PostingDOT26120

Principal

Probationary: August 18, 2026 - June 29, 2027

LocationFMPSD Sports School - MacDonald Island

FTE1.0

Start DateAugust 18, 2026

Closing DateApril 2, 2026

Position Overview

FMPSD is seeking an experienced educator to serve as thefounding Principal of a proposed Sports Academy Schoollocated at MacDonald Island. This innovative program is designed to support student athletes by integrating high quality academic programming with structured athletic development in a collaborative learning environment.

The successful candidate will be a strong instructional leader who can help shape the development of this unique alternative program while fostering a culture of high expectations, inclusive excellence, and student well being. This position will combineschool leadership, program development, and instructional leadership, with teaching responsibilities determined by the size of the student cohort.

The Principal will champion the connection between physical literacy, academic achievement, and personal development while ensuring strong alignment with theAlberta Leadership Quality Standard (LQS).

About Fort McMurray Public Schools

The Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD) is committed to excellence in education and fostering inclusive, innovative learning environments where students are empowered to reach their full potential. With over 8,000 students across 16 schools with 3 alternative programs, FMPSD is known for a collaborative culture, a focus on student well-being and achievement, and strong community partnerships.

About our Sports School

Located at MacDonald Island Park, the proposed FMPSD Sports School will serve students in Grades 4 through 8 (potentially expanding to Grade 9). The program is designed to support student athletes through a balanced approach that integratesacademic excellence, physical literacy, and athletic development.

Students will participate in either sport specific or multi-sport programming while continuing to meet allAlberta Education curricular expectationsdelivered by certified teachers.

The school will leverage the world-class facilities at MacDonald Island and strong community partnerships to provide a unique learning environment that supports student engagement, well being, and long term development in both academics and athletics.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instructional and strategic leadership aligned with FMPSD's mission and the LQS.
• Build and sustain a positive, inclusive school culture grounded in mutual respect and high expectations.
• Collaborate with staff to support professional growth and innovative instructional practices.
• Collaborate with the sport society through defined agreements.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with families, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Use data to guide school improvement planning and foster student success across all domains.
• Promote the mental health and well-being of students and staff through proactive supports and a caring school environment.
• Ensure responsible and effective management of school operations and resources.
• Support staff in delivering inclusive, differentiated, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• Alberta Teaching Certificate in good standing.
• Master's degree in Education or a related field (or working toward completion).
• Minimum three years of demonstrated successful school leadership experience.
• Strong background in teaching and learning.
• Experience in Physical Education, sport programming, coaching, or athletic development environments.
• Proven ability to build trust, lead change, and empower staff.

Preferred Assets:

• Knowledge of Indigenous perspectives and a commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation.
• Experience in physical education or kinesiology areas.
• Experience supporting literacy and numeracy development in upper elementary or middle years (Grades 4 through 8).
• Familiarity with social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices.
• Proficiency with educational technology to support learning and communication.
• Experience working with community sport organizations or high-performance pathways.
• Experience supporting student-athletes in balancing academic and extracurricular demands.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter describing your leadership approach and alignment with the LQS
• Detailed resume
• Names and contact details of three professional references, including one current supervisor
• Valid Alberta Teaching Certificate

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Resumes and other relevant documents will be accepted on our website by clicking employment opportunities and on the “APPLY” tab for the specific posting and follow the application instructions. THIS IS THE PREFERRED METHOD TO RECEIVE APPLICATIONS.

If you have any questions regarding this posting you may email hr@fmpsd.ab.ca.

The successful candidate will be required to provide a criminal record/vulnerable sector check which will be reviewed to ensure suitability of the candidate for the position.

FMPSD may contact past and present employers for references. All FMPSD employees are expected to be computer literate; this includes fluency with e-mail, internet, MS Office, Google mail, docs and sheets.

Only those applications submitted and received by 4 pm on the closing date will be considered for this position.

Fort McMurray Public Schools values equity, diversity, and inclusion in its hiring practices. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our commitment to creating inclusive and responsive learning environments for all students.