Position Description

Principal of Education

Full-Time | Commencing Fall 2026

Immanuel Christian School – Oshawa, Ontario Canada

Immanuel Christian School is seeking an experienced, Christ-centred educational leader to serve as our next Principal of Education beginning this Fall 2026, allowing for shadowing of the current retiring principal until December 31, 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity for a servant leader who is passionate about Christian education, academic excellence, and cultivating a vibrant school community where students are equipped to flourish academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Principal serves as the educational and spiritual leader of the school, providing vision, strategic leadership, operational oversight, and faithful stewardship in support of the school's mission.

About Immanuel Christian School

Immanuel Christian School exists to partner with Christian families by providing a Biblically faithful elementary education that nurtures each child to know Christ, pursue academic excellence, develop God-given gifts, and prepare to serve God faithfully in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities.

The successful candidate will embrace the school's Statement of Faith, Christian worldview, and commitment to Christ-centred education while fostering a culture of excellence, grace, accountability, and servant leadership.

Position Summary

• The Principal of Education is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the school, including:
• Spiritual leadership
• Educational leadership
• Staff leadership and development
• Student wellbeing
• School operations
• Strategic planning
• Board relations
• Community engagement
• Financial stewardship
• Regulatory compliance
• This is a full-time leadership position requiring flexibility for occasional evening and weekend meetings and school events.

Spiritual Leadership

• Model a mature and growing Christian faith.
• Lead the school community from a Biblical worldview.
• Foster a Christ-centred culture among students, staff, and families.
• Lead chapel services, devotionals, prayer, and other opportunities for spiritual formation.
• Encourage discipleship and spiritual growth throughout the school community.
• Uphold the school's Christian identity and lifestyle expectations.

Educational Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership for JK–Grade 8 programming.
• Ensure excellence in teaching and learning.
• Oversee curriculum implementation consistent with Ontario Ministry of Education expectations and the school's Christian philosophy.
• Support innovation in teaching practices.
• Promote student achievement and continuous school improvement.
• Ensure appropriate supports for diverse learners.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff.
• Foster a collaborative and professional learning culture.
• Provide coaching and ongoing professional development.
• Conduct teacher performance evaluations.
• Maintain staff policies and employee handbooks.
• Build a healthy, Christ-centred workplace culture.

Student Leadership

• Promote student wellbeing and positive school culture.
• Oversee student discipline using restorative practices and Biblical principles.
• Ensure student safety and compliance with all applicable legislation.
• Encourage student leadership and service opportunities.
• Partner with families to support student growth and success.

Learning Leadership

• Serve as the academic visionary, researching and implementing modern learning trends to keep programming engaging, rigorous, and relevant.
• Direct the faculty in regularly evaluating and updating the curriculum to ensure it meets modern educational standards, while remaining rooted in the school's core faith and mission.
• Keep informed of current educational trends, theories, and technology through professional development, conferences, workshops, seminars, and/or post-graduate work
• Analyze and evaluate testing data with faculty to create goals for future educational programs.

Board Leadership

• Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Principal will:
• Provide professional educational advice and recommendations.
• Attend Board meetings and prepare reports.
• Implement Board-approved policies.
• Assist with strategic planning and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with Ontario legislation and independent school requirements.
• Support long-term organizational sustainability.

Administrative Leadership

• Oversee the daily operation of the school.
• Ensure effective school policies and procedures.
• Maintain student records and administrative systems.
• Oversee enrolment, recruitment, and student retention initiatives.
• Publish annual parent and staff handbooks.
• Work collaboratively with the Business Manager.

Financial Stewardship

• Develop and manage educational and professional development budgets.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of school resources.
• Support long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure transparent and ethical financial practices.

Facilities and School Safety

• Help oversee the stewardship of school facilities.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and safety procedures.
• Support compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Work alongside the Business Manager regarding facility planning and maintenance.

Community Leadership

• Build strong partnerships with parents and families.
• Serve as the school's educational spokesperson.
• Promote the school's mission within the wider community.
• Communicate regularly with families through multiple channels.
• Develop positive relationships with local churches and community partners.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess:

Required

• A vibrant and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Agreement with, and commitment to, the school's Statement of Faith and Christian mission.
• Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification in good standing.
• Previous experience as a Principal or Vice Principal.
• Demonstrated leadership within Christian education.
• Strong organizational and financial management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.

Preferred

• Christian School Teacher's Certificate (CSTC).
• Christian School Principal's Certificate (CSPC), or willingness to obtain, or have completed the Principal’s Qualification Program (PQP) Part 1.
• Membership in good standing with applicable professional organizations.
• Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed).
• Personal Characteristics
• The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Deep Christian faith and integrity
• Servant leadership
• Visionary thinking
• Wisdom and discernment
• Humility
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative leadership
• Strategic decision-making
• A heart for children and families
• Commitment to personal and professional development

Why Join Immanuel Christian School?

This is an opportunity to lead a thriving Christian school community where faith and learning are intentionally integrated. The successful candidate will work alongside a committed Board, dedicated staff, supportive families, and engaged students to shape the next generation of Christian leaders.

Application Information

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Statement of Christian Faith
• Educational Philosophy
• Three professional references
• One pastoral reference

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interviews may begin before end of posting date. Please email your application to David Hall, Chair of the Board of Directors at dhall@immanuelschool.ca

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Immanuel Christian School is committed to providing a Christ-centred workplace and welcomes applications from qualified candidates who support the school's mission, vision, and Statement of Faith.