Phone: 250-374-1405 (W) /250-573-4828 (H)

Cellular: 250-319-7708
E-mail cbirk@sd73.bc.ca
Twitter: @birklearns
Website: thelearningnation.blogspot.com

Cale Birk, B.Ed., M.Ed.

Objective To be an outstanding educational leader that is guided by what is best for students.

It is my belief that the role of schools is to be a curious partner in education. A school and its staff must actively engage
Belief
students and parents through a collaboratively developed and shared vision of a caring, positive, innovative and
Statement
personalized learning environment for students. This vision needs to be based in an unwavering commitment to the
success of each student through the individualization of instruction, adaptable assessment practices that inform this
instruction, proactive and reactive intervention strategies to ensure learning, and high expectations. By involving
educational partners through outstanding two-way communication practices that seek to understand the needs of each
learner, schools can truly be successful in creating innovative and independent students who will both lead and educate us
in the 21st Century. (For more on my beliefts, please see my blog - thelearningnation.blogspot.com)

• A demonstrated ability to create a collaborative culture amongst students, teachers, and parents by using
21st Century structures within the school and a variety of digital applications
Skills
• An established interest and expertise in using social media tools and computing technology to augment
curriculum, assessment, instruction, data analysis and communication in an educational setting
• A belief in providing varied experiences for students that develop skills for a smooth transition from high
school to their post-secondary learning or careers
• A track record of using creative and innovative methods that engage students, teachers and parents in
new and ongoing initiatives in the school
• A commitment to honouring different cultures in the school community and continuing to close the
achievement gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal students
• A dogged determination to over-communicate with all partners in education

Education 2001 San Diego State University San Diego, CA

Master’s Degree of Arts (Education Administration)

1996 University of Victoria Victoria, BC

Bachelor’s Degree of Education (Biological Sciences/Physical Education)
Graduated Honours with Distinction
Recipient of Top GPA in School of Physical Education in Years 3, 4, and 5
Professional
experience 2006-Present School District #73 Kamloops, B.C.
Principal, L’Ecole South Kamloops Secondary
Responsibilities:
• To ensure student learning through the creation of an inclusive and effective learning
environment that is based in meaningful relationships;
• To empower students, staff, and the community through a collaborative decision-making process
and excellent communication;
• To create and implement a vision for South Kamloops based upon data-driven best practices;
• To role-model innovation in education through embracing 21st Century learning skills
• To coordinate all aspects of managing a large, dual-track secondary school, including staff
development, supervision of human resources, and efficient allocation of funds to provide a
comprehensive set of programs for a diverse population of students;
• To help timetable students to allow maximum flexibility and choice;
• To promote special events and programs that are outgrowths of the school’s curriculum and
extracurricular programs, and;
• To represent both the interests of South Kamloops at the school district level, and the interests of
the district at the school level.

Successful School-Wide Structures/Programs Created at South Kamloops:

• SKSS version of LINK Crew
• Weekly Collaborative Time for Teachers
• An intervention system that supports students and increases their success
• Monitoring of assessment practices that promote assessment for, as, and of learning.
• A distributed leadership structure that is focused on improving student achievement through
outstanding instructional practices
• Co-creator/Contributor of the SKSS School Improvement Plan Interactive Blog

2004-2006 School District #57 Prince George, B.C.

Principal, Kelly Road Secondary School

Successful School-Wide Programs Created at Kelly Road:

• ‘Kelly Road Off-Site Session’ (KROSS) –Staff Pro-D weekend retreat
• Kelly Road “Kudos” Social Responsibility Committee and Program
• Kelly Road Recognition Assemblies
• Professional Learning Communities teacher collaboration model
 2001-2004 School District #57 Prince George, B.C.
Vice-Principal, College Heights Secondary School
Responsibilities: General school organization and facilities management, along with programming and
timetable construction; Coordinator of teaching and supervision schedules, room assignments, school
opening procedures, fundraising, reporting procedures and completion of ministry forms, while assisting
the Principal in human resources and supervision of instruction. Maintenance and supervision of the
Student Code of Conduct. Advisor for the Athletic Department, Alternate Education, Career Preparation,
Counseling, and Practical Arts. Coordinator of Awards Ceremonies, community information nights and
Safe Schools Initiatives.

Successful School-Wide Programs Created at College Heights:

• College Heights “Den of Excellence” Social Responsibility Program
• College Heights Recognition Assemblies
• Professional Learning Communities/ Collaborative Problem Solving Model for staff meetings
• College Heights Student Safe Schools Committee
• College Heights Parent Volunteer Phone-Home Program

1996-2001 School District #53 Oliver, B.C.

Teacher (Senior Biology and Physical Education)/Athletic Director, Osoyoos Secondary School
Responsibilities: Full-preparation and delivery of Physical Education, Senior Biology and Junior Science
courses on a block timetable. As well, as Athletic Director I had responsibilities in all areas of extra-
curricular activities including coach staffing, athletic policy implementation, representation for BC School
Sports, budgeting, acquisition and control of equipment, public relations and communications, game and
tournament management, eligibility, travel, and any other arrangements for a high school athletic program.

Successful School-Wide Programs Created at Osoyoos:

• “Lend a Hand” Anti-bullying campaign and dramatic presentations

• Osoyoos Athletics Banquet and Guest Speaker Clinic program

• School District #73 Administrators – Introducing Social Media to Get Connected (2010)
Presentations • British Columbia Principals and Vice Principals “Connecting Leaders” Conference – “Restructuring
(not Remortgaging) for Student Success”(2010)
• Okanagan Mainline School Completion Conference – “Living (with) the Professional Learning
Community” (October, 2009)
• School District #57: Professional Learning Communities (2003-2006)
Other • BCPVPA Supervision for Learning Provincial Committee (2010-Present)
Leadership and
• KTPVPA Member-at-Large (Secondary)
Committee
Experience • School District #73 Technology Policy Committee (2010-Present)
• School District #73 Budgeting Committee (2010-Present)

• Facilitator, BCPVPA Short Course at UBC (2010)

• Host/Committee Member School District #73 First Nations Graduation (2009-2010)

• School District #57 Future Leadership Group: Mentor Principal (2002-2006)

• School District #57 Technology for Learning Committee (2004-2006)
• School District #57 Grounds and Maintenance Standards Committee Member (2003)
• Member-at-Large: BC Senior Girls Volleyball Association (2001-2006)
• North Central Zone AAA Girls Volleyball Coordinator (2001-2006)
• Prince George City Volleyball League Coordinator (2001-2006)
• President, South Okanagan Association/Member of the Executive, Okanagan Valley School Sports
Association (1999-2001)

Extracurricular
• Senior Girls Volleyball Coach – South Kamloops Secondary School (2007-2009)
Involvement
• Junior Girls Volleyball Coach – South Kamloops Secondary School (2006)
• Senior Girls Volleyball Coach – Kelly Road Secondary (2004 – 2006)
• Senior Golf Co-Coach - Kelly Road Secondary (2004 – 2006)
• Senior Girls Volleyball Coach – College Heights Secondary (2001-2004)
• BC Provincial Midget Boys Volleyball Baden Cup Assistant Coach (2003)
• North Central Zone Midget Boys Volleyball BC Summer Games Co-Coach (2002)
• Senior Golf Coach – College Heights Secondary (2001-2004)
• Senior Boys Basketball Coach – Osoyoos Secondary (1998-2001)
• Senior Golf Coach – Osoyoos Secondary (1998-2001)
• Senior Girls Volleyball Coach – Osoyoos Secondary (1996-2000)
• Junior Boys Basketball Coach – Osoyoos Secondary School (1996-1998)

References • Terry Sullivan, Superintendent, School District #73 (Kamloops-Thompson)

250-374-0679 (W)

• Karl DeBruijn, Assistant Superintendent, School District #73 (Kamloops-Thompson)

250-374-0679 (W)

• Laura Bantock, South Kamloops Secondary School Parent

250-851-6223 (W)

• Blake Buemann, Teacher, South Kamloops Secondary School

250-374-1405 (W)