The perceived role of principals and vice-principals in B.C. schools has changed over time: school administrators once appeared austere, removed and engaged in mysterious business quite beyond the realm of teachers and parents. Today’s principals and vice-principals are no longer glimpsed only fleetingly in the school hall and can be found patching up a grade four’s skinned knee and actively fundraising for the local rink while they organize and manage school programs and take care of the needs of students and staff.

The B.C. Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association (BCPVPA) urges Canadians to celebrate National Principals’

Month in October because B.C. has a lot to be proud of. Capable school leadership has contributed to a high performing public education system in our province, and one that is the envy of international jurisdictions. In recent

years, Canada has reached the top tier of international rankings of education systems according to the Organisation

for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). And, if Canadian provinces were measured as separate

countries, British Columbia would be within the top five places for science in the world.

B.C.s principals and vice-principals play a pivotal role in the life of their schools, and are responsible for developing

a school vision, interpreting and implementing curriculum, managing school programs and resources, providing

effective instructional leadership and representing school interests at the district and board level. Today’s school

leaders focus on building community in the school and beyond, as well as ensuring that the school is not only a

place of learning, but also a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

BCPVPA’s David DeRosa is new to his role as President of the BCPVPA, but he’s a veteran of the system with 27

years as an educator and 12 of those as a secondary school principal. 

“Our success as school leaders is all about

student success,” says DeRosa, “and that can take many forms. Students need to have an active voice in their

personal life journeys: if they’re engaged, and safe and happy, we’re doing our job.” 

Like many B.C. principals and vice-principals, David is a fan of innovative learning environments. 

“Principals can craft amazing school settings that suit the needs of learners: we don’t have to be fixed in the classroom. We advocate for students and work with teachers and parents, and we make sure that we listen because we don’t want those voices to go unheard.”