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SalarySouthpointe Academy invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications from exceptional English-speaking educators, for the position of Deputy Head of School, with the appointment to be effective summer 2024 or as mutually agreed.
Southpointe Academy is a leading edge International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum School located in the sunny micro-climate of South Delta, British Columbia and surrounded by the ocean, beaches, and natural beauty. As a co-educational, secular day school serving nearly 700 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, Southpointe is known for its strong sense of community, collaborative culture, and commitment to professional development. The School fosters caring relationships with students and develops young people of character who make a positive difference in the world.
Southpointe features world leading programming through its highly acclaimed IB Primary Years (Grade K-5) and Middle Years (Grade 6-10) programmes. Southpointe is also officially authorized for the IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11-12), which completes its innovative offering of IB from entry to graduation. The educational programme is supported through modern purpose-built facilities and amenities. For additional information, please see www.southpointe.ca.
Reporting to the Head of School, and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Head of School will share in the responsibility for the leadership and management of the whole school at a strategic and operational level. The Deputy Head is a key player in helping Southpointe achieve its strategic vision and live out its mission of helping students learn, lead, and succeed. In collaboration with the Head of School, the Deputy Head will help to oversee the work of the Junior, Middle, and Senior School Principals in the day-to-day operation of the School and will be responsible for a number of key administrative functions combining the educational and business operations of the School. The new Deputy Head will be expected to provide committed leadership, expertise, and inspiration around emerging trends in education and identified priorities in the School’s strategic plan. Southpointe offers highly competitive compensation and benefits.
Applications, including a resume, a letter of introduction, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant), should be submitted, in confidence, to the School’s executive search consultants (applications will continue to be received until the role is filled):
Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
Southpointe@lavernesmith.com
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL
The Deputy Head of School’s responsibilities, broadly defined, include the following:
Mission & Vision
Leading and supporting the School’s strategic priorities, particularly in areas focused on critical thinking, creativity and emerging trends in education and student experience;
Providing visionary direction for the academic program, based on thorough research, innovation, and best practices;
Contributing to the development and execution of the school's long-term strategic plan, reflecting Southpointe’s mission and vision;
Collaborating with the leadership team to develop new plans that pinpoint opportunities for educational advancement and innovation;
Monitoring key performance indicators and academic outcomes to ensure the school's progress towards its short and long-term strategic objectives;
Attending school events in and out of regular school hours, including weekends, while serving as an ambassador of the school.
Leadership Team, Curriculum & Faculty Support
Working collaboratively with the Head of School, and the Junior, Middle and Senior School Principals on program development initiatives that support teaching and learning;
Working collaboratively with the Junior, Middle and Senior School Principals on curriculum continuity and progression from Kindergarten to Grade 12;
Playing a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation and continuous improvement of the IB Diploma Programme;
In partnership with the Head of School, providing strategic leadership and focus for the IB Continuum by identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance the overall effectiveness of all programmes;
Identifying the professional development needs of Principals and designing programs of support to enhance their leadership skills, instructional practices, and overall effectiveness in managing their respective divisions;
Conducting annual Professional Growth Plan (PGP) discussions with Principals, which include areas of strength and success while also providing feedback to enhance their growth and development;
In partnership with the Head of School and Principals, collaborating on the hiring, evaluation, and mentorship of faculty and support staff as needed;
Overseeing school-wide protocols for staff performance reviews and development;
Providing in-house workshops for teachers based on current trends in education, the evolving use of information-technology, and the philosophy of the IB programmes;
Supporting Principals in managing emergent situations or conflict effectively, while upholding the safety and welfare of students, staff, and the school community;
Fostering a culture of respect and collaboration by developing and implementing conflict resolution strategies and initiatives to address multiple perspectives;
Mediating conflicts that arise between school stakeholder groups by facilitating open and constructive dialogues to reach positive resolutions;
Providing training to staff, students, and parents on conflict management techniques, communication skills, and ways to address conflicts in a positive manner.
Operations
Supporting the admissions process, including participation in admissions events, such as open houses, information sessions, and campus tours, to engage with prospective families;
Supporting school communications, marketing and branding initiatives;
Collaborating with the marketing department to develop and implement effective admissions marketing strategies, ensuring the School's visibility and attractiveness to potential candidates;
Developing a K-12 coordinated calendar and curriculum schedule;
Responsibility for the review and development of School-wide policies related to teaching and learning;
Overseeing provisions for summer programming;
In collaboration with the Head of School, overseeing provisions for risk management and emergency preparedness;
Collaborating with the Head of School and administrative team to manage resources effectively and optimize school operations;
In collaboration with the leadership team and the communications department, reviewing and revising the Faculty and Student/Parent handbook to ensure content is up-to-date and accurate.
Student Support
Fostering a culture of academic rigor, innovation, critical and creative thinking, as well as high student engagement to achieve personal excellence;
Supporting learning and teaching through the review of student assessment data;
Overseeing the effective implementation of the IB programmes across all grade levels, ensuring adherence to IB standards and best practices;
In partnership with the Head of School and Principals, overseeing the Student Code of Conduct and positive restoration practices;
Facilitating parent meetings to communicate plans for student accountability and improvement, as needed.
Alumni Relations
Fostering strong connections between Southpointe and its esteemed alumni community, playing a vital role in cultivating lifelong relationships with former students, while encouraging active engagement, and enhancing the overall reputation and support for the School;
Collaborating with faculty, as well as the admissions, marketing and advancement departments to ensure seamless integration of alumni relations efforts across the School.
External Accreditations and Review
Supporting the Principals and IB Coordinators to ensure that all BC Ministry, CAIS and IB requirements are fully satisfied to a high standard;
Overseeing internal and external school monitoring visits, including review and evaluation exercises.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
Master’s of Education Degree;
Current leadership experience in an IB Continuum School with equal knowledge of the PYP, MYP and DP programmes;
Minimum of 5 years experience as a Principal, Vice Principal or Deputy Head of School in a Junior, Middle and/or Senior School division;
Minimum of 10 years experience in teaching within Independent Schools;
Progressive experience that is rich in curriculum leadership, including experience as a Curriculum Coordinator and/or Head of Department;
Extensive teaching experience of at least 10 years across a multitude of grade levels;
Experience leading major initiatives in school that improve the quality of teaching and learning, and raise standards;
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills;
Experience working in a technology-rich Google suite environment;
Recent experience in a high performing, innovative school;
Valid BC Teaching Certificate, Independent School Teaching Certificate or eligibility to obtain a certificate.
Conditions of Employment
Permanent, full time;
Language of work English;
Salary range $160,000 - $190,000 depending on experience and qualifications;
Relocation allowance up to $5,000 for candidates from Canadian provinces;
Extended Health and Dental benefits;
Employer contribution to RRSP 9% with minimum employee contribution;
Discounted fee for dependent children admitted to Southpointe;
Heavily discounted school lunch on days students are in school.
Submit your application to:
Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
Southpointe@lavernesmith.com
School Campuses:
1900 56 St, Delta, BC V4L 2B1
Unit 30, 1835 56th Street, Delta, BC V4L 2L9
Website
www.southpointe.ca
All colleagues in leadership positions are expected to commit to the school’s values and the guidelines outlining leadership qualities.
Southpointe Academy encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds. We value each community member’s identity, perspective and well-being, and embrace our differences as a sign of strength. We believe in diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to equal employment opportunities.
