Principal

Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy is currently seeking applications for an esteemed educational leader to serve as the Elementary School Principal, commencing in August 2025. Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy (AZIA) operates as an independent elementary institution that upholds the tenets and values of the Islamic faith while offering a comprehensive educational program that aligns with the redesigned curriculum of British Columbia. The academy is committed to nurturing both spiritual and academic excellence, placing it among the top 15% of schools in the province. The school values strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. Established in September 2003, AZIA is classified as a Group 1 independent school by the BC Ministry of Education and currently accommodates students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 7.

Located within the Az-Zahraa Islamic Center in Richmond, BC, the school boasts a stunning mosque, a large library, playground facilities, and a full-sized gymnasium. AZIA serves students from Richmond, New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey, and the Tri-Cities. The academy is devoted to providing its growing student body of over 250 with (i) a solid foundation of Islamic values, fostering faith in thought and action, (ii) an outstanding educational experience, and (iii) the skills needed to engage confidently and effectively in society. With an emphasis on developing strong individuals and responsible community members, AZIA aims to instill Islamic wisdom and practices in its students, encouraging them to pursue meaningful endeavors in spiritual, intellectual, artistic, technological, athletic, and service-oriented fields. Each student is valued and challenged, with a focus on empowering them to become courageous, compassionate thinkers and leaders who recognize their impact on their community and beyond. The school cultivates an environment of respect, care, and support, promoting independence, resilience, mindfulness, and innovative thinking among all age groups.

Our dedicated team consists of 40 passionate and committed professionals who contribute significantly to the school environment. These highly qualified educators are dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience and strive to deliver quality daily interactions. Staff members are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their areas of expertise, fostering a collaborative atmosphere in pursuit of excellence. Over the past few years, AZIA has experienced notable success and growth while still developing its programs. Our curricular and co-curricular initiatives are driven by a talented team. The close-knit administrative group consists of skilled individuals who work alongside teaching staff to nurture an environment aligned with the academy's mission and vision.

AZIA functions as a community-centered school, enhancing children's education through collaboration with the broader community. A strong educational program is designed to cultivate a robust Muslim community, supported by an engaged community that invests in the educational and religious needs of its members, ultimately enhancing the school's quality. Therefore, building strong, positive relationships with the Az-Zahraa community and other Muslim communities is crucial. Joint activities, programs, and competitions with neighboring schools and external communities further reinforce these connections. The school is supported by a dedicated Board, involved parent volunteers, and committed community members who actively participate. Parental engagement is fundamental to our success, as involved parents contribute to the development of inspired students.

For the past twenty years, the collaborative goal of the staff, board, parents, students, and community at Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy has been to create an exemplary educational institution with a unique culture. Looking forward, the school is eager to pursue its vision: to be recognized as a leading institution that provides a solid foundation in Islamic values, an outstanding educational experience, and the skills necessary for confident and effective societal engagement. The incoming principal will play a crucial role in guiding the school toward this vision and will receive comprehensive support in navigating the institution's next developmental phase.

The Position: Principal of School

AZIA is in search of a visionary, dedicated, and effective Principal. The Principal will lead the daily operations and overall leadership of AZIA, serving students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7, while implementing the school’s mission, strategic framework, policies, and procedures collaboratively established with the School Board. The aim is to guarantee that all students are supervised in a vibrant, nurturing, and secure Islamic learning environment that aspires to educational excellence. The compensation for the Principal includes a salary 5% above the B.C. Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) standard, coupled with an RRSP program and comprehensive benefits.

The Principal’s responsibilities include:

General
- Fostering an atmosphere of instructional excellence grounded in Islamic values and principles
- Ensuring adherence to B.C. Ministry of Education regulations and standards
- Committing to the recruitment, hiring, development, and retention of high-quality teaching faculty and staff
- Consistently applying best practices in education, curriculum, and assessments to enhance student engagement and learning
- Working closely with the School’s Islamic Studies Director to cultivate an environment that promotes Islamic values and thought among students
- Prioritizing student well-being and safety; addressing student concerns; supporting diverse learning needs
- Inspiring and empowering students and staff to reach their fullest potential
- Creating an annual School Plan aligned with strategic objectives and priorities in collaboration with the School Board and staff
- Overseeing effective communication within the school and with parents
- Building relationships with neighboring schools, local school districts, and associate secondary schools to support community integration and student transitions
- Efficiently managing school operations and organization
- Overseeing and being accountable for school-based budgets in close partnership with the School Board Treasurer
- Encouraging parental involvement in events and supporting school goals through the Parent Volunteer Group
- Designing and implementing fundraising and volunteer strategies, programs, and events

Educator
- Acting as the educational leader of AZIA, providing guidance and direction for academic and co-curricular programs in accordance with Islamic laws and practices, inspiring students to excel and encouraging staff to develop their strengths and skills.

Visionary Leader
- Upholding AZIA’s educational mission, ensuring that the school continues to provide an exceptional experience for students while maintaining a balance among academics, arts, technology, athletics, and co-curricular activities within a strong Islamic foundation. In partnership with the Board, Islamic Studies Directors, staff, and administration, the Principal will work towards developing and implementing the School’s long-range strategic plan, reporting on operations to the Board while providing vision and guidance for the School's future. The Principal will uphold AZIA’s reputation for excellence and celebrate Islamic culture while ensuring the School evolves into an innovative, world-class learning environment.

Relationship Builder
- Demonstrating a genuine interest in students, motivating them to realize their potential while fostering a nurturing environment that responds to their needs and those of AZIA’s wider community. Maintaining strong relationships and open communication with all groups within the School community—students, staff, parents, the Board, community, and alumni. Acting as a dynamic spokesperson and ambassador for AZIA among various professional organizations, other independent schools, and external stakeholders, including university administrators, media, and government officials.

Manager and Administrator
- Ensuring the school’s financial stability while promoting campus and enrollment growth. Continuing to enhance policies and procedures governing AZIA’s operations while fostering a culture of accountability, consistency, clarity, and transparency in decision-making and implementation. Mentoring and challenging staff by creating a collaborative environment where everyone is encouraged to engage and assume leadership roles; guiding the entire staff team through recruitment, motivation, feedback, evaluations, and ongoing professional development.