xpey' Elementary School Principal - Indigenous Choice School

Job Details

The Vancouver School Board welcomes applications for the position of:

Principal, χpey̓ Elementary School - Indigenous Choice School

Starting Salary: $149,095.00 to $157,534.00

Working Conditions: In accordance with the Elementary Principal/Vice Principal Terms and Conditions of Employment

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, the VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems and equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education.

Throughout the District, more than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices, and building relationships. The VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts. Our commitment to students goes beyond academics with students’ overall well-being and sense of belonging being equally important. As an organization, we strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we work to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. For more information about our school district, visit .

With an innovative and collaborative culture, VSB is committed to working alongside the three Host Nations, Urban Indigenous, and Métis Nation British Columbia to support Truth and Reconciliation. The leadership of VSB’s Indigenous Education Council, guidance of the Indigenous Education Department, and the support of the Indigenous Allies and Leads are cornerstones of the work toward actualizing the equity statement within our Education Plan.

χpey̓ Elementary School embraces the Indigenous histories and rich cultural traditions of the three Host Nations and of the diverse urban Indigenous community it is situated within. χpey̓ Elementary opened its doors in 2012, being the first and only Indigenous focus school in Vancouver. The original name of the school was changed in 2017 to χpey̓ which means “cedar” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language of the Musqueam people. The school enrolls approximately 90 students in Kindergarten through Grade 7 and is a school of choice – District Indigenous School. It is a school central to East Vancouver’s urban Indigenous community and all Vancouver students can attend.

VSB is committed to achieving the goals and objectives of our with a focus on the three broad pillars of improving student achievement, physical and mental well-being and belonging, increasing equity, and continuing our Reconciliation journey. Supporting these goals and objectives, you will work tirelessly in support of the students in our District to improve achievement for all children of Indigenous ancestry while honouring Indigenous culture, language and traditions within our schools and communities. Duties specific to this role include (but are not limited to):

• Working alongside the district leadership team in aligning school goals with district direction and working towards the VSB ;
• Spearheading sustainable initiatives to improve student achievement and create a safe, caring and inclusive school culture;
• Fostering an environment of instructional excellence based on research and best practices;
• Demonstrating your deep understanding and appreciation of diversity, which is exemplified in your daily practice;
• Managing school-based staff and the budget;
• Organizing and facilitating staff meetings;
• Creating innovative opportunities for Indigenous student voice to be heard within the school community and across the District;
• Collaborating with the Indigenous Education Team in delivery of culturally relevant curriculum, in addition to developing and offering professional development opportunities for staff; and
• Supporting the implementation of the Education Plan and the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement goals that are embedded in the Indigenous Education Council Terms of Reference.

Your unwavering commitment to excellence in Indigenous Education, knowledge of best practices in Indigenous learning and deep understanding of Indigenous history, culture, language, communities, and families make you an ideal candidate for this role.