School Principal

JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: School Principal
Reports To: Board of Directors, Dunross Co-operative Society Limited Supervises: Vice Principal, Teachers, Administrative Staff, School Support Staff and other personnel assigned to the school.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Principal is the chief instructional leader and administrative head of Dunross Preparatory School. The Principal is responsible for providing strategic leadership and ensuring the effective management of the school’s educational, human, financial and physical resources. The position promotes a safe, inclusive and high-performing learning environment that supports academic excellence, student well-being and holistic development while ensuring compliance with the policies of the Board of Directors and the Ministry of Education.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Instructional Leadership

• Provide leadership that promotes academic excellence and continuous school improvement.
• Lead the implementation of the national curriculum and ensure high standards of teaching and learning.
• Supervise classroom instruction through clinical supervision, observation and constructive feedback.
• Analyse student performance data and implement strategies to improve learning outcomes.
• Promote literacy, numeracy, STEM, digital literacy, values education and inclusive educational practices.
• Ensure appropriate support is provided for students with diverse learning needs.
• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan.

2. School Administration and Operations

• Direct the day-to-day administration and efficient operation of the school.
• Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop annual operational and strategic plans.
• Ensure compliance with Ministry of Education policies, Board directives and all applicable legislation.
• Maintain accurate school records, including Annual School Returns (ASRs), student records and administrative documentation.
• Prepare reports required by the Board of Directors and the Ministry of Education.
• Promote the effective use of ICT in teaching, learning and school administration while ensuring the security and integrity of school information systems.

3. People Leadership (Staff and Students)

• Foster a positive, respectful and collaborative school culture.
• Supervise, mentor, coach and evaluate teaching, administrative and support staff.
• Manage performance appraisals, Professional Improvement Plans (PIPs), staff development and succession planning.
• Make recommendations to the Board regarding recruitment, staffing, promotions, separations and disciplinary matters.
• Promote teamwork, leadership development and continuous professional learning.
• Maintain high standards of student discipline through positive behaviour management practices.
• Promote student achievement, leadership, well-being and personal development.
• Address safeguarding, child protection, bullying and student welfare concerns, in accordance with established policies and legal requirements.

4. Financial, Facilities and Resource Management

• Collaborate with the Board’s Finance Committee, Accountant and Administrative Staff in preparing and monitoring the annual budget.
• Ensure effective financial management, accountability and compliance with audit and statutory requirements.
• Assumes the role of FIU/TT Compliance Officer for Dunross and ensures timely reporting, training and audit procedures.
• Authorise expenditures within delegated authority and oversee procurement processes.
• Safeguard school assets and ensure effective management of inventories and educational resources.
• Work closely with the Facilities Coordinator to ensure that buildings, grounds and equipment are safe, secure and well maintained.
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness, disaster management and occupational safety procedures.
• Support fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Dunross Parent-Teacher Association (DPTA).

5. Governance, Compliance and Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure compliance with the Education Act, Ministry of Education policies, Occupational Safety and Health legislation, child safeguarding requirements, data protection standards and other applicable statutory and regulatory obligations.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents, guardians, the DPTA, government agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders.
• Represent the school at official meetings, professional forums and community events.
• Promote open communication, transparency and effective conflict resolution.
• Monitor organisational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

6. Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and ethical leadership in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement in decision-making.
• Promote equity, diversity, inclusion and respect throughout the school community.
• Engage in continuous professional development and remain current with educational trends and best practices.
• Uphold the vision, mission and values of Dunross Preparatory School and perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

The Principal exercises delegated authority in the leadership and management of the school, including instructional leadership, staff supervision, student discipline, operational planning, resource allocation, emergency response and financial management within approved limits. Strategic decisions are made in consultation with the Board of Directors where necessary.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Principal works closely with the Board of Directors, Ministry of Education officials, Vice Principal, teachers, administrative and support staff, students, parents and guardians, the DPTA, community organisations, educational partners and relevant government agencies, to achieve the school’s strategic goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
• A Diploma in Education or equivalent professional teaching qualification.
• A postgraduate qualification in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, Educational Management or a related field is highly desirable.
• Registration or recognition as a qualified teacher in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Extensive teaching experience at the primary level, including demonstrated leadership experience in school administration or educational management.
• Successful completion of recognised educational leadership programmes will be an asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Sound knowledge of the Education Act of Trinidad and Tobago, Ministry of Education policies and educational best practices.
• Curriculum leadership, assessment, school improvement planning and instructional supervision.
• Leadership, organisational, financial and human capital management skills.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, coaching, mentoring and conflict resolution abilities.
• Work in data analysis, strategic planning and the effective integration of information and communication technology.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, emotional intelligence, adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is primarily office and school-based and requires regular interaction with students, staff, parents, Board members and external stakeholders. Attendance is required at Board meetings, Fraternity Meetings, Professional Development Activities, Ministry Workshops, School Functions and Community Events. The Principal is frequently required to work beyond normal school hours to support the effective operation of the school and respond to emergencies or other operational needs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY
The Principal is accountable for the overall leadership and effective management of Dunross Preparatory School, including student achievement and well-being, staff performance and development, financial stewardship, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, resource management and the successful achievement of the school’s mission, vision and strategic objectives.

REF:J.C