Circle Forum

Decisions that impact lives aren't made lightly. Our guest this episode is Dean MacInnis, Principal of Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.  

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

What if your one of your best leadership tools wasn’t giving advice, but asking questions? Our guest this episode is Sascha Epp , Staff Officer for Teacher Welfare at The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. Sascha dives into the psychology of advice-giving with the verbal picture of the "advice monster" and its impact on school leadership. She talks about how to replace the instinct to fix with empowering strategies that encourage your team to solve their own challenges. Through restorative practices and intentional listening, our conversation highlights actionable strategies to build relational trust, encourage autonomy, and foster a restorative culture among staff. The leading tool is asking great questions.

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

Principals are the pillars of our schools, but who supports them when the weight becomes too much? School leadership is rewarding but relentless. Dr. Shannon Behan ,the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association (BCPVPA) addresses the silent crisis facing principals—stress, burnout, and mental health struggles. Learn how mentorship programs, structured professional development, and peer support networks can turn the tide. This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action for educational systems to prioritize their leaders’ well-being. Principals, this one’s for you: your work is vital, but so is your health.

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

What do principals do when there aren’t enough teachers, support staff, or resources? They step up, but at what cost? This episode with Dr. Shannon Behan ,the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association (BCPVPA) dives into the realities of running schools with dwindling resources, from filling classroom gaps to supporting high-needs students. Dr. Behan talks about the pressing issues of staff shortages in BC schools and the ripple effects on student outcomes and leadership teams. From mentorship programs to structural classroom innovations, schools still can find  hope amid challenges. Principals, this one’s for you—your work matters more than ever.

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

What does it mean to be a principal in 2024? For Chris Hicks, our guest this episode, it’s about balancing the impossible—managing violence in schools, implementing nutrition policies, and supporting overworked staff, all while leading with empathy and collaboration. Chris Hicks is the Chair of the Council of School Leaders (COSL) of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society.  The role of principals is evolving and it’s taking a toll. Principals are at the frontlines of some of the most pressing issues in education today. From fostering restorative practices to addressing burnout, principals as being asked to navigate unprecedented challenges with resilience and innovation.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,

Schools are the heartbeat of our communities, but is the role of the principal sustainable? This podcast takes a look at how schools have become the new social hubs and the overwhelming responsibilities placed on principals as a result.  Dr. Shannon Behan is back as a guest on our podcast this week.  Dr. Behan is the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association also known as the BCPVPA. Principals are no longer just educational leaders—they're running food programs, managing emotional crises, and tackling systemic challenges.Listen in for ways in which restorative leadership and distributed responsibilities can transform the way we support our schools’ principals.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,

Ever wondered what keeps school principals going during their toughest days? Our podcast guest  again this week is Ralph Nigro, a retired principal and the former President of the Ontario Principals Council in Ontario, Canada. From being booed off the stage to inspiring future leaders, Ralph shares heartfelt lessons on resilience, kindness, and why teaching doesn’t stop when you become a school leader. We discuss how principals can manage a crisis to shape the lives of students and staff.  Ralph’s candid stories offer inspiration for educators and leaders alike. School leadership is no easy task, but for this principal, it’s been a journey of perseverance, humour, and impact.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#tragicevents,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#trauma, #traumainformed,#perseverance, 

Principals do not have an easy task when Superintendents or District Leaders just say “No”.  Our podcast guest this week is Ralph Nigro, a retired principal and the former President of the Ontario Principals Council in Ontario, Canada. Ralph shares stories from his journey of navigating the challenges of tragedy in his school community and lhow to  foster a culture of collaboration and empathy. This episode dives into the detrimental effects of hasty decisions, the importance of supportive relationships, and how to lead effectively in the face of adversity. Perfect for principals and their supervisors looking to inspire innovation and resilience in their school and district teams. Our conversation uncovers what it truly takes to succeed. From handling media pressure during a school crisis to navigating the demands of social media, Ralph provides actionable advice for today’s principals who are interested to learn how to create an environment that empowers risk-taking and build trust between principals, district leaders and their teams.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#tragicevents,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#trauma, #traumainformed

In a world where educational pressures are mounting, how do principals ensure that students—and staff—feel seen and supported? This week’s podcast  guest is Dr. Shannon Behan,  Dr. Behan is the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association also known as the BCPVPA. The podcast looks at the principal’s evolving role in creating a culture of connection and care. Drawing on the concept of contextual literacy and Fullan’s “spirit work,” we discuss how focusing on human relationships can lay the foundation for both academic and emotional success. Listen now to learn how you can lead with heart and purpose in your school.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#mentalhealth

As a principal, you are more than a manager—you're a leader driving change in the face of challenges like dwindling autonomy and rising pressures. Dr. Shannon Behan is back as a guest on our podcast this week.  Dr. Behan is the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association also known as the BCPVPA.The role of principals is evolving as leaders "from the middle." Navigating between district expectations and the unique needs of their school communities, principals are at the heart of systemic change. Dr. Behan also explores the "Equity Theory of Change" and how understanding our history and community relationships can transform schools. Principals looking for strategies to strengthen their leadership and foster equity in their school should give this a listen.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#mentalhealth,#equity,#Changetheory,