Vienna International School Confidential Supervisor Evaluation

Candidate Name: Helen Hosking

Referee Name: Dianne Glouftsis

1. What subjects or years does this person best teach? At Nailsworth Primary School Helen was primarily a Year 5 7 classroom teacher. However, in her role as Coordinator in the Arts and then as Deputy Principal, Helen was closely involved in all classes Reception Year 7. Helen conducted Behaviour Management sessions and Program Achieve lessons with all classes, as well as drama, art and English. In Indonesia Helen was the Coordinator of English in Year 4 and Year 5 classes. Helen is a highly competent classroom teacher in all curriculum areas. Her passion is in the Arts area but she delivers a well organised, well managed curriculum to her students. In recent years she has striven to become very comfortable and competent with integrating the use of computer technology and computer skills in her teaching and in the students learning.

2. What are the candidates greatest strengths? Helens curriculum strengths have been outlined above. Helen presents at all times as a committed, enthusiastic and organised classroom teacher which spills over into all other areas of the school. Helen is a team-player; she enjoys working with a team be it in the classroom setting as a team teacher or working alongside support people but more than this, Helen is able to take on a leadership role with staff if required or is appropriate. As a committee leader she is prepared professionally with knowledge and can support colleagues to direct an idea or policy into action. She is an active listener in these situations but also able to encourage staff members to contribute and share good practices. However, I believe Helens greatest strength is her rapport with students. I have observed Helen in a counselling role, talking through behaviour management issues with students and celebrating childrens learning. She listens, understands their issues and is able to encourage and support a change in behaviour if required. Helen builds strong relationships with students that empower them to feel confident in their ability to learn and to support classmates in their learning. Helen is a strong advocate of a no-bullying policy and the important role of the bystander in countering bullying situations; she incorporates anti-harassment strategies in the classroom. She strives to build students self-esteem so they feel confident to have a go at all tasks. 3. In what areas would you like to see the candidate improve? I do not see that Helen needs to improve on any facet of her teaching and learning processes but of course every educator must make it their responsibility to keep up with professional development and, through sharing of good practice with colleagues, continually adopt and adapt new learning strategies and ideas. Helen has always been open to new ideas, and has in the past undertaken extensive professional development which I am sure she will want to continue. Helen has operated in the classroom using an inquiry process. She is a strong advocate of children being responsible for their own learning and understands the responsibility of the teacher to provide scaffolding to achieve this. Implementing an IB Primary Years program will be a new challenge for Helen but one I believe she will take on with enthusiasm, professionalism and zest.

4. How would the person react to a decision that s/he did not like? As Deputy Principal at Nailsworth, Helen was a strong supporter of issues and policies being discussed by all staff at staff meetings to ensure staff were given the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns, and hopefully come to the best decision. At the same time Helen has a respect for the

Vienna International School Confidential Supervisor Evaluation

role of school leadership personnel assuming that decisions would be made in the best interests of the whole school community. If the opportunity for discussion did not arise, I believe Helen would endeavour to have a conversation with the people concerned to discuss the matter and seek to understand the decision making process. However, once made, Helen would certainly be supportive of the decision.

5. How would the candidate react to constructive criticism? At Nailsworth we have an annual Performance Management process in place which requires all staff to meet with Leadership to discuss our teaching and learning strategies, professional development requirements and needs etc. Helen has had experiences of both talking with staff as Deputy Principal and discussing her own role with Leadership. Helen believes that discussing ones role and responsibilities is essential in order to verbalise strengths and areas in need of improvement. Moreover, she would indeed welcome any constructive feedback to ensure and enhance further personal and professional development. 6. What influence would this candidate have on school morale and climate? (Score 1-10 with 1 negative and 10 positive) Helen is highly respected as a conscientious classroom teacher but also considered a very positive staff member who contributes to high morale especially in the staff room. She is a friendly, welcoming staff member who is keen for all members of staff to be able to relax and enjoy each others company. She introduced the Fish Philosophy to our staff and we had some fun activities in the staff room which spilled over into the classrooms. As a Year 7 teacher Helen organised some great Graduation ceremonies for our students in their final year of primary school. Students had huge input and with Helens creativity these celebrations were amazingly memorable. Score 10.

7. Would you wish your school to retain or re-employ this candidate? I believe I talk for all staff in saying that Helen would be welcomed back with great enthusiasm.

8. How long did you work together with this candidate? Helen and I worked together at Nailsworth Primary School for 10 years.

9. What was your responsibility during this time? I am the Teacher Librarian and SRC Coordinator at the school.

10. How do you believe most parents would react to the news that their child was scheduled to have this teacher? With great enthusiasm; students and parents were very keen to have Helen as their classroom teacher at Nailsworth Primary School. Given the opportunity, I believe that Helen would quickly and effectively endear herself to the parents of any children in her care.

Vienna International School Confidential Supervisor Evaluation

Key to ratings for next questions: A = outstanding B = above average C = average D = below average E = unsatisfactory (Please underline the rating that best applies)

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.

Effectiveness in the classroom? Knowledge of subject? Relationship with students? Relationship with parents? Relationship with peers? Relationship with administrators? Genuine interest in children? Ability to communicate effectively? Creativity? Encouragement of high standards? Ability to inspire students? Tolerance of frustration? Sense of organisation and order? Sense of humour? Work as a team player? School attendance and punctuality? Overall rating of candidate?

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B A

C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C B C

D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D C D

E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E D E E

28. Your further comments on this candidate. I understand the school has a policy of not employing same family members. Helen and Michael were employed in the same International school in Indonesia, as Principal and Teacher. I believe they will conduct themselves in a similarly professional manner in Vienna as they did in Indonesia. In our conversations I understood that this arrangement was understandable and expected and did not cause issues with other staff members, the pupils or the community.

I am very happy to act as Helens referee and confidently recommend that you give serious consideration to employing Helen Hosking as Year 4 class teacher at your educational facility in Vienna.

Vienna International School Confidential Supervisor Evaluation

Please email this back to our HR department hr@vis.ac.at - many thanks for your support in this important process.