Description
Junior School Principal
Full-time Permanent Position
Who We Are
Located on 10 beautiful acres in the heart of Olde Oakville, St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School (SMLS) is a premier independent school for girls from JK through to Grade 12. Our mission is to engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.
An Opportunity to Join SMLS
Role Overview
To support our vision of empowered young women challenging and transforming the world, we are currently seeking a values-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)
- 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
- 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 within the Junior School community
- Contribute to the structure, role design, recruitment, and selection of necessary staff and faculty to ensure the success of the Junior School
- Provide comprehensive orientation for new Junior School employees
- Manage the Faculty Performance Evaluation & Growth Plans for the Junior School
- Provide people leadership and develop Junior School employees through coaching, feedback, and professional development
- Build leadership capacity in the Junior School and plan for future leadership succession
- Address all Junior School employees disciplinary and performance issues proactively
- Schedule and lead regular faculty meetings as a means of sharing information, training, and engaging others
- Consistently support and encourage new students, and maintain strong relationships with current families
- Contribute to the growth of the school's Annual Fund and maintain connections with alumnae
- Plan, develop and execute marketing plans in conjunction with the Executive Director, Marketing & Communications and other leadership team members
- Assist in building strong enrolment in the Junior School, creating and implementing retention strategies
- Build strong partnerships and liaise with the Parents Association, current parents, past parents and prospective parents and students
- Support key SMLS events, sharing a compelling story about the Junior School experience and SMLS
- Maintain an overall presence within the school community, acting as a positive role model
- Build strong networks and act as a liaison with other independent schools and maintain membership in good standing with defined affiliations and organizations (CAIS, CIS, etc.)
Your Strengths
Above all else, the successful candidate is a champion for girls' education. You are also:
- An enthusiastic, articulate, and creative individual who communicates with ease and confidence
- A critical thinker who demonstrates initiative and integrity
- A strategic thinker who is able to drive meaningful change
- A proactive, motivated individual who can multitask, work in a team-based environment and build positive relationships across the school community
- A creative thinker who is comfortable trying new approaches and readjusting as needed
- A strong collaborator with the proven ability to develop trusting relationships and a caring rapport with all members of the community
- A self-starter who is eager to learn and can quickly master new and emerging technology
- Education: Bachelor of Education (or related post-secondary education)
- Experience: 10+ years of teaching experience
- School leadership experience: 5+ years ideally
- Computer Skills: Mac, Google, Microsoft Office
- Principal Qualifications (asset)
- Masters of Education (asset)
- Senior Leadership Team experience (asset)
- Experience in an Independent School (asset)
Our work is meaningful and important. As a school, we support each student's interests, talents, learning needs and strengths. Through our world-class facility, Signature Programs, expertise in girls' education, and dedication to personalization, our students become lifelong learners equipped to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose. When you join SMLS, you join a fun and supportive community!
Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages which may include the following benefits (dependent upon role and employment status):
- Health, vision, and dental care
- Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and Long Term Disability insurance
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Mental health & wellbeing resources
- Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan / RRSP program with up to 5% employer match
- A healthy lunch program during the school year
- On-site fitness facilities
- On-site parking
- Time off during Winter Break and March Break
- Summer hours and extra long weekends in line with the school calendar
Young women empowered to challenge and transform the world.
OUR MISSION
To engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.
OUR VALUES
Excellence · Courage · Integrity · Belonging
If you are interested in an opportunity to join our school, please apply online at
We appreciate and thank all applicants for your interest in SMLS, however, only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.
SMLS is an equal opportunity employer and we accommodate any needs under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment within our community.
Please contact Human Resources with any requirements or questions.
