Principal

PRINCIPAL

FORT ROUGE

(Classification I)

Fort Rouge School is a small, diverse, and welcoming downtown community that places children at the center of everything it does. The school focuses on nurturing the whole child; academically, socially, and emotionally through strong relationships and collaborative supports. Literacy, math, Indigenous Education and inclusive programming are key priorities, and staff work closely together to create engaging learning experiences that reflect the strengths and needs of every student.

Inclusion, equity, and diversity come to life each day at Fort Rouge. Classrooms and common spaces reflect the many cultures and languages represented in the community that connect students to the wider world. The school values shared leadership, where staff and educational assistants contribute their talents through committees and collaborative initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning.

What makes Fort Rouge truly special is its strong sense of family and community. Families are deeply involved through school events, partnerships, and daily interactions that make the school feel like an extension of home. While the downtown setting brings both rich opportunities and real challenges, the school community responds with care, creativity, and a commitment to belonging, ensuring every child and family feels seen, supported, and valued.

Qualifications

Consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated the following qualifications and characteristics:

· Is a principal teacher - a teacher of teachers who models relational, hands-on leadership by being visible in classrooms, guiding staff in best practices for literacy, math, and Indigenous education, and helping teachers and educational assistants grow through coaching, collaboration, and shared leadership. Candidates should be able to show how they have moved teacher practice and inspired strong professional learning communities.

· Is dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation - weaving Indigenous knowledge, teachings, and perspectives into daily school life. This includes fostering relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, creating spaces for trust and healing, and demonstrating commitment to the Calls to Action through tangible practices that support Indigenous students and families.

· Is a fierce advocate for inclusion and belonging - ensuring that every learner feels safe, valued, and capable. At Fort Rouge, inclusion is lived through daily acts of care: meeting families where they are, responding to diverse needs, and fostering cultures of respect and high expectations for all.

· Is committed to Inclusive Education - understanding the wide spectrum of academic, social, and emotional needs within an urban, diverse student body. The leader should champion individualized programming, universal design, and relational practices that help each child thrive in their own way, while valuing Indigenous education and cultural responsiveness.

· Is responsive to the community - embracing Fort Rouge’s deep family and community connections. This includes engaging families through events and partnerships, understanding the realities of downtown life, and using community resources to support food security, wellness, and learning. The successful candidate will be approachable, visible, and deeply invested in relationships that strengthen the home-school connection.

· Communicates with transparency and care - maintaining open, genuine communication with students, staff, and families. Candidates should demonstrate clarity, empathy, and follow-through-keeping everyone informed, promoting shared decision-making, and cultivating a culture of safety, trust, and mutual respect.

· Is a learner and leader in Early and Middle Years pedagogy - passionate about developmentally appropriate, engaging, and joyful learning experiences that honor student voice and curiosity.

· Is a courageous innovator - unafraid to ask big questions and lead the school in reimagining how children learn and connect. The Fort Rouge community values a leader who sees challenges as opportunities, brings staff together around creative solutions, and promotes inquiry-based, hands-on learning.

· Is a dreamer grounded in purpose - able to envision what schooling can be when driven by authenticity, relationships, and community impact. Candidates should see beyond tradition to design learning that is rigorous, relevant, and joyful for both students and staff.

· Exudes the “Bring It Factor” - bringing optimism, energy, and love for children to the work each day. At Fort Rouge, laughter, kindness, and curiosity fill the halls, and the leader’s spirit sets the tone for a culture of joy, determination, and belonging.

This is an opportunity to lead a school where relationships come first, learning is collective, and every child and family is known by name and story.

How to apply

Click the button "Apply Online" and log into your account. First time users will be required to create a profile to apply.

Employment is subject to a clear Child Abuse Registry check and Police Information Check

Winnipeg School Division has an Employment Equity policy which strives for the removal of barriers to the hiring, advancement, full inclusion, and fair representation of women, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, persons living with a disability and racialized people at all levels within the organization. In support of achieving a diversified workforce, preference will be given to qualified candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the Employment Equity groups.



Winnipeg School Division will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants disabled by barriers during the interview and assessment process, upon request.

About Winnipeg School Division

At WSD, every employee plays a vital role in helping students thrive. Together, we are guided by a shared purpose of creating learning environments rooted in equity, inclusion, and belonging. Serving nearly 32,000 students from diverse communities across Winnipeg, WSD is driven by the values of joy, love, and rigour.

WSD is one of Manitoba’s largest employers with over 6,000 full and part-time employees in 83 locations including 78 schools, two administrative buildings, a training centre, a facilities maintenance office, and a school bus depot.