Reports to: Head of School

Start Date: August 1, 2023

Supervises: Senior School Faculty and Staff

Schedule: Academic Year + Two Weeks

 

The School

Stratford Hall opened its doors in 2000 to provide an International Baccalaureate education to students in East Vancouver. Founded by two parents seeking the highest quality education for their own children, the school is notable for its commitments to academic excellence in a progressive sense, high quality of student and staff experience, and authentic connections to the surrounding community, the outdoors, and the world. Graduates leave equipped with the skills of inquiry, scholarship, design, advocacy, and global understanding.

Stratford Hall is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining the best teaching faculty and staff possible. We select candidates who are committed to the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, student identity and belonging, partnership with leadership and staff, and their own professional growth.

The school’s Bridge Strategic Plan, developed by the Board of Governors and Head of School with the participation of the full community, sets an ambitious direction to reaffirm our identity, reignite our culture, and reinforce our organization. Key initiatives include communicating the key qualities that make Stratford Hall unique, supporting student and staff well-being and success, and growing the school through the construction of our Middle Building.

Stratford Hall acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

 

The Position

The Senior School Principal is responsible for the leadership and day-to-day operations of the Senior School, comprised of Grades 6 to 12 and including both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP; Grades 6 to 10) and Diploma Programme (DP; Grades 11 and 12). The Senior School Principal serves on the school’s Senior Leadership Team.

The Senior School Principal ensures that all programs and practices of the faculty and staff support the school’s mission and that all Senior School students are provided with an outstanding educational program, meeting the requirements of the BC Curriculum and the IB. The Senior School Principal partners closely with the Vice Principal, MYP Coordinator, DP Coordinator, Registrar, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Coordinator, Guidance Counsellors, Learning Support Specialists, and Administrative Assistants. 

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching and Learning: evaluate and develop the teaching and learning program to meet the rigorous standards of the BC Ministry of Education and International Baccalaureate; encourage and lead curriculum innovation; oversee and monitor assessment and reporting; facilitate the ongoing development of support for all students
• Student Welfare: advise on student admissions and placement; maintain student records; oversee student social and emotional well-being and student safety; uphold student voice and agency; oversee activities offered to Senior School students; cultivate a diverse student population based on principles of equity, justice, and belonging; ensure support for students with diverse learning needs
• Staff Leadership: identify staffing needs; recruit, appoint and evaluate teachers and support staff; lead orientation activities for new Senior School teachers and staff; conduct regular staff meetings; identify and mentor leaders within the faculty and staff; work collaboratively with middle level leaders and facilitate their development; oversee the ongoing professional development of all Senior School teachers and support staff 
• School Community: maintain positive relationships with teachers, students, parents, the Board of Governors and the broader community; support the Board and participate in Board committees; facilitate meaningful contact between staff and families; attend and participate in student and schoolwide events and activities both during the school day and outside of school hours; collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to oversee school operations and guide the strategic direction of the school
• Administration: annually develop a Senior School action plan that flows out of the school’s strategic plan and other priorities identified through collaboration with the Senior School staff; lead the preparation of the timetable and calendar of events for the Senior School; supervise and enforce safety regulations; identify operational and capital needs in collaboration with Senior School teachers; participate in the preparation of the annual budget and manage the Senior School budget; 
• Communications: maintain effective communications within the Senior School and with families; liaise with the Junior School Principal and other faculty to ensure a well-articulated program across the Junior and Senior Schools
• Technology: identify technology needs to support teaching and learning; support the integration of technology across the curriculum; demonstrate competence and confidence in the use of technology in the school setting
• Facilities: optimize the use of campus facilities through scheduling and thoughtful upgrades to physical spaces

Skills and personal attributes

• Innovative, effective leader and change manager
• Committed to high standards of teaching and learning
• Possessing cultural competency skills and Indigenous understandings
• Able to inspire and empower others
• Organized, efficient and clear in thought
• Approachable and calm with a good sense of humour
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Committed to team building and collaboration
• Strong management skills, including prioritization and delegation
• Technologically adept
• Capable of managing a budget

Education and prior experience

• Successful teaching experience at the secondary level
• A strong background in innovative change leadership at the secondary level
• An advanced degree in education or a related field

Preferred

• Leadership experience in an IB MYP or DP school
• Experience with rigorous accreditation/inspection standards
• Experience working within a technology-rich secondary programme
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Registered with the BC Teacher Certification Branch

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation that is locally and nationally competitive
• Comprehensive benefits and wellness package
• Employer-matched RRSPs
• Generous vacation program
• Tuition discount for children who attend the school
• Extensive access to professional development opportunities
• Access to campus facilities, including fitness gym and library system

Application Process

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and résumé to [email protected]

We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring a barrier-free work environment. We welcome applications from all internal and external applicants, including those from historically underrepresented groups such as BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color), persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). If you are an applicant with a disability and require accommodation in either the recruitment process or on the job, we will work together with you to provide the reasonable workplace accommodations you need. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in working at Stratford Hall. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.