χpey̓ Elementary School Principal - Indigenous Choice School

The Vancouver School Board welcomes applications for the position of:

Principal, χpey̓ Elementary School - Indigenous Choice School

Starting Salary: $149,095.00 to $157,534.00

Working Conditions: In accordance with the Elementary Principal/Vice Principal Terms and Conditions of Employment

The Vancouver School Board (VSB) is an exciting, progressive, and dynamic school district providing a rich array of educational opportunities for learners from kindergarten to adult. Vancouver schools have an excellent reputation as being diverse and inclusive, and for providing outstanding student-centered choice programs. VSB enrolls nearly 50,000 students of which nearly 5% identify as being of Indigenous ancestry. In accordance with our Education Plan, the VSB respects, prioritizes, and supports Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.

With an innovative and collaborative culture, VSB is committed to working alongside the three Host Nations, Urban Indigenous, and Métis Nation British Columbia to support Truth and Reconciliation. The leadership of VSB’s Indigenous Education Council, guidance of the Indigenous Education Department, and the support of the Indigenous Allies and Leads are cornerstones of the work toward actualizing the equity statement within our Education Plan.

χpey̓ Elementary School embraces the Indigenous histories and rich cultural traditions of the three Host Nations and of the diverse urban Indigenous community it is situated within. χpey̓ Elementary opened its doors in 2012, being the first and only Indigenous focus school in Vancouver. The original name of the school was changed in 2017 to χpey̓ which means “cedar” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language of the Musqueam people. The school enrolls approximately 90 students in Kindergarten through Grade 7 and is a school of choice – District Indigenous School. It is a school central to East Vancouver’s urban Indigenous community and all Vancouver students can attend.

VSB is committed to achieving the goals and objectives of our Education Plan with a focus on the three broad pillars of improving student achievement, physical and mental well-being and belonging, increasing equity, and continuing our Reconciliation journey. Supporting these goals and objectives, you will work tirelessly in support of the students in our District to improve achievement for all children of Indigenous ancestry while honouring Indigenous culture, language and traditions within our schools and communities. Duties specific to this role include (but are not limited to):

• Working alongside the district leadership team in aligning school goals with district direction and working towards the VSB Education Plan;
• Spearheading sustainable initiatives to improve student achievement and create a safe, caring and inclusive school culture;
• Fostering an environment of instructional excellence based on research and best practices;
• Demonstrating your deep understanding and appreciation of diversity, which is exemplified in your daily practice;
• Managing school-based staff and the budget;
• Organizing and facilitating staff meetings;
• Creating innovative opportunities for Indigenous student voice to be heard within the school community and across the District;

• Collaborating with the Indigenous Education Team in delivery of culturally relevant curriculum, in addition to developing and offering professional development opportunities for staff; and
• Supporting the implementation of the Education Plan and the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement goals that are embedded in the Indigenous Education Council Terms of Reference.

Your unwavering commitment to excellence in Indigenous Education, knowledge of best practices in Indigenous learning and deep understanding of Indigenous history, culture, language, communities, and families make you an ideal candidate for this role.

Preference will be given to a qualified citizen of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and/or a person who self identifies as Indigenous.

The successful candidate will have:

• Working knowledge of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP), Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S), Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action for Education;
• Commitment to having appropriate curricular inclusion of the history, culture, and languages of the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation);
• A thorough understanding of redesigned curriculum framework and current assessment practices.
• A well-developed sense of organization, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage time and administrative tasks efficiently;
• The ability to use a variety of conflict resolution strategies to address and resolve conflicts;
• The ability to respectfully exercise your supervisory authority within a highly complex unionized environment, as well as meaningfully engage parents in the life of the school;
• The ability to break down complex concepts and present them in a consistent, engaging, and understandable manner to school-based staff and the school community;
• Hold a valid B.C. Professional Teaching Certificate and master's degree in education; coursework in Indigenous Education considered an asset.

Your application must include:

• Cover letter;
• Resume;
• 3 professional references; and
• A copy of your Work VISA or PR Card (if you are not a Canadian Citizen)

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Register on Make a Future: http://www.makeafuture.ca

2. Create a profile

3. Click on Job Postings then click Search

4. Select the position that you are qualified for

5. Answer ALL job posting questions then click Apply

6. Upload ALL supporting documents

7. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted

• Only applicants who are fully qualified will be considered for this position.
• Applicants will be contacted directly if we are interested in moving forward or if an application requires additional information.
• We do not notify unsuccessful applicants or respond to inquiries regarding the status of an application.

The VSB has been given approval from the Human Rights Tribunal for a Special Program under s. 42(3) of the British Columbia Human Rights Code. Under this special program, the VSB seeks to preferentially hire Aboriginal persons to a variety of teaching positions. Therefore, each applicant may wish to provide, on a voluntary basis, information whether they self-identify as an Aboriginal person.

Other Compensation Information:

This position is within the scope and terms and conditions of employment for all Elementary Principals and Vice Principals employed by the VSB.