Vice Principal, PYP (JK-5)

Summary

St. Margaret’s School (SMS) is Western Canada’s only girl-centered, independent day and boarding school located in Victoria, British Columbia. Founded in 1908, SMS offers a comprehensive IB education from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. As Vice Principal, PYP, you will work closely with the Deputy Head of School, Academics to lead the day‑to‑day operations of the JK‑Grade 5 programmes, support teaching excellence, and promote a whole‑child educational environment. You will be a key pedagogical leader and lifelong learner committed to the school’s mission, vision, and values, fostering student agency, wellness, and leadership.

Core Competencies

- Integrity & Trust
- Service Orientation
- Communication & Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Innovation
- Resilience
- Interpersonal Savvy

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversee the operational needs of the JK‑Grade 5 Programs, including leading junior school events, supporting the Deputy Head of School, Student Life, and overseeing classroom instruction.
2. Liaise with the JK Coordinator to ensure early years pedagogy, programming, and ECE staff are supported. Ensure that JK operations, such as licensing and compliance, are adhered to.
3. Provide academic leadership in monitoring, assessing, and fostering a stimulating and innovative learning environment that supports Ministry directives, IB principles, and best practices.
4. Liaise with the Deputy Head of School, Academics to implement dynamic programming aligned with school direction and IB, STEM‑X, nature‑based and inquiry learning.
5. Provide professional and personal leadership for faculty and staff directly connected to student care.
6. Evaluate job performance of supervisees in conjunction with the Educational Leadership Team and Human Resources.
7. Establish relationships with students by:
1. Being visible in the community.
2. Being available for student conversations.
3. Participating in class activities as available.
4. Supporting Student Leadership.
5. Managing general student discipline:
1. Working with teachers and students.
2. Connecting with parents/families.
3. Seeking guidance from the Deputy Head of School as needed.
4. Drafting letters of discipline/expectation as needed.

- Establish connections with parents, maintaining proactive relationships and being accessible to address concerns.

1. In consultation with teachers,



communicate with parents about students’ academic and emotional/social development.
2. In consultation with the Deputy Head of School, Academics and/or Student Life, communicate with parents on all aspects of school activities, policies and protocols.

- Participate on the Safety Team to support Safer Schools Coordinators and liaise with students and families as appropriate.
- In consultation with the Chief Operating and Financial Officer and other deputies, determine and manage the budget related to JK‑Grade 5 Programs and activities.
- In consultation with the Deputy Head of School, Academics and PYP Coordinator:

1. Identify professional needs and plan in‑school workshops.
2. Support Ministry/CAIS/IB accreditations and evaluations.

- Liaise with the Manager of Boarding and the Manager of Student Engagement regarding student concerns.
- Liaise with the Coordinator of Personalized Learning & Enrichment to ensure appropriate services for students and maintain awareness of Individual Education Plans and Safety Plans.
- Liaise with Human Resources to coordinate hiring, discipline, and onboarding of recent faculty.
- Share school initiatives and activities with the Communications department to promote programs.
- Lead updates to the JK Handbook and collaborate with the Admissions department to finalize.
- Liaise with the Deputy Head of School, Student Life to contribute content for weekly faculty updates and the Google Classroom.
- Collaborate with the Admissions Team on retention and recruitment.
- Under supervision, prepare yearly timetables with the Coordinator of Personalized Learning & Enrichment.
- Oversight of duty/supervision scheduling and orientation.
- Lead planning for the Junior School’s Outweek and coordinate with Student Life.
- Lead planning, review, and distribution of Student Progress Reports.

1. Coordinate with Student Records and Administrative Assistant JK‑12.
2. Coordinate with the Coordinator of Personalized Learning & Enrichment.





- Support Athletics and coaching staff in communication and coordination of extracurricular sports and clubs.
- Attend to payroll duties weekly, approving hours and liaising with staff for time‑off requests.
- Support the planning of Curriculum Evenings and related information sessions.
- Coordinate Parent‑Teacher Interviews and Student‑Led Conferences with the Administrative Assistant JK‑12.
- Support the planning and execution of Open Houses and information sessions.
- Collaborate on end‑of‑year celebrations and the Graduation Ceremony.
- Attend board meetings and retreats as required.
- Participate on the IB Academic Leadership Team, co‑leading Faculty Meetings and ensuring minutes are recorded.
- Maintain awareness of social/emotional needs of girls and research best practices in girls’ learning.
- Demonstrate superior communication, organization, and interpersonal skills when working with colleagues and parents.
- Collaborate effectively as part of a team.

Required Education and Experience

- Valid certification by the BC College of Teachers
- Master’s degree in educational administration, curriculum, leadership, or related field
- Minimum of 5 years of exemplary classroom teaching experience
- 5+ years experience as an IB teacher
- 3+ years in a school leadership position
- IB training and experience
- Preference for experience in an all‑girls or independent school environment
- Experience working within a diverse team
- Experience supporting students with diverse backgrounds and identities

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Embodies a growth mindset
- Evidence of ongoing professional growth as a lifelong learner
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
- Strong oral, written, facilitation, and presentation skills
- Maintains confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity
- Initiative to set priorities and follow through
- Demonstrated resilience and ability to remain adaptable
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills
- Desire to form healthy partnerships with parents and families
- Visionary, big‑picture thinker and strategic planner
- Active support for the school’s vision, mission, and values

Valued Benefits

Access to on‑campus facilities such as rapid transit, an on‑site gym, and a supportive professional environment.

📌 Vice Principal, PYPINTERNAL ONLY (Victoria)
🏢 St. Margaret's School
📍 Victoria