Ladysmith Intermediate Principal, Dionte Jelks and his son Noe Jelks
For the past seven years, the halls of Ladysmith Intermediate School have been influenced by a leader whose path into education has been guided by mentorship.
Dionte Jelks has worked in different countries, classrooms, counseling offices, and rural communities, and stands out as a leader among young people thanks to his strong belief that they can achieve anything. He is also a mentor with the BC Principals and Vice Principals Association, as well as the secretary for the British Columbia Black Educational Leaders Association.
Jelks began his career in Chicago as a physical education teacher in the early 2000s and later moved into school administration.
However, his interest in pursuing education began much earlier in life.
While still a student himself, young Jelks had a principal/coach who believed in him so deeply that he knew he wanted to leave the same impression as Mr. McGrath had for someone else someday.
By high school, Jelks was fully involved in band and sports, where he learned the value of teamwork and the importance of always “giving a hundred percent.”
In 2010, he and his wife moved for his wife’s BC roots back to the province, first settling in the Williams Lake area. There, he spent two years as a drug and addiction counselor. That decision led to an experience that significantly shaped how he connects with students now.
One moment he remembers, was when a young girl told him she wished he were her principal. That comment inspired him to return to education. Listening to young people share their struggles and hopes changed his perspective on education.
Going back to public education was not easy. Jelks recalls sending out 30 to 40 job applications before he found work with Indigenous school communities. Living on a reserve, learning about the culture, and seeing the challenges families face gave him an invaluable perspective. He saw how generational trauma can make it hard for parents to trust schools, with some feeling afraid just to enter the building.
Approximately seven years later, Jelks and his family found their way to the Central Island, and he began working with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools as the Ladysmith Intermediate principal.
When asked what makes a good educational leader, he said it comes down to awareness, empathy, and example. Leadership is not just a title; it is a quality everyone possesses.
His goal to help staff and students see their own strengths is embodied by the school’s culture, where staff celebrate each other’s successes and students are recognized with weekly “Tiger Pride” and “Golden Thumb” virtue and achievement awards.
“It’s a good sign when on a Monday at 8 a.m., I can hear staff laughing,” he said.
Coaching has been a constant thread in the principal’s life, weaving through 26 years on football fields, soccer pitches, and lacrosse boxes. Although currently on a break and watching from the benches this year, he hopes to return to the world of sport soon. Possibly even, as a referee.
Outside of school, Jelks is an enthusiastic cook who once seriously considered opening a restaurant. And in a nod to his band-kid roots, he still owns the trumpet he played in high school marching band.
He sees one of the biggest challenges in education today as continuing the work of reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous learners feel supported and understood. His experiences have taught him how vital it is for schools to build trust, listen carefully, and lead with compassion.
From P.E. teacher to principal, and from counselor to coach, Jelks’ career has always focused on building relationships and believing that every young person deserves someone who sees their potential.