Junior School Principal

Role Overview

To support our vision of empowered young women challenging and transforming the world, we are currently seeking avalues-driven and equity-minded Junior School Principal to lead a dynamic learning community. Reporting to the Associate Head of School, Learning & Innovation, and as a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team, the Junior School Principal is responsible for setting Junior School vision, direction and strategies, achieving high academic standards and advancing forward-thinking approaches to teaching and learning, contributing to high enrolment and retention in the Junior School, providing inspiring and relational leadership to all Junior School faculty, and overseeing overall operations of the Junior School.

Position Details
Department:
Junior School

Reports to:

Associate Head of School, Learning & Innovation

Working Conditions:

School/Office Environment

Key Responsibilities
School Leadership

● Contribute to the overall health, success, and sustainability of the school as a member of the SMLS Senior Leadership Team

● Contribute to the development, ongoing assessment, and execution of the school’s vision, mission and strategic plan

● Contribute to the annual budgeting process including multi-year financial requirements and budget oversight for the Junior School, opportunities for cost management, and identifying areas for investment

● Represent the school and promote SMLS presence within external associations (ie. CIS, CAIS, ORA)

● Build open communication and trusting relationships with the parent community

● Attract, engage and retain exceptional faculty, supporting their development and growth

● Support and foster a diverse and inclusive culture that contributes to a sense of belonging for students, parents and faculty

● A practice of data-based decision making and adoption of research-based approaches to inform programming and strategy

● An understanding of Reggio-Inspired pedagogy and experience with applying this practice within an elementary school context

● Role model the SMLS values and instill leadership behaviours and expectations in others

Junior School Strategic Planning & Oversight

● Create a clear and inspiring vision, strategy, and priorities for the Junior School, aligned with the school’s strategic direction

● Lead the development and implementation of curriculum innovations and progressive pedagogies tailored to how girls learn best

● Support the meaningful use of assessment data to inform teaching practices and improve student outcomes

● Ensure the integration of digital tools and learning technologies in ways that enhance engagement and deep learning

● Ensure all Junior School policies and protocols are well documented and followed, and that Junior School employees are trained accordingly

● Demonstrated commitment to girls’ education and knowledge of girls’ development and educational needs

● Ensure the integrity, quality and effective delivery of the whole student experience in the Junior School

● Responsible for recruiting, staffing, and scheduling for the Junior School

● Demonstrated experience with Ministry of Education guidelines and the Ontario curriculum

● Oversee Ministry of Education expectations, inspections, and reporting

● Support accreditation reviews and follow-up with recommendations from certifying organizations (CIS Ontario and CAIS)

Student Support and Administration

● Develop and maintain relationships with all Junior School students and maintain an open door policy

● Model and share classroom best practices

● Promote student wellbeing by embedding social-emotional learning, supporting mental health initiatives, and maintaining a nurturing learning environment

● Support the Learning Strategies Team and champion the IEP process

● Oversee Junior School curriculum implementation and programming

● Manage all student discipline issues and parent questions and concerns in the Junior School

● Oversee Junior School Attendance and Supply Coverage planning

People Leadership

● Provide strong leadership to Junior School employees in modeling the mission and values of the school, being accessible and available as needs arise

● Maintain a visible and supportive presence…