Circle Forum

“What’s one thing on your plate that AI could take off?”  Our guest this episode is Jessica Lees, Deputy Head Teacher of Teaching and Learning, Cairo English School.  Jessica flips the conversation on AI by starting where most educators feel the strain—time, feedback, and administrative overload. She unpacks how school leaders can ethically and effectively adopt AI without losing the human side of education. It's not about doing less—it’s about doing what matters.  When educators secretly use AI but never talk about it, we miss out on growth, on using use AI transparently to support teachers, on streamline admin work, and on preparing students for a future powered by smart tools. Leaders need to model curiosity, not perfection. AI isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation to lead with courage and community.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts 

https://www.restorative.ca/cff  

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#AI,#artificialintelligence,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#makingitright,#prevention

Think only specialists can prevent substance use in schools? Think again. Our guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Sometimes, one caring adult can change a student’s entire trajectory. Emily Jenkins shares how a simple comment from a basketball coach transformed her school experience, highlighting the profound impact of small moments of connection.Emily and Nathan debunk the idea that educators need special training to make a difference. Instead, they emphasize how simple acts of connection—like learning a student's name, asking how they're doing, or showing up in their extracurricular activities—can be life-changing protective factors.Listen to how schools can proactively foster connections instead of waiting to identify "at-risk" students If you're an educator, administrator, or policymaker, this episode builds an understanding how relationship-building is at the heart of substance use prevention.What resonated with you? What challenges do you facei n your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts https://www.restorative.ca/cff Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright,#substanceuse,#prevention Transforming Substance Use Harm Prevention in Canadian Schools: An Examination of School Administrators’ Experiences and PerspectivesRead the report here. https://wellstream.ca/

When it comes to substance use prevention, many schools are stuck using outdated, ineffective strategies. Our guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia  and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The recently released research reportTransforming

Substance Use Harm Prevention inCanadian Schools:An Examination ofSchool Administrators’

Experiences and Perspectives reveals about what actually works—and what doesn’t. They discuss the critical role of caring adults, the failure of zero-tolerance policies, and how national standards could provide much-needed support. What if the key to substance use prevention isn’t just saying “no” but instead building meaningful connections?

What resonated with you? What challenges do you facein your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts

https://www.restorative.ca/cff  

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright,#substanceuse,#prevention

How can principals create a culture of growth in their schools? In this episode our guest is  Leanne Marchand , Curriculum Coordinator at Chinook School Division #211 in Saskatchewan.  She explains why instructional leadership is key and how principals can use student data to drive decision-making. She highlights the power of teacher appraisals, feedback loops, and reflective conversations to improve learning outcomes. She unpacks how principals can support teachers effectively, even without subject expertise, and why structured feedback cycles matter.We also discuss the challenge of balancing leadership with daily management tasks. If you’re a school leader looking for practical strategies, this episode is for you.

Let’s continue the conversation and we want your perspective! What resonated with you? What challenges do you face? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts

https://www.restorative.ca/cff  

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright

School principals are at a breaking point. Their roles now extend far beyond education—managing refugee support, mental health crises, and even food programs—all without additional resources. In this episode, we dive into the overwhelming demands placed on school administrators and the unrealistic expectations that keep piling up. Guest Chris Hicks , Chair or the Council of School Leaders with the Manitoba Teachers Society, shares firsthand experiences of navigating these challenges while trying to maintain a functional school environment.He explores how schools have become the frontline of social services and the toll this takes on school leaders. We talk about the growing pressure on principals, the lack of structural support, and the reality that many feel overwhelmed and burnt out.

Let’s continue the conversation and we want your perspective! What resonated with you? What challenges do you face? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts

https://www.restorative.ca/cff  

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright

What does it take to shift an education system toward truth, reconciliation, and real equity? In this episode, our guest is Dr. Nathan Ngieng, Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Dr Ngieng discusses how school leaders can move beyond surface-level initiatives and engage in deep, systemic change.He also shares insights on transformative leadership, the power of vulnerability, and how truth and reconciliation efforts are shaping schools in Abbotsford. By dismantling systemic barriers for Indigenous students, we discuss practical strategies for fostering equity and inclusion.Learn how Abbotsford’s educators are addressing historical barriers, supporting Indigenous students, and rethinking leadership at all levels.We’re not stopping at the conversation—we want your perspective too! What resonated with you? What challenges do you face? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts on this linkhttps://www.restorative.ca/cfs10e49/ Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright

What happens when school leaders embrace vulnerability, listen to their staff, and implement restorative practices? Our guest this episode is  Wayne Davies, Instructor and Director of Student Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg in Manitoba. Wayne shares his personal and professional stories of transformation, offering practical advice on building trust, addressing resistance, and championing a culture of dignity and collaboration. Principals can turn mistakes into opportunities for growth and lead cultural transformation in their schools. Our conversation is a part of Wayne’s journey of shifting school culture from punitive measures to restorative practices, emphasizing the power of relationships, trust, and "making it right."

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC

What role do school principals play in reconciliation with Indigenous communities? Our guest this episode is  Wayne Davies, Instructor and Director of Student Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg in Manitoba. Wayne shares insights from his Métis heritage and his journey as an educator, exploring how listening, building trust, and embracing Indigenous knowledge can transform schools and relationships. Principals play a pivotal role in fostering cultural understanding and collaboration with Indigenous communities.The podcast conversation is full of stories and actionable strategies for driving meaningful change in schools.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC

Mental health is a growing concern in education, but who checks on the principals?  Our guest again this episode  is Tracy Vanstone.  She’s in a new role with  Manitoba Teachers Society as a Staff Officer. With Tracy, we explore the unique challenges school leaders face, from loneliness to unspoken pressures. It’s a mental health crisis among school leaders  which highlights the need for mentorship, acknowledgment, and vulnerability for principals.It’s important for principals to build networks, embrace vulnerability, and prioritize support systems that can transform their leadership and their own mental well-being. We discuss how to break the stigma around seeking help as the school leader.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,

Supporting others while maintaining your own mental health is no small feat. Our guest again this episode is Dean MacInnis, Principal of Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.   Dean sheds light on the mental health struggles principals face, from staff confessions to student challenges. He talks about how he navigates these pressures, finds balance through self-care, and builds supportive systems to thrive in his role. Principal MacInnis shares candidly about the unique challenges principals face in balancing the emotional needs of their schools and their own well-being. From lessons in self-care to managing isolation, this episode dives deep into the realities of being a school principal.. 

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,