School Principal

Reports To: Director of Education

Department: Education

Job Type: Full Time/Permanent

Hours of Work: 35 hours a week, Monday-Friday

Job Summary

The School Principal is responsible for providing educational, instructional, administrative, and cultural

leadership for the school. This role oversees the day-to-day operations of the school while ensuring a

safe, welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment for all students.

The Principal leads with a trauma-informed, assets-based, and culturally grounded approach , supporting

the academic, social-emotional, and cultural development of all learners, with particular attention to

students with exceptionalities and diverse learning needs. The Principal demonstrates a strong

commitment to Tsay Keh Dene ways of knowing, working to integrate Tsay Keh Dene language,

culture, land-based learning, and Indigenous frameworks evenly across the curriculum.

The Principal works collaboratively with staff, students, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and

community partners to deliver innovative education inspired by land-based learning, alternative

education models, and multiple ways of knowing and demonstrating learning. Other duties may be

assigned as required.

Core Responsibilities

Educational Leadership 

Set and monitor performance objectives for students and staff 

Lead the implementation of curriculum that meets provincial requirements while reflecting

Indigenous, land-based, and alternative education approaches 

Promote high standards of academic achievement, personal growth, responsibility, and character 

Monitor instructional and managerial processes to ensure programs align with intended

outcomes and student needs 

Use evidence, observation, and community feedback to evaluate and improve student learning

outcomes

Trauma-Informed & Inclusive Practice 

Lead the school using trauma-informed principles that prioritize safety, belonging, trust, and

relationship-based learning 

Ensure discipline and behaviour management practices are restorative, non-punitive, and

culturally responsive 

Foster inclusive learning environments that support students with exceptionalities, learning

differences, and diverse social-emotional needs 

Champion care-centred approaches that recognize the impacts of intergenerational trauma while

emphasizing resilience and strengths

Assets-Based Design & Development 

Apply an assets-based lens to leadership, valuing student strengths, cultural knowledge,

community capacity, and lived experience 

Support educators in designing learning experiences that emphasize strengths rather than deficits 

Encourage multiple modalities of learning, including hands-on, experiential, oral, visual, land-

based, and creative approaches

Curriculum, Language & Culture Integration 

Demonstrate a clear commitment to embedding Tsay Keh Dene language, culture, and ways of

knowing across all subject areas 

Collaborate with Language & Culture staff, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to ensure cultural

integrity and meaningful integration 

Support land-based, place-based, and experiential learning opportunities grounded in community

knowledge 

Promote Indigenous frameworks and alternative education models that reflect local context and

community values 

Encourage equitable distribution of language and cultural learning throughout the school

program

School Improvement & Planning 

Build and maintain a shared vision for school improvement with staff and community 

Develop annual school goals, benchmarks, and performance objectives 

Establish and maintain systems to track progress toward educational and cultural goals 

Create and sustain a positive school climate that promotes accountability, belonging, and high

morale

Tsay Keh Dene

| 1940 Third Ave, Prince George, BC V2M 1G7

Personnel Management 

Interview, select, orient, and support school staff 

Define expectations for professional practice, instructional strategies, classroom management,

and community engagement 

Observe and evaluate staff performance and support professional growth and development 

Make recommendations to the Director of Education regarding staffing decisions, including

contract renewal or discipline 

Foster collaboration, collegiality, and shared leadership among staff

Student Support & Management 

Oversee systems that support students with exceptionalities, including academic, behavioural,

social-emotional, and cultural supports 

Ensure Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and student support services are implemented and

monitored effectively 

Work with staff and families to develop fair, equitable, and restorative approaches to student

behaviour 

Conduct conferences with students, parents, and teachers as needed 

Ensure appropriate response to concerns related to student safety, self-harm, substance use,

neglect, or abuse in accordance with policy and law 

Review and sign student report cards and recognize student achievements

Administration, Budgeting & Facilities 

Establish and manage a comprehensive school budget aligned with multiple funding bodies and

departmental allocations 

o Students with exceptionalities and inclusive education

o Language and culture revitalization

o Youth transitions and post-secondary readiness

o Educational governance and capacity building

o Program evaluation and student learning impacts 

Oversee administrative operations, records management, attendance, and reporting 

Ensure compliance with First Nation policies and applicable provincial and federal regulations 

Oversee facility use, maintenance, safety, and emergency preparedness

Tsay Keh Dene

| 1940 Third Ave, Prince George, BC V2M 1G7

Community Relations 

Establish and maintain positive relationships with parents, families, and community members 

Communicate the school’s mission and goals clearly and consistently 

Encourage meaningful parent and community involvement in school life 

Demonstrate awareness of community needs and initiate responsive programming

Qualifications 

Degree in Education; Master’s degree preferred 

Minimum 3–5 years of relevant leadership or administrative experience 

Experience working within or alongside Indigenous communities 

Knowledge of school administration, educational policy, and inclusive education practices 

Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed and culturally responsive education

Competencies 

Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills 

Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, families, and community partners 

Systems-level thinking across curriculum, funding, staffing, and student supports 

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally grounded education 

Strong communication and problem-solving skills 

Ability to adapt, innovate, and lead change in complex environments

Position Details & Conditions 

Position based in Tsay Keh Dene Nation, BC 

Professional accommodation provided 

Travel may be required 

Valid BC Driver’s License and Criminal Record Check required

Tsay Keh Dene

| 1940 Third Ave, Prince George, BC V2M 1G7 4