Principal

Career Opportunity

Principal of St. Mary’s Academy

St. Mary’s Academy (SMA), is recruiting for its next Principal. Established in 1869, SMA is a Catholic school serving young women in Grades 7 through 12.

Rooted in a rich tradition of academic excellence, faith formation, and service, SMA offers a rigorous academic program that fosters critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and connections to community. Students are supported through a comprehensive campus ministry and religious education program that emphasizes faith in action and service to others, alongside a broad range of extracurricular opportunities that enrich the student experience. Guided by the founding principles of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), the Academy is deeply committed to nurturing young women in spirit, mind, and body, empowering them to recognize, develop, and confidently share their unique gifts. Through this holistic approach, SMA prepares young women to reach their full potential as individuals created in God’s image and as leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.

Reporting to the President, the Principal provides overall educational leadership for the school. The Principal has direct responsibility for the academic, religious, and extracurricular programs; faculty supervision and development; student admissions and discipline; communication with parents; and adherence to SMA’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Key Areas of Leadership

Academic & Instructional Leadership

Lead and sustain a challenging and engaging academic program aligned with SMA’s mission, vision, and values, and in full compliance with Manitoba education regulations. Provide strategic leadership for curriculum, faculty, and program development to prepare students for post-secondary studies and the demands of a changing world.

Mission & Catholic Identity

Ensure Catholic faith and the values of the SNJM are meaningfully integrated throughout school life and curriculum. Collaborate with the President, Campus Ministry, and the Religion Department to strengthen faith formation and support the ongoing spiritual growth of students, faculty, and staff.

Faculty Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and support faculty in their ongoing professional growth to enhance student learning, while fostering a collaborative culture of continuous improvement that enriches the learning environment.

Student Life & Leadership

Foster and maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff, including all school‑sponsored activities, while ensuring consistent adherence to the SMA Code of Conduct across the school community. Create opportunities that encourage young women to discover their talents and develop leadership skills, and support a comprehensive extracurricular program aligned with SMA’s mission, vision, and values.

Admissions

Partner with the President and senior leadership team to strategically lead and oversee the admissions process, supporting enrolment goals aligned with SMA’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Parent & Community Engagement

Ensure clear and collaborative communication with parents and the broader community, fostering strong and respectful relationships. Actively strengthen partnerships with Catholic schools across Winnipeg.

Operational & Financial Oversight

Provide leadership and oversight for school operations, including the development, management, and monitoring of departmental budgets.
Work collaboratively with department leaders and the President to ensure responsible stewardship of resources aligned with SMA’s strategic priorities and mission.

Qualifications & Experience

•                   Advanced degree in Education

•                   Valid Manitoba Teaching Certificate

•                   Level 2 Administrator’s Certificate (or equivalent) preferred

•                   Minimum 5 years of progressive school administration experience

•                   Minimum 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience

•                   Active, practicing Catholic

•                   Proven strategic leadership, organizational, and communication skills

•                   Strong ability to inspire, mentor, and build relationships

•                   Energetic, results-oriented, and committed to mission-driven leadership

How to Apply
If you believe you can make a strong contribution to this community as Principal, please submit your resume in confidence to tberry@tipipartners.com quoting position #226100.  Deadline for applications February 16, 2026.