Yaqan Nu ? kiy School Principal Position
School Description :
Yaqan Nu ? kiy School is certified and accredited by both the BC Ministry of Education and the First Nations School Association. Operated by and located within the Lower Kootenay Band ( Creston , BC) we have 105 students from pre-school to grade 7 and maintain a special focus on ktunaxa culture and language, outdoor education , and relationship-based learning. Yaqan Nukiy School has a diverse staff of over 20 individuals including: teachers , education assistants , school counselor, vice principal/learning support, and support from contracted speech language pathologists and occupational therapists.
Job Duties:
- Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Lower Kootenay Band standards and procedures .
- Works with and alongside the community's education team to achieve the goals set out for the advancement of education in Yaqan Nu?kiy .
- Provide instructional leadership and supervision to all Yaqan Nu?kiy School staff to uphold standards, practices, and laws as set out by Lower Kootenay Band , Indigenous Services Canada (ISC ) funding parameters, First Nations Education Steering Committee , (FNESC) , and the BC Ministry of Education Independent schools .
- Ensures that Yaqan Nu?kiy School educational programs offer superior quality , and that the learning environment advances Lower Kootenay language and culture.
- Establishes that the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of all students is always a priority and includes external agencies when needed.
- Maintains confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the Lower Kootenay Band and the Yaqan Nu?kiy School .
- Creates and manages, as approved in collaboration with the Director of Operations , Finance Director and Chief/Council , the financial operations of the school including annual operating budgets .
- Administers the School Personnel Policy and complies to the Lower Kootenay Band’s Terms of Reference as it relates to all school staff.
- Ensures that all employees adhere to standards, practices , and by-laws as set out by Yaqan Nu?kiy School and the Lower Kootenay Band, the Indigenous Services Canada ( ISC ) funding sources for BC Ministry of Education Schools Act .
- Develops reports and leads the school evaluation process to meet reporting/evaluation obligations to the ISC , the BC Ministry of Education and any other funding or regulatory agency .
- Administers, authorizes , and monitors all school related expenditures .
- Develops and coordinates the strategic and operational planning of the School programs and activities including compiling the school calendar in compliance with regulations as set out by the BC Ministry of Education and roughly approximating the local School District #8 . Ensures adherence to BC health , safety regulations, and practices .
- Assists with maintaining updated policies including HR , school handbooks , and staff evaluations to reflect the needs of the school and ensuring best practices are implemented .
- Encourages and oversees curriculum innovation ; oversees and monitors assessment and reporting , particularly with Acadience assessments ; CAT4 testing, and facilitates the ongoing development of support for students with diverse learning needs and working towards a decolonial education .
- Coordinates teaching activities of the school by determining class assignments, determining class size and preparing timetables.
- Assists with fundraising activities in conjunction with the Lower Kootenay Band and Parents Advisory Committee .
- Identifies funding sources and develops proposals , in conjunction with the School Governing Authority, to access funding from ISC and other sources, for new and expanded projects and programming . Ensures the continued receipt of funding for Yaqan Nu?kiy education programming .
- Manages all activities related to the recruitment, selection, evaluation, and progressive discipline of school personnel , ensuring that Yaqan Nu?kiy School policy, procedures, and best practices are adhered to .
- Collects authentic data to maintain continuous growth in academic, culture and language achievement for all students attending Yaqan Nu?kiy School .
- Keeps track of new developments in education curriculum and administration , ensuring staff and key stakeholders are kept informed of emerging and developing practices.
- Provides school staff with professional and technical support and conducts regular staff and professional learning community meetings .
- Facilitates and ensures the ongoing personal and professional development of all school staff including personal and Professional Growth Plans .
- Oversees the Special Education Department; supporting the Learning Support Teacher and ensuring Individual Education Plans are being adhered to .
- Manages and supervises the daily operations of the Yaqan Nu?kiy School activities, programs , staff and students .
- Plans, implements and monitors a Kindergarten to Grade 8 program and curriculum, ensuring integration of Ktunaxa and other First Nations Culture , History and Language .
- Provides leadership in defining/implementing the school's vision and School Growth Plan.
- Consults and co -ordinates with outside educational agencies such as School District 8, College of the Rockies, FNSA / FNESC, FISA as well as Provincial and First Nations Authorities.
- Oversees administration of student records and student admissions , as well as student discipline , initiating progressive and corrective support as required and in coordination with the school counsellor .
- Maintains positive relationships with teachers, students , parents , the Governing Authority (Chief & Council), other educational agencies and the community . Attends and participates in school and community events and activities .
- Identifies technology needs and supports the integration of technology across curricular areas .
- Oversees and ensures the timely and safe arrival and departure daily of students to and from school and on authorized school activities.
- Directs and coordinates school maintenance services and the use of school facilities .
- Builds collaboration and internal relationships with all other departments ( Health, Finance , Ec Dev , Housing, O/M, etc. ) through attending and participating in regular management meetings and other meetings to solve dynamic challenges.
- Attends Lower Kootenay Band Director's Meetings and Chief/Council . Work collaboratively and fully as a member of the Lower Kootenay Band lead Manager's Team with respect to departmental and interdepartmental matters to ensure that the advancement of the Lower Kootenay Band strategic plan goals and vision are achieved and maintained .
- Collaborates and shares information with Lower Kootenay Band Education staff to encourage cost and human resource efficiencies as required .
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Director of Operations .
Qualifications :
- Currently hold a non-expiring, non-restricted BC Teacher Certificate
- Have a minimum of 2 years of administrative experience
Have specific and relevant experience in educational leadership
Have knowledge and expertise in the current B.C. school curriculum , Independent Schools , and First Nation Schools (FNESC)
- Experience working within a First Nation Community
Knowledge of Ktunaxa language and culture
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants shortlisted for interviews will be contacted. Please note that present and past employers may be contacted.
We welcome diversity and encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Please apply by sending your cover letter and detailed resume to [email protected] .
