principal - The Ursuline School

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PRINCIPAL
JULY 2014
MISSION STATEMENT
Founded in 1897 by the Order of St. Ursula, The Ursuline School is a
Catholic, college preparatory school dedicated to the intellectual, spiritual,
and moral development of young women.
Rooted in the counsels of St. Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Sisters,
the mission of the school community is to educate, inspire, and empower
young women to learn, to lead and to serve.
Committed to academic excellence and the value of every individual, the
school challenges each student to develop and share her unique gifts within
the school and within the wider community. In a student-centered
atmosphere devoted to caring and concern, our young women are
encouraged to celebrate the richness of their diverse ethnic, socio-economic,
and religious backgrounds uniting them as students and as Ursuline alumnae.
Seeking to model the teachings of St. Angela, the dedicated, talented and
caring faculty, administration, and staff inspire our students not only to
learn, but also to question, to reflect, and to challenge.
An Ursuline education prepares young women to be lifelong learners,
women of integrity, and wise, responsible leaders committed to the
Ursuline tradition of "Serviam" - I will serve.
CORE VALUES
• St. Angela’s heritage
• Academic excellence
• Service
• Spirituality
• Community
• Social justice
• Openness to change
• Leadership
• Appreciation and tolerance
• Innovation
The Ursuline School has initiated a search for
its next Principal, who will assume leadership
in July 2014. The school seeks a visionary
educator whose leadership will ensure the
continuation of an excellent academic
program and who will promote the mission
and values of the school.
The school follows a President-Principal
governance model. The new Principal will
lead a community of approximately 796
students, 94 faculty members, and 34 staff
members. The administrative team at the
school consists of the President, Principal,
Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Assistant
Principal for Student Affairs and Assistant
Principal for Facilities and Middle School
Coordinator.
The Ursuline School is located in New
Rochelle, NY, in Westchester County, and is
a 30-minute train ride to mid-town
Manhattan. New Rochelle has seen
unprecedented economic growth, with an
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THE URSULINE SCHOOL– PRINCIPAL search
Enrollment Fall 2013:
Middle School: 170
Upper School: 626
influx of residents in new housing leading to increases in businesses such as
retail and restaurants. This year, the city is celebrating its 325th year since
its founding. The population is a “mosaic of diverse neighborhoods,”
providing welcome for people to create a strong sense of community
through civic, service, social and neighborhood groups.
Total: 796
Administration: 5
Full-time Faculty: 76
Part-time Faculty: 18
Full-time Staff (including cafeteria
and maintenance): 32
Part-time Staff: 2
Tuition: $17,000
Percentage of Families on Financial
Aid: 38% (Need-based and merit
scholarships)
Ursuline students come from throughout Westchester County and the
Bronx as well as from Manhattan and Connecticut, representing a broad
diversity of racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. The
school welcomes students of all religions.
The Ursuline School’s facility renovations have improved an already robust
campus. The Mooney Hancock Arts Center houses a 300-seat theatre,
orchestra and chorus practice rooms as well as the Digital Media Arts
Center, dance and art studios and classroom space. Other additions
include an Organic Teaching and Learning Garden. Most recently, an
outdoor common area, a fitness center and locker rooms, and a state-ofthe-art turf field, complete with resurfaced tennis courts, were completed
in the fall of 2012. Donations of time and resources for these projects
came from the existing school community (including alumnae), which
further demonstrates the appreciation and respect for an Ursuline
education held by all who are associated with the school.
The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and
Schools (MSA). It is a member of the National Association of Principals of
Schools for Girls (NAPSG), National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS),
National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), New York State
Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), and the National
Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
THE URSULINES
In 1535, Angela Merici, a woman in her sixties,
founded a group of women called the Company of St.
Ursula. Their mission was to spread the Gospel
message into the homes and hearts of their
neighborhood. These Ursulines, as they came to call
themselves, spread around the world over the
centuries, teaching, counseling, and meeting the needs
of many. Today, each school of Ursuline educators
strives to meet the ever-changing needs of its students
including those arising from diversity and learning
needs. In 1990, in an effort to enhance Ursuline
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THE URSULINE SCHOOL – PRINCIPAL search
education across the continent, to continue the tradition of the
Ursuline charism and education, and to ensure the ongoing service of
Ursuline schools to their communities, an ad hoc committee was
formed by the leadership of the Ursuline Congregations. Thus,
Ursuline Educational Services (UES) was established.
THE PROGRAM
The mission of The Ursuline School and the charism of the Order of
St. Ursula are reflected in the challenging college preparatory
curriculum and overall educational experience that is provided to
students. To fulfill its mission, the school maintains a strong and
balanced offering of required and elective academic and enrichment
courses. Advanced Placement and Honors courses are available to
qualified students, based on stringent departmental requirements.
Online courses, through Online School for Girls, offer additional
opportunities for learning. Seventh- and eighth-grade students have the
opportunity to earn high school credit in science, math, and foreign
language, thus over 90% of the students take four or more years in
those subject areas.
The Ursuline School emphasizes the personal and spiritual
development of its young women. In addition to religion classes,
retreats are offered at all seven grade levels. Peer Ministers, junior and
seniors who are trained in listening, group leadership and faith values,
help lead the retreats. In addition, the Personal Development
Program, offered from grades 6-9, provides students opportunities to
learn life skills, such as relationship building and conflict resolution,
and will often lead to students participating in the Peer Leadership
and/or Peer Mediation programs. Students can also participate in
Teen Angels, a program focusing on Internet safety as well as issues
such as cyber-bullying. Teen Angels are trained to provide education
and support both in-house as well as for the greater community.
Long-held traditions are an important aspect of the Ursuline
experience. Girls look forward to such events as Ring Day,
Family Barbeque, Freshman Investiture, the Mother-Daughter
Communion Breakfast and the Father-Daughter Dance.
Ursuline girls are given significant opportunities to participate
in the arts program. Theatrical productions, including technical
support, dance, music and fine arts feature the talents of
student work. Formal publications, such as the school
THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Students speak of the importance, not only
of academics, but also of the traditions at
Ursuline School. In addition, they value
the relationships they have with their
teachers. They participate in exchange
programs with other Ursuline Schools
throughout the world and value the
myriad of opportunities for learning. They
like the “empowerment, wisdom and
service” that are an integral part of school
life, and forge a strong connection with
one another through classes, athletics, the
arts, and peer leadership programs.
Faculty and staff at Ursuline School are a
highly committed group of educators, who
place respect for students as a vital
component of the school’s profile. Ninetypercent of the faculty have graduate
degrees and many have enjoyed a long
tenure at the school. They value the
diversity of the school, the close
relationship between themselves and the
students, and the focus on developing the
whole person. Treating students as
individuals is a phrase that is often
repeated.
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THE URSULINE SCHOOL – PRINCIPAL search
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newspaper, literary magazine and yearbook,
are published by the students. Athletics are
a vital part of the program, with the school
offering over 34 athletic teams, including
the only girls’ crew team in Westchester
County. Numerous clubs and activities that
meet both during school time and after
school round out the robust extracurricular
offerings at Ursuline.
THE POSITION
The Principal has primary responsibility for the overall operation of the school and must be committed to the mission and
philosophy of The Ursuline School. Specifically, the Principal oversees curriculum development relevant to the 21st
century and consistent with the school’s mission, and is responsible for working closely with faculty and staff in
implementing program. The Principal supports the policies, mandates and vision of the President of The Ursuline
School. The new Principal must have an understanding of organizational dynamics so that appropriate professional
structures can be maintained for the cohesive functioning of the academic program and instruction.
The new Principal will lead the faculty in effective discussion and articulation of the pedagogical vision for the school,
particularly in the context of the Ursuline mission for education and the nature of today’s students. Specifically, he/she
will engage the faculty to define and measure teaching excellence for The Ursuline School, and work collaboratively
through the professional development and evaluation program to ensure best practices. Additionally, the Principal will
develop appropriate systems and structures (e.g. schedule) to ensure the effective implementation of the programmatic
goals and to serve the needs of all of the students.
Finally, it will be important that the new Principal work in close collaboration with the President to establish a clear
vision for Ursuline’s program.
PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES
The next Principal for The Ursuline School should be a student-focused, visionary educator with experience in secondary
school administration. In addition to being a skillful manager and a strategic thinker, successful candidates will have the
background and competencies that include most or all of the following:
The ability to embrace and communicate The Ursuline School’s mission to inspire and unite teachers, parents,
and prospective families.
● A passion for, and leadership experience in, secondary education, particularly in the education of young women,
and the willingness to support a culture of learning and high expectations.
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THE URSULINE SCHOOL – PRINCIPAL search
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A deep understanding of and experience with faculty supervision and evaluation as well as program design and
curriculum development at the secondary level.
The ability to work closely with an experienced faculty and staff as an instructional leader, to support and
facilitate their commitment to academic excellence, while delegating appropriately and ensuring accountability.
A desire for collaboration and openness that genuinely invites and respects the perspectives and views of others,
yet is decisive when required.
The ability to connect and communicate effectively and frequently with faculty members, administration,
parents and students.
Knowledge of the effective use of technology as a teaching/learning tool as required for the position.
A willingness to work closely and comfortably with the President, the administrative team, as well as with
faculty and staff, to build a true partnership for the school.
Effective conflict resolution/negotiation skills that include appropriate use of diplomacy and mediation.
An ability to interface with the media and general public on matters that extend to the community as a whole.
A demonstrated ability to lead in crisis situations, whatever form they may take.
A graduate degree and appropriate administrative experience.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
The ideal candidate for Principal at The Ursuline School would be a person with a strong Catholic background, who is
confident, yet approachable. Strong communication skills, respect for others, and integrity are qualities that are desired
in the new Principal, as well as the ability to listen to and understand different perspectives. Prior experience in a
secondary school education leadership position would be an important factor in evaluating the candidate’s level of
competency in these skill areas.
This educational leader will be hands-on and be able to motivate faculty and earn their respect as the visionary leader of
The Ursuline School. The next Principal is someone who is calm under pressure, committed to lifelong learning, and
possesses a forward-thinking view. A sense
of humor and a true love and commitment
to all-girls’ education are important
qualities. Finally, the Search Committee
seeks someone who respects the history
and traditions of the Ursulines and this
institution and has a true desire to become
an integral part of both the school and the
local community.
THE URSULINE SCHOOL – head of school search
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SEARCH PROCESS
The Ursuline School has engaged the national executive search firm Educational Directions, Incorporated, to assist with
the search. The Search Committee plans to complete the search late fall 2013.
Candidates should submit all information as soon as possible, but not before first speaking with one of the Search
Consultants:
Risa Oganesoff Heersche
rheersche@edu-directions.com
Mathew Heersche, Ed.D.
mheersche@edu-directions.com
Electronic submission of materials is required. Please send materials in a consolidated pdf format. Reference
letters should be submitted separately.
Candidates should submit:
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Cover letter explaining why they are interested in and qualified for the Principalship at The Ursuline School
Brief personal statement that includes the candidate’s thoughts on leading The Ursuline School
Current resume
Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of five references
One or two written letter(s) of reference
Roman Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York base not only their educational purposes, but all their activities, on the
Christian teaching of the essential equality of all people as rooted in the love of God, the redemption of Christ and the supernatural
destiny of each person. Thus, with discrimination so repugnant to their mature and mission, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese have not
and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admission
policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
This policy is subscribed to by all Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese, the parishes of the Archdiocese, and
religious communities within the Archdiocese. A complete listing of the names and addresses of these schools may be found in the Official
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