2017 as a state of the art educational facility for the school’s youngest learners. In 2017-18, the Upper Primary will be renovated to improve and expand learning spaces and upgrade the playgrounds. The High School enjoys excellent facilities, including an extensive library, a gymnasium, swimming pool, auditorium, and music rooms. The four schools house libraries with more than 110,000 books, periodicals and technical resources; and also integrate technology into learning. The school has a 1:1 laptop program for grades 5 – 12. SETTING AND LOCATION Officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong is located south of Guangdong and faces the South China Sea to the east, west and south. With a population of seven million people inhabiting only 1,108 km2 (428 sq mi) of land, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world – and where East truly meets West. It is Asia’s “world city,” an autonomous melting pot of cultures. In spite of its size and visibility, Hong Kong’s neighborhoods possess a real sense of community and security unlike other very large cities. While a world-class center for commerce and trade, it is also very much a family-friendly place; students get to experience the broad economic diversity of the area. From markets and travel (much of Asia is a short plane ride) the city has a great deal to offer. Also, since much of Hong Kong's terrain is hilly to mountainous with steep slopes, about three quarters is countryside with 40% comprised of parks and nature reserves. Beginning as a trading port, Hong Kong became a dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1842, and remained so until transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China in 1997. Along with Macau, Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions under the "one country, two systems" policy. As a result, Hong Kong is largely self-governing, has its own currency, legal and political systems, and a high degree of autonomy in many administrative areas. Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial capitals. A major business and cultural hub, it maintains a highly developed capitalist economy. Its identity as a cosmopolitan center where East meets West is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions, and although the population is predominantly Chinese, residents
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and expatriates of other ethnicities form a small but significant segment of society. It is a “westernized city next to the fastest growing economy in the world.” Its MTR is one of the best underground metro systems in the world – safe, clean, easy to navigate. Residents also use taxis, buses and trams. Hong Kong has that special energy of a big city but with excellent access to plentiful parks land and a countryside dotted with small villages. The city bustles with activity until late, with shoppers in many boutiques and large stores and hundreds of options for diners. The school’s two campuses are located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, a more tranquil area and home to a large expat community, about 30-minute drive from the more bustling north side. THE STUDENTS HKIS serves a diverse body of 2,670 students, drawn from more than 40 nationalities. A little more than half the student body are American citizens, with many other nationalities represented, including Canada (8%), Hong Kong (8%) and UK (5%). While HKIS follows an inspiring Christian mission, about half of all students are not Christian. HKIS sees itself as an accepting school with many different faiths and non-practitioners represented. The students are bright, engaged, and Hong Kong International School inquisitive with a belief in and respect for others. Grades: PreK-12 Total Enrollment: 2,670 High School enrollment: 750 Faculty: 250 High School Classroom teachers: 70 High School specialist teachers: 10 Faculty with advanced degree: 70% High School student-teacher ratio 9:1 Operating budget: $70 million High School budget: $25 million Indebtedness: None Facilities in square meters: 70,000 Acreage of campus in square meters: 74,000 Number of computers on campus: 1800
This year, the High School (grades 9-12) enrolled 750 students. The average number of students in a classroom is 20. Last year, 1,320 children applied for 430 places at HKIS and 80% of students who were offered admission enrolled. HKIS has emerged as the school of choice in Hong Kong and its resources are considerable, including an extremely talented and giving parent body (a Parent Advisory Group works in conjunction with every school division). Parents are well-educated and interested, and involved in the education of their children. HKIS students receive nurturing and guidance within a caring, engaging environment at all levels of the school. HKIS students enjoy a multi-cultural community, which contributes greatly to their personal growth and character. The students work together and form many different friendships, both within the student body and the faculty. They make full use of the excellent facilities
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available, developing intellect, imagination, independence and responsibility, and bring family values into daily school life. They actively pursue the school’s six “Student Learning Results” of academic excellence, spirituality, character development, self-motivated learning, contributing to society and Chinese culture. As one student said, “You get to meet people from all over the world … and we bring it together to develop unity and community.” After graduation, nearly all of HKIS students matriculate to colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia, some of them among the world’s finest. FACULTY AND STAFF HKIS faculty and staff are amongst the best in the world; highly qualified and experienced, providing unparalleled qualities in teaching, guidance, and care for their students. HKIS has a staff of 500 – 50% are teachers, 8% teachers assistants, 5% administrators, and 37% support staff. The majority of teaching faculty hold an advanced degree: most have a master’s and 3% hold a doctorate. It is noteworthy that 50% of the teachers at HKIS have worked at the school for six years or longer, indicating a high level of satisfaction professionally and personally with the school and with Hong Kong. Parents see teachers as one of the major strengths of the school. As one might expect, a number of nationalities are represented among the faculty, approximately 70% are from the US and Canada, with the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand accounting for the majority of others in that order. HKIS strives to maintain an ethnically and culturally diverse staff. Faculty at the school could be characterized as high achievers, and they thrive at HKIS and appreciate the opportunity to work in a learning community where they are educating the whole child. Professional development is an essential part of the faculty experience; the school supports many such opportunities each year. HKIS also has a very strong administrative team with a number of core administrators at each division level. Faculty have been drawn to HKIS by its quality and the spirit of the school’s expectation to express beliefs with the students and other faculty so to better understand each other’s spiritual journey. As one administrator expressed it, “You can’t help but grow here.” ACADEMIC AND CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS Academic excellence at HKIS requires students to acquire, adapt and apply knowledge; acquire information; reflect and think critically and creatively; and communicate effectively through the spoken and written word. Everything at HKIS is based on its mission and Student Learning Results (academic excellence, spirituality, character development, self-motivated learning, contributing to society, and Chinese culture).
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THE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM The High School enrolls students from 14 years of age in Grade 9, through to 17 years of age in Grade 12. The teachers and rigorous academic program prepare students for college, and students matriculate to some of the best universities in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Hong Kong. The curriculum parallels subjects taught in the U.S. and includes humanities (the integration of English and Social Studies), mathematics, science, second languages (e.g. Mandarin, Spanish, French), and religion. Students continue to learn about Christianity and other major world religions as part of the humanities units of study. Supporting the academic subjects are physical education, technology and robotics, visual and performing arts (e.g. strings, band, choir, drama, art). The High School offers 26 Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as Biology, Studio Art, Calculus, United States History, World History, Chinese Language, Spanish, Physics, English Literature and Composition, and Environmental Science. HKIS continues to participate as one of the two founding international schools in the AP Cambridge Capstone program. The program provides students the opportunity to apply critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, and research skills in a cross curricular context. HKIS recognizes that students have different strengths, backgrounds and interests, and develop at different rates. The school’s learning environment is designed to accommodate those requiring a flexible learning program. There are also options for independent study (e.g. internships, internships, online courses) for students in grades 11 and 12 to pursue studies or research at an advanced level beyond the school’s offerings. Juniors and seniors may also fulfill some of the graduation requirements through a planned activity outside of school for part of the year (e.g. participation in a training program, training as an elite athlete, studying abroad). CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES There are over 50 clubs in the High School organized and led by students. Spanning a wide range of activities from fencing, design, creative writing, forensics to jazz, students are actively engaged in pursuing their individual passions. As a member of the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC), students also compete with regional schools in areas such as forensics, Model United Nations (MUN) and music.
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SERVICE TO OTHERS Each year students at the High School are actively involved in a wide range of service clubs and projects benefiting the underprivileged in and outside of Hong Kong. These organizations include Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty International, Future Hope, Make a Wish Foundation, Greenpeace, Animal Safety and Protection. Fund raising events such as the annual fashion show organized by students in the Interact Club raises approximately US$70,000 and all proceeds are donated to charitable organizations to support programs such as girls’ education in rural China. The Service on Saturdays program also serves the local community by providing English lessons at Hong Kong schools. ATHLETICS The HKIS Dragon athletes compete in a number of sports including soccer, basketball, tennis, badminton, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. As an APAC member, the school hosts and competes with APAC schools each year. Locally, students compete with schools through the The Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation. In addition to the school’s competitive leagues, students may also participate through athletic clubs such as lacrosse and watersports. CHINESE CULTURE HKIS’ Chinese Studies program offers 13 years of Chinese language and cultural learning opportunities. The program fully embraces the differential needs of a diverse range of students and their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Presently 2,200 out of 2,600 plus student body are taking various courses on Chinese language and culture, which is an important part of the school curriculum. Students gain an understanding of China, its language, history, geography, philosophy and customs through Chinese studies, school exchange programs with Mandarin speaking students, and visits to places of interest in China. In the High School, while no specific AP Mandarin course is offered, students who progress well through their four years of study in Mandarin for second language learners, are well poised to pass the AP exam with over 90% earning a score of 4 or 5. INTERIM Each spring, all High School students participate in an Interim program, a week-long off-campus learning experience designed to challenge the hearts and minds as well as body and souls of students. The program is carefully constructed to present students with challenges and opportunities for personal growth and expose them to diverse cultures and traditions. The
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diverse offerings of this program include community service, outdoor adventure and crosscultural learning experiences in countries such as mainland China, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. Each course weaves the Student Learning Results into the experience, whether students are serving underprivileged children in Kolkata, physically and mentally challenging themselves in adventure sports in Rotorua, or building homes in Chiang Mai with Habitat for Humanity. Students emerge from the program with a more profound sense of self, an enriched appreciation of human diversity, and a deeper insight into the faith traditions and cultural values that inspire compassion and humility. The program thus forms an integral part of the high school curriculum and is a graduation requirement. THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL The High School Principal will be broadly informed about academic matters, committed to excellence, and possessing both a moral and educational vision to take the School forward in the 21st century. Internally, the new Principal will be expected to serve as the inspirational and visionary leader for all faculty, students and staff in the High School. He or she will be a presence around the division, making connections with students, faculty, and parents in both formal settings and informally in the halls and at school functions. Externally, the new Principal will be expected to serve as an ambassador to a wide-range of outside constituencies. The exciting challenges and opportunities for the new leader will require sound judgment, imagination, energy and a thorough understanding of the educational needs of this international community. This person should enthusiastically support the mission and ethos of HKIS. STRENGTHS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL • Breadth of academic program and range of AP course offerings • Diverse offering of extra-curricular activities • Committed and high performing faculty • Self-motivated, high performing, and engaged students • Grounded in the Christian faith CHALLENGES AND O PPORTUNITIES • Articulate and help to realize a future vision for High School • Continue to advance the curriculum and ensure effective assessment practices remain in use • Continue to administer performance-based pay in a fair and objective manner • Inspire and bolster mutual trust among faculty, staff, administrators and parents QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS SOUGHT • Has a vision for the High School that aligns with the HKIS mission
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• • • • • • • • • • • •
Passionate and inspiring educator who will be involved in the life of the division Commitment to the highest standards of excellence Personal energy and excitement for the position and the school Embraces diversity and values cultures from around the world Effective communicator, good spokesperson Will be visible and engaged, making good connections with students, faculty and parents Open-minded, flexible but firm decision-maker who can balance the needs of various constituencies and bring positive change Strong willed and goal oriented Effective management style, collaborative leader who recognizes talent and develops future leaders Ability to provide direct, useful feedback on teachers’ instructional practices Caring and compassionate, good listener Christian who will provide steady, spiritual leadership
EXPERIENCES SOUGHT • Well-respected, trusted leader with administrative and teaching experience • Demonstrated collaborative leader, values relationships with faculty and staff • Current with research-based, cutting edge pedagogy • Successful implementation of an initiative requiring major change • International experience ideal, though not required • Experience in American education and the AP curriculum • Advanced degree COMPENSATION Salary and benefits are very competitive and commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. TO APPLY Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically (as separate documents in one email) the following materials: • cover letter expressing interest in the HKIS position • current résumé • statement of educational philosophy and practice • list of 5 references with name, phone number, and e-mail address of each to:
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Dr. D. Ralph Davison, Jr. Senior Search Consultant ralph.davison@carneysandoe.com or John R. Chandler Senior Search Consultant John.chandler@carneysandoe.com
CARNEY, SANDOE & ASSOCIATES 44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02108 www.carneysandoe.com