School Principal

Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation

School Principal

Full time, Permanent 

□ Safety Sensitive Position

✔      Criminal Record Check

□ Credit Check

✔      Vulnerable Sector Check

□ Other

Education

Education Manager

The School Principal is responsible for coordinating educational programs and operations, fostering a safe and effective learning environment, and supervising educational staff at the Lhoosk’uz Dene School which is located in the community of Lhoosk’uz. The community is remote and is 2.5 hours from the nearest town down a forest service road. The Principal is tasked with monitoring student performance, ensuring educational goals are met, and providing strategic oversight to enhance the delivery of educational services. Additionally, the School Principal champions innovative leadership, promoting team building, effective communication, and strong community relations, all essential for nurturing an inclusive and dynamic educational setting. The School services children from Kindergarten to Grade 7 and also includes the Adult Literacy Program.

Planning

●        Collaborate with the Education Coordinator to plan and implement strategies in support of academic goals and student needs and general advancement of school and educational programs.

●        Develop the annual school plan inclusive of staff assignments, class size, schedule, professional development, and human resource needs.

●        Collaborate to develop and implement community engagement plans to strengthen attachments to education.

●        Participate in the development of the department’s yearly goals and objectives based on analysis of prior performance, school policies, and teaching approaches.

●        Support coordination and management of agreements and relationships with applicable government agencies and departments and submit necessary reports.

●        Be aware of and remain informed about relevant education legislation, policies, and procedures.

●        Identify and assess risks and develop mitigation tactics to address such risks.

●        Lead the development of emergency preparedness plans, including service continuity planning.

●        Prepare and deliver workplan update reports on a monthly basis

●        Establish key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of current operational, managerial, and educational strategies and/or plans.

Financial Management

●        Understand, follow, and enforce all financial policies and procedures.

●        Participate in the development of annual departmental budgets, implement budget controls, and ensure financial accountability for department activities to the Band Administrator.

●        Coordinate the development of regular financial reports for funders, the Band Administrator, and Council according to agreements and as needed.

●        Operate within the parameters of the annual operating budget with clearly outlined expenditures.

●        Track and report expenditures to the Band Administrator per established delegated authority level.

Program and Service Delivery

●        Oversee program management, school infrastructure, assets, and projects.

●        Design and develop educational programming and instructional materials.

●        Secure funding through grants and manage agreements with government and external agencies.

●        Coordinate procurement and inventory management, including quotes, requisitions, and ordering.

●        Lead needs assessments and evaluations to enhance program and service performance.

●        Conduct research and provide expert advice on educational topics.

●        Facilitate community engagement and integrate community needs and perspectives into operational standards and procedures.

●        Update and develop policies, procedures, and standards.

●        Manage school correspondence and documentation as needed.

●        Assess specialized student needs and resource allocations; organize counseling and evaluations as needed

●        Develop work plans and ensure accurate and timely reporting.

●        Establish robust data collection systems that ensure confidentiality.

●        Ensure compliance with provincial standards and promote innovative programs that meet or exceed BC education standards.

●        Advocate for and support community members in Nation education programs, participating in key meetings and potentially undertaking teaching duties as needed.

●        Work with the Education Manager to develop the Adult Education Program in Lhoosk’uz and facilitate this program upon completion.

People Management

●        Promote and foster a positive working environment that aligns with the culture and values of the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation.

●        Understand, follow, and reinforce human resources policies and workplace expectations through behaviours and actions aligned with the culture and values of Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation.

●        Provide direction, coaching, and supervision to staff using constructive and positive feedback to build skills and improve work performance.

●        Participate in recruitment of department positions per the established processes.

●        Conduct performance evaluations for department staff per established processes.

●        Provide professional development and training opportunities for department staff.

●        Request input from staff in planning activities.

●        Facilitate onboarding and orientation for department staff according to established procedures.

●        Ensure personnel records are maintained for all department staff.

●        Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Band Administrator.

Relationship Management

●        Maintain close working relationships with the Education Coordinator, Band Administrator, Language and Culture Teacher, Elders, and the community.

●        Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external participants.

●        Manage conflict and maintain composure and perspective in difficult or unpredictable situations.

●        Conduct performance management tasks, such as student evaluations, coaching, training, and goal-setting initiatives.

●        Act as a representative of Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation when required.

●        Develop and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, private industry businesses, and any other individuals or groups.

●        Facilitate meetings, workshops, and engagement sessions with specific groups, such as Elders and Youth.

●        Be respectful and unbiased in carrying out work responsibilities as a service provider to the community.

●        Maintain confidentiality in all Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation matters.

●        Demonstrate respectful behaviour and actions aligned with the values of the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Education Manager.

●        Knowledge of the BC public school system across elementary and secondary levels.

●        Understanding of Indigenous educational approaches and traditional teaching and learning philosophies.

●        Knowledge and integration of innovative teaching or delivery techniques and tools, including learning disabilities and appropriate teaching or delivery practices.

●        Ability to design educational programs based on learning principles.

●        Understand and comply with privacy legislation and the critical incident management response system.

●        Knowledge of industry-specific legislation, best practices, policies, and procedures.

●        Ability to work with vulnerable persons.

●        Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize and manage workload independently.

●        Strong team player with excellent team building skills.

●        Effective verbal and written communications skills to effectively interact with staff, students, parents, and service providers.

●        Excellent organizational and relationship building skills.

●        Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).

●        High professional standards and integrity.

●        Ability to set professional boundaries, maintain confidentiality, and manage conflict.

●        Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.

●        Demonstrate dedication to the role and to the Lhoosk’uz Dené community.

●        Understand and promote Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation’s culture, language, and values.

●        A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Art, Education, or Science (preferably Educational Science) is required.

●        A Teaching diploma or degree is required

●        Membership in good standing with the B.C. College of Teachers (or any other

●        Provincial Teachers Association)..

●        Demonstrated career progression with five (5) to seven (7) years in progressively responsible roles.

●        Proven experience in implementing programs and interventions for students with diverse needs.

●        Prior experience working with First Nation schools and educational programs is considered an asset, especially experience working in remote First Nations communities

●        Class 5 Drivers License

●        Physical Effort: This position involves routine time spent working on a computer and in an office environment, but program activities may require frequent walking, bending, and moderate lifting.

●        Physical Environment: Duties for this position are typically performed indoors in an office environment, but program activities may require work outdoors when weather conditions are favorable. Out of classroom activities with students will be a regular occurrence.

●        Mental and Sensory: This position is at times in a busy environment subject to regular distractions by external and internal persons making requests. This position involves management of multiple work areas and sites requiring ability to multi-task and adjust priorities. A flexible mindset with strong planning and risk management aptitudes are required.

●        Follow and guide others to follow all Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation policies and procedures.

●        Professional appearance suitable to the position.

●        Maintain strict confidentiality relating to all Nation matters and its members.

●        Ability to successfully and periodically undergo an appropriate criminal records review and vulnerable sector police record check is required.

●        The employee must ensure their own transportation to and from the community of Lhoosk’uz; a reliable vehicle in all weather conditions is recommended