Assistant Head of House - Male or Female Boarding House

THE RIDLEY DIFFERENCE

Founded in 1889, Ridley College is a co-educational boarding and day school with over 800 students in JK to Grade 12 from more than 55 countries worldwide. Education at Ridley is 'learner-centred' and inquiry-based, enhanced by the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It places students at the heart of the learning experience and develops curiosity, open-mindedness, and agile thinking and doing.  Guided by our vision, we aim to inspire flourishing lives to transform our globe. 

We strive as a community to create a culture of belonging on campus based on trust, collaboration and cooperation, and to promote and deepen these shared values in all we do. Joining the team at Ridley means you are committed to life-long learning and development, have integrity and value being of service in a richly diverse community. Attracting, developing and retaining people who thrive in Ridley’s positive education culture that recognizes and celebrates individual strengths is critical to our success. 

Ridley College is located on 90 picturesque acres in St. Catharines, Ontario, in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula and is comprised of a stunning blend of century-old buildings housing modernized technology. Our new, state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, will continue to reshape the learning experience for future generations of Ridleians and uphold Ridley’s place as a global leader in education.

OVERVIEW

We are currently recruiting for Assistant Heads of House (“AHOH”) for the 25/26 school year to start in August 2025. If you are considering a career in education or have recently graduated, or you have experience working with young people as a coach, mentor or youth leader and/or have recent experience working in a boarding school environment, you are encouraged to submit your application.

Each of the Boarding Houses of Ridley is unique, but all are run by a highly motivated and dedicated House Team (Head of House, Assistant Head of House and Boarding Don). Built on a community-oriented philosophy, our boarding houses foster individual character development, promote personal growth, and inspire students to lead flourishing lives within a community. The boarding aspect of the Ridley education results in a student body that understands and believes in themselves, having developed “wellness for life”. 

An AHOH will share in the responsibility for the general welfare, safety, pastoral care and personal development of the boarding students (Grade 9-12).  These positions are actively working during an academic school year (late August to end of June).  This position is a two-year term commitment with options to extend for additional terms.  During each year, the AHOH will be required to provide supply teaching coverages in the Upper, Middle or Lower School. During the 2nd and subsequent years, 1 teaching section or equivalent may be provided for candidates with a Bachelor of Education degree.

The AHOH will be accountable for the following:

• Scheduled evening duty shifts from 7pm-12am (2 nights a week) and alternating weekends.
• Attend all House meetings and Chapel weekly.
• Advisor for Grade 9 students meeting weekly and following a set curriculum.
• Coach two terms of sport. This could include accompanying a team to tournaments, or games off campus during the evenings or on weekends.

When on duty, the AHOH takes full responsibility for the operation of the residence by ensuring curfew, bedtime and settling the house.  This also includes;

• Being visible and accessible to support and listen to the students, in order to develop a student-centred environment.
• Deal with any disciplinary problems in a firm, fair and caring manner.
• Work with the House Team to maintain a healthy routine of life for each student and ensure that standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene are met.
• Be knowledgeable of the various support resources available to the students at the school.
• Actively participate in House outings, events and activities and chaperone as needed.
• Partner with teachers, coaches, the Health Centre, the Learning Centre and parents in a respectful relationship to support each student.
• Be an ongoing champion for the social, mental, and emotional wellbeing of all students across the school program.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be a mature, confident adult who can take charge and lead by example, have a high energy level, can build a strong rapport with students, and have the ability to promote the values and philosophies of Ridley College. 

Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes required for this role as hours of work and the work week will vary in accordance with the coverage schedule for the boarding house, co-curricular activities this position oversees, and supply teaching coverages provided.

• Bachelor of Education graduate or teaching experience is ideal
• Athletics coaching (e.g. rowing, basketball, rugby, hockey or other sport) and/or experience in the Arts would be considered an asset
• Experience working with school age children 14 – 17 years of age
• Self–starter, interested in the growth and development of our students 
• Must be globally minded and open to diversity of cultures at Ridley College
• Demonstrate an empathetic, patient and nurturing disposition
• Have excellent communication, listening, time management and mediation skills and be a collaborative problem solver and team player
• Current certification for First Aid, CPR/Defibrillator, Mental Health and First Aid would be considered an asset

OUR OFFER

This position will be provided a one bedroom apartment accommodation on campus. Accommodation and meals will be considered a taxable benefit. This position may be renewed on an annual basis following the 2nd year.     

Ridley College offers a positive and inclusive workplace community with a competitive compensation and benefit package, participation in the Ridley College DC Pension plan or the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan where applicable.  We offer an innovative, challenging and rewarding opportunities; a learning environment that promotes professional development and personal growth; active community involvement; access to our enhanced athletic facilities including squash courts, strength and conditioning centre, yoga and cycle studio; and, a beautiful campus setting in the heart of Niagara that engages and inspires our employees to flourish. 

As a condition of employment, a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance must be provided. 

Ridley College is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible and equitable environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.  Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you are selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used in order to ensure your equal participation.