We do things a bit differently from many schools because we know the single most important and influential factor in a child’s education is the relationship between the child and their teacher.
Therefore, employing the right teacher is one of the most important jobs we do and one of the most important decisions we make.
Our Process:
Therefore, employing the right teacher is one of the most important jobs we do and one of the most important decisions we make.
Our Process:
- We write a very targeted job advertisement so that we are attracting the type of teacher that is passionate and committed to their children and their profession.
- We have a comprehensive web site so applicants can get a good feel for our school and what we are about and decide if they are likely to be a good fit for our school.
- We read all CVs carefully and assess them according to specific criteria. We agree on a short-list of candidates and then speak to their referees at length, making sure we ask searching questions that allow us to gain a good understanding of the whole person.
- We ask our short-listed candidates to take a demonstration lesson with our children. We want to see them in action, we want to see how quickly and effectively they can establish relationships, how perceptive they are about children’s strengths and needs and how they are able to inspire children and engage them in meaningful learning experiences.
- At the end of that lesson the candidate leaves and we ask the children to reflect on the lesson and the learning experience, and give their feedback and opinions. I am constantly surprised at how mature and insightful our children can be. Their information will not make our decision but it will add to the picture we are building of each candidate.
- Interviews follow and then we sit and write our immediate impressions before any discussion takes place. The panel then shares those impressions, we refer back to our criteria, and make our decision.
We currently have two full time teaching vacancies - one permanent and one fixed term. One at year 5 and 6 and one at year one.
Position One - Year 5 and 6 - Permanent or Fixed Term for One Year:
At Western Heights School, we're more than just a school; we're a whānau. Our strong, whānau-focused teaching team is known for being honest, hardworking, and dedicated to delivering effective, student-driven programmes. We embrace cultural responsiveness and integrate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into our daily practices. We believe in preparing our tamariki for success at Intermediate school and beyond while having a good laugh along the way.
The Role:
We seek a passionate and dedicated Year 5/6 teacher to join our dynamic and energetic team. You'll deliver the New Zealand Curriculum in a way that's engaging, innovative, and culturally responsive while building relationships with students across the team, not just in your own classroom.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement engaging learning experiences for Year 5/6 students.
Incorporate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into everyday classroom activities.
Cultivate a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Collaborate with colleagues to plan and deliver cross-curricular projects.
Maintain clear and effective communication with whānau and the wider school community.
About You:
Registered teacher with a current practising certificate.
Experience teaching at Year 5/6 level is preferred.
Strong commitment to incorporating te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in the classroom.
Must be an open and collaborative teacher with a flexible teaching philosophy and style.
Ability to have a laugh and not take yourself too seriously.
Dedicated to the teaching profession and building relationships with all our students.
Open to honest and reflective conversations with colleagues.
Preferably a coffee drinker who brings a sense of fun and adventure to the team.
Willing to provide amazing morning teas one day a term—it is a competition each week!
Capable of pushing students to strive for excellence and develop their self-management and independent skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A strong team player who values collaboration and is eager to contribute to a cohesive and supportive teaching team.
What We Offer:
A supportive and collaborative team environment where fun and laughter are shared with both teachers and students.
Opportunities for professional development in a school that prides itself on being ahead in teaching and learning programmes.
A future-focused environment with innovative and creative educators dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
A school culture that values diversity, innovation, honesty, and a great sense of humour.
Your Challenge:
Share how you would be a worthy, wise and wonderful addition to our awesome Western Heights Whānau - via an application letter (no more than a page) and a CV that demonstrates your creativity, imagination and personality in an inspiring and innovative way - no pressure ;)
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Position Two - Year 0 and 1 - Permanent or Fixed Term for One Year:
We seek a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher to join our Y0/1 team in a structured play-based learning environment.
We pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming atmosphere and our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our tamariki.
We seek:
A proactive and reflective educator who thrives in a play-based environment.
Someone who values diversity and is committed to supporting the unique needs of every child.
A knowledge of Structured Literacy and Numicon would be an advantage.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A sense of humour and a lot of patience, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with others, are all must-haves.
About You:
Registered teacher with a current practising certificate.
Experience teaching at Year 1 level is preferred.
Strong commitment to incorporating a structured approach to Play-Based Learning in your classroom.
Must be an open and collaborative teacher with a flexible teaching philosophy and style.
Ability to have a laugh and not take yourself too seriously.
Dedicated to the teaching profession and building relationships with all our students and colleagues.
Open to honest and reflective conversations with colleagues.
Bring a sense of fun and conviviality to the team.
Willing to provide amazing morning teas one day a term—it is a competition each week!
Willing to try and fail, be innovative and challenge yourself and your children to be better than before each day.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
What We Offer:
A supportive and collaborative team environment where fun and laughter are shared with both teachers and students.
Opportunities for professional development in a school that prides itself on being ahead in teaching and learning programmes.
A future-focused environment with innovative and creative educators dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
A school culture that values diversity, innovation, honesty, and a great sense of humour.
Your Challenge:
Share how you would be a worthy, wise and wonderful addition to our awesome Western Heights Whānau - via an application letter (no more than a page) and a CV that demonstrates your creativity, imagination and personality in an inspiring and innovative way - no pressure ;)
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Position One - Year 5 and 6 - Permanent or Fixed Term for One Year:
At Western Heights School, we're more than just a school; we're a whānau. Our strong, whānau-focused teaching team is known for being honest, hardworking, and dedicated to delivering effective, student-driven programmes. We embrace cultural responsiveness and integrate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into our daily practices. We believe in preparing our tamariki for success at Intermediate school and beyond while having a good laugh along the way.
The Role:
We seek a passionate and dedicated Year 5/6 teacher to join our dynamic and energetic team. You'll deliver the New Zealand Curriculum in a way that's engaging, innovative, and culturally responsive while building relationships with students across the team, not just in your own classroom.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement engaging learning experiences for Year 5/6 students.
Incorporate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into everyday classroom activities.
Cultivate a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Collaborate with colleagues to plan and deliver cross-curricular projects.
Maintain clear and effective communication with whānau and the wider school community.
About You:
Registered teacher with a current practising certificate.
Experience teaching at Year 5/6 level is preferred.
Strong commitment to incorporating te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in the classroom.
Must be an open and collaborative teacher with a flexible teaching philosophy and style.
Ability to have a laugh and not take yourself too seriously.
Dedicated to the teaching profession and building relationships with all our students.
Open to honest and reflective conversations with colleagues.
Preferably a coffee drinker who brings a sense of fun and adventure to the team.
Willing to provide amazing morning teas one day a term—it is a competition each week!
Capable of pushing students to strive for excellence and develop their self-management and independent skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A strong team player who values collaboration and is eager to contribute to a cohesive and supportive teaching team.
What We Offer:
A supportive and collaborative team environment where fun and laughter are shared with both teachers and students.
Opportunities for professional development in a school that prides itself on being ahead in teaching and learning programmes.
A future-focused environment with innovative and creative educators dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
A school culture that values diversity, innovation, honesty, and a great sense of humour.
Your Challenge:
Share how you would be a worthy, wise and wonderful addition to our awesome Western Heights Whānau - via an application letter (no more than a page) and a CV that demonstrates your creativity, imagination and personality in an inspiring and innovative way - no pressure ;)
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Position Two - Year 0 and 1 - Permanent or Fixed Term for One Year:
We seek a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher to join our Y0/1 team in a structured play-based learning environment.
We pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming atmosphere and our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our tamariki.
We seek:
A proactive and reflective educator who thrives in a play-based environment.
Someone who values diversity and is committed to supporting the unique needs of every child.
A knowledge of Structured Literacy and Numicon would be an advantage.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A sense of humour and a lot of patience, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with others, are all must-haves.
About You:
Registered teacher with a current practising certificate.
Experience teaching at Year 1 level is preferred.
Strong commitment to incorporating a structured approach to Play-Based Learning in your classroom.
Must be an open and collaborative teacher with a flexible teaching philosophy and style.
Ability to have a laugh and not take yourself too seriously.
Dedicated to the teaching profession and building relationships with all our students and colleagues.
Open to honest and reflective conversations with colleagues.
Bring a sense of fun and conviviality to the team.
Willing to provide amazing morning teas one day a term—it is a competition each week!
Willing to try and fail, be innovative and challenge yourself and your children to be better than before each day.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
What We Offer:
A supportive and collaborative team environment where fun and laughter are shared with both teachers and students.
Opportunities for professional development in a school that prides itself on being ahead in teaching and learning programmes.
A future-focused environment with innovative and creative educators dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
A school culture that values diversity, innovation, honesty, and a great sense of humour.
Your Challenge:
Share how you would be a worthy, wise and wonderful addition to our awesome Western Heights Whānau - via an application letter (no more than a page) and a CV that demonstrates your creativity, imagination and personality in an inspiring and innovative way - no pressure ;)
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