Boarding Don - 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 Boarding Dons for the remainder of this school year and for the upcoming 25/26 school (starting August 2025). If you are considering a career in education, social work, child/youth studies, or you have experience working with young people as a coach, mentor or youth leader, you are encouraged to apply.  

Each of the 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”. 

The Boarding Don will work as part of our House Team and are directly responsible for assisting with the pastoral care of assigned boarding students living in residence at Ridley College.  Being a part of the residential life team means being visible and accessible to support and listen to the students, in order to develop a student-centred environment.  

Key responsibilities include;

• Perform pastoral duties within the assigned house 2 evenings per week (7pm-12pm), plus 4 specific Fridays (7pm-12pm)
• Provide supervision to boarding students on detention up to 4 weekends (1:30pm-5:30pm) on either Saturday or Sunday
• Provide evening study supervision 2 evenings a week (5 hour shift may start at 5:30pm or 7:00pm)
• Chaperone the grade 9-11 school trip on Upper School Prize Day
• Coach 1 term of sport or lead a major co-curricular activity (ie: play, musical, robotics, symphony)
• Attend and participate in House Meetings and House Events such as holiday party, bbq’s, welcome days. Etc.
• Oversee at least 4 off-campus activity trips on the weekends:
  • Activity trips are planned in coordination with the weekend programming leader
  • Separate compensation is provided for these duties at an hourly rate.
  • Additional outings or activities on long weekends or holidays are also available for additional compensation.
• 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 
• When on House duty:
  • responsible for the health and safety of students on campus by ensuring all school and House rules are followed, including but not limited to, curfew, bedtime and a quiet work environment.
  • report any infractions or concerning behaviour to your Head of House
  • conduct room inspections

These positions are actively working during an academic school year from late August to the middle of June. Boarding Dons must be diligent in the performance of all duties as assigned and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while on campus and within their accommodations.  Boarding Dons are expected to dress professionally for all school duties and while in the dining hall during the academic day.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree or working towards a degree/diploma in Education, Sports Management, or Youth and Child Services is an asset

• Able to relate to school age children 14 – 17 years of age

• A mature, confident adult with the ability to lead by example, is globally minded and open to diversity of cultures

• Previous experience working within a boarding school environment would be an asset

• Possess an empathetic, patient and nurturing disposition

• Have excellent interpersonal, 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

• Approachable, self-motivated with an interest in the growth and development of our students

OUR OFFER

• This position may be provided with housing either off campus or on campus in a communal setting.

• Meals may be provided when the students are in session. Meals will not be provided during school-wide holidays and weekend breaks. 

• Accommodation and meals are a taxable benefit.

HOW TO APPLY

As a condition of employment, a satisfactory Vulnerable Persons Screening Report must be provided. 

While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.

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.