Fern Hill School

New Edinburgh, Ottawa

Fern Hill School is seeking a Pre-School – Grade 8 Principal to join our vibrant, diverse community in Ottawa's New Edinburgh neighbourhood.

Fern Hill offers enriched academics, arts, sports, and community engagement through experienced, highly qualified teachers and modern classroom technology. Low student-teacher ratios and low staff turnover create a nurturing, consistent environment where students build the confidence and skills to thrive—now and in the future. Fern Hill is a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (Ontario Federation of Independent Schools) and the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association.

Position Summary

The Principal provides strategic and operational leadership for the school, directing academic programs, overseeing daily operations, and cultivating a safe, positive, inclusive, and student-centered school culture. This role requires a highly effective administrator with strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills who can successfully balance the developmental needs of early learners with the transitional, social-emotional, and academic needs of middle school students. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to student growth, faculty collaboration, and a supportive learning environment across all stages of development.

This position is being posted in anticipation of an upcoming retirement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Instructional Leadership & Academic Excellence

· Curriculum Alignment: Lead the implementation of a rigorous, vertically aligned Pre-School - 8 curriculum that prepares students seamlessly for high school and ensure that the operation of Fern Hill School meets the requirements of the Ministry of Education (Ontario) and of any other relevant federal, provincial or municipal, regulations or by-laws.

· Teacher Development: Conduct regular classroom observations, provide actionable feedback, and administer formal evaluations, professional development and termination of contract.

· Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Establish and facilitate collaborative teacher teams focused on continuous improvement and student achievement.

2. School Culture & Student Support

· Inclusive Environment: Cultivate a safe, equitable, and welcoming school climate characterized by high behavioral expectations and a supportive community.

· Restorative Practices: Implement age-appropriate student discipline policies that balance accountability with mentorship and personal growth.

· Specialized Programs: Oversee the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and English Language Learner (ELL) services to ensure equitable access to education.

· After School Activities: Organize after school activities.

3. Operations, Budget, and Management

· Fiscal Responsibility: Develop and manage the school’s annual budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources to support academic goals. Also be responsible for the day- to- day administration and operation including registration confirmation and payment of fees and the issuing of tax receipts.

· General Operations: Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the building; ensure that the equipment and supplies of the school are well-maintained; arrange for appropriate insurance policies to protect against risks of damage, loss and liability.

· Board of Directors: Participate as a voting member of the Board of Directors.

· Facility & Safety Operations: Oversee the daily operations of the school, including scheduling, maintenance, emergency preparedness drills, and crisis management protocols.

· Staffing: Recruit, interview, hire, and retain highly qualified teachers.

· Marketing: Promotion and advertising at Fern Hill School.

4. Community & Parent Engagement

· Stakeholder Communication: Maintain transparent, regular communication with parents, guardians, and the surrounding community regarding school updates and student progress.

Key Qualifications & Experience

· Education Requirement: Bachelor of Education (preferred MEd/PQP Principal Qualifications Part 1 & 2)

· Certification: A valid Ontario Teaching Certificate in “Good Standing”, Additional Qualifications (AQs) & Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs)

· Experience: Minimum 10 years of verified classroom teaching experience across multiple grade levels

· Skills: Proficient in educational technology, conflict resolution, public speaking

· Salary Range: $86,000 - $110,000 (12-month contract)

Application Deadline: December 4, 2026. Applicants will be reviewed and selected candidates will be invited for interviews on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Fern Hill School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits:

On-site parking

Work Location: In person

Fern Hill School

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