Vientiane International School Laos Primary Principal

Vientiane International School (VIS) was established in 1991. It is an independent, non-profit day school which offers a quality international-standard curriculum from Early Years (3-4 year olds) through Grade 12 for qualified students of all nationalities. The school has grown over recent years and expects to reflect the continuing development of Vientiane and Laos.

VIS faculty consists of 42 teachers, all of whom are certified in their home countries and bring with them a wealth of teaching knowledge and experience. Teachers are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States, France, The Philippines, South Africa and the U.K. Lao teacher assistants are employed to assist in Preschool through Grade 5 classrooms and some specialty courses.

VIS is an authorized IBO World School and expects to complete MYP authorization in the next 12 months to complete authorization for all three programs. Our curriculum is designed to help students move on to their next International School, to return to a similar English-medium school in their home country, or to prepare them for acceptance into a college or university.

While designed to meet the academic and social needs of college-bound international students, our program welcomes the enrolment of all expatriate children and qualified Lao National students. Currently there are 36 countries represented in the student body of 350 students where no nationality has greater than 15% of the total enrolment.

The School received accreditation in 2001 from both the US-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Council of International Schools (CIS). VIS is the only accredited school in Lao PDR. VIS is also a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS), and the Mekong River International Schools Association (MRISA)

VIS Mission

At Vientiane International School our mission is to challenge, inspire and prepare learners for life.

Objectives and Outcomes

We provide a safe, respectful, collaborative and sustainable learning environment

• Students have a sense of identity and feeling of belonging, within the VIS community.
• VIS has a respectful, caring and supportive learning environment.
• VIS is a healthy and safe school.
• An environment of collaboration exists.
• Students have an awareness of human rights.
• Sustainable growth and development practices and understandings are followed.
• Parents, teachers and students are actively involved in the process of learning.

We provide a high quality holistic educational

• The VIS community demonstrates the IB Learner Profile characteristics and attitudes.
• Students experience a balanced and holistic education.
• VIS delivers the International Baccalaureate, an internationally recognised curriculum.
• Students are challenged and motivated to reach their potential.
• Students are creative and critical independent thinkers with life-long learning skills.
• Students demonstrate intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

We empower learners to be internationally minded global citizens

• The VIS community is committed to and engaged in community service and action.
• Students are confident and creative builders of the future.
• The VIS community demonstrates intercultural awareness and internationalism.
• Students are able to communicate effectively in more than one language.

We enrich learning experiences through interaction with the Lao community and our international communities

• Students are aware of, understand and appreciate the culture of Lao PDR.
• The VIS community collaborates with the international and Lao communities.

The Position The contract is an Administrative Contract with an initial 2 year contract with subsequent annual renewal. The Principal reports to and is evaluated by the Director.

Job Description Primary Principal:

The Key Responsibility of the primary principal is to ensure the delivery of a high quality educational program in line with school policy for the students of EY3 to grade 5. Through collaboration as a part of the senior administrative team, the primary principal will contribute to the formation of policy and procedure, the development and implementation of school wide plans and programs, and support the professional development of staff. The primary principal will be responsible for organizing and communicating the primary educational program to all members of the VIS community.

Major Duties and Tasks are:

• Foster the continuous improvement of the school’s programs and performance
  • Oversee, with PYP Coordinator, the IB PYP curriculum delivery and review, including program changes and reauthorizations
  • Support and advise the school staff in the effective provision of student support services
  • Evaluate the performance of students, programs and curriculum against the expected school standards and policies.

• Supervise, evaluate and support teaching staff to enhance their delivery of the school’s programs.
  • Foster growth, goal setting and professional development through the school professional growth program
  • Support the Director in the recruitment and hiring of faculty
  • Motivate employees to improve performance and contribute to a positive culture

• Ensure effective distribution and use of resources
  • Prepare and manage the academic budget for the primary program
  • Facilitate ordering of school supplies and equipment

• Ensure all students work and learn within a safe and respectful environment
  • Implement a positive and effective discipline policy

• Communicate effectively in writing and orally with students, parents and faculty
  • Promote a positive attitude in the school community
  • Engage parents in the educational process
  • Ensure understanding of school programs, decisions, plans & information

• Contribute to the development of the whole school through involvement in planning, policy development, and procedural documentation.

Position Requirements:

• Principal Certification or equivalent

• Advanced degree in educational administration or equivalent

• Skilled and effective communicator

• Leadership experience in development of programs and/or pedagogy

• Experience in PYP will be highly regarded

Salary and Benefits:

The salary and benefits package will be competitive and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Details of the package will be made available to short-listed candidates.

Application Procedure:

Suitably qualified candidates should email their application no later than 31 October 2010 to the Director, Greg Smith director@vislao.com (Applications will be reviewed as they are received).

The application should meet the following requirements:

• a cover letter explaining why you would be the ideal candidate for the position and school context not exceeding 2 pages.

• a current resume/CV with a recent photograph; and

• contact details for at least three current referees and contact details for your supervisors in your previous school.

• All documents submitted as a single pdf file