Senior School Principal - IB World School

About Our Client:

Summit Search Group is pleased to be partnering with with Richland Academy, a progressive, innovative IB World school committed to cultivating inquiry, well-being, and a culture of deep thinking and belonging.

Position Scope:

Richland Academy is entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of its Senior School Campus in Aurora, opening September 2027. Building on the success and strong culture of their Richmond Hill campus, this role is essential in ensuring that the same shared principles, progressive philosophy, and sense of belonging extend seamlessly to their new location. They are seeking a visionary educational leader to shape the future of Richland’s Senior School and inspire students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The Middle School / High School Principal will lead Grades 7–12, driving academic excellence, student well-being, and community engagement. This is a brand-new role, offering a rare opportunity to create something extraordinary from the ground up.

The successful candidate will champion inquiry-based learning, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and oversee the implementation of the IB Middle Years Programme and future Diploma Programme. In the early stages, this leader will wear many hats—managing curriculum development, faculty recruitment, admissions, and operational planning—while building strong relationships with students, families, and the wider community. As the school grows, this individual will have the ability to scale and structure their own team, bringing in specialized expertise to support a thriving, innovative learning environment.

This mandate calls for a dynamic, relational, and strategic leader who is passionate about progressive education and eager to make a lasting impact. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish a modern, forward-thinking Senior School that will inspire generations of learners.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision:

• Champion Richland Academy’s mission, values, and philosophy across the Senior School.
• Lead the implementation, development, and ongoing evaluation of the MYP and future Diploma Programme.
• Advance a school culture centered on well-being, belonging, and student voice.
• Collaborate with the Head and leadership team on long-term strategic planning.
• Lead the phased growth of the Senior School (e.g., facility expansion, grade additions, and program milestones).
• Collaborate with the Head of School and Board on annual goals and school improvement planning.

Teaching & Learning:

• Oversee the development of rigorous, engaging, inquiry-driven curriculum aligned with IB expectations and Ontario Ministry of Education requirements.
• Support teachers through coaching, mentorship, and professional learning opportunities.
• Ensure consistent use of assessment practices that support student growth and demonstrate achievement.
• Lead the integration of real-world learning, experiential opportunities, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Serve as the instructional leader for the Senior School, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning within a progressive, inquiry-based framework.
• Ensure that teaching and learning experiences promote deep conceptual understanding, student agency, and real-world application of knowledge.
• Lead systematic review and evaluation of all academic and co-curricular programmes to sustain continuous improvement.
• Guide integration of technology, design thinking, and creative arts as vehicles for inquiry.

Teacher Professional Development:

• Design and implement a strategic professional development framework aligned with Richland’s mission, IB philosophy, and school improvement goals.
• Empower teacher leaders and facilitate professional learning communities that drive innovation and inquiry.

University & Career Pathways:

• Oversee academic advising and post-secondary guidance, ensuring each student receives personalized support in identifying and pursuing their future pathways.
• Build partnerships with universities, industry leaders, and community organizations to expand experiential learning, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
• Support students and parents through the university application process, including scholarships and special programs.

Student Experience & Well-Being:

• Foster a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where students feel known, valued, and supported.
• Oversee student success initiatives; counselling, learning support, and enrichment.
• Support the development of co-curricular programs, athletics, clubs, leadership opportunities, and community partnerships.
• Partner with families to ensure strong communication and collaborative relationships.

School Operations & Administration:

• Manage daily operations of the Senior School Campus, including scheduling, supervision, and safety protocols.
• Oversee faculty recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews in collaboration with the Head of School.
• Ensure compliance with IB and Ministry standards.
• Create all school start-up documents required for Ministry inspection, including pre-inspection and inspection materials such as:
• School course calendar
• Course outlines
• Schedules and timetables
• All related OSSD documentation and Ministry submission requirements
• Support admissions by participating in tours, interviews, and student evaluations.
• Prepare orders of all materials, technology and resources for classes and administration

Community Engagement:

• Cultivate a positive school presence with students, staff, families, and community partners.
• Represent Richland Academy’s Senior School in public events, marketing initiatives, and outreach programs.
• Encourage a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among faculty and staff.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree in Education or Educational Leadership preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of successful school leadership experience, ideally in Grades 7–12.
• Valid Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Certificate of Qualification and Registration, in Good Standing.
• Strong background in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and student well-being.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth, innovation, and reflective practice.
• Familiarity with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements, including OSSD diploma requirements, course coding, and policy/program expectations.

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.