Circle Forum

Principals didn’t choose their profession for the financial rewards but because they  believe in the transformative power of education.  Principals’ role is about more than just management—it's about building relationships and leading with love. Our guest is Niigaan Sinclair, an Anishinaabe writer, editor, activist and Head of the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba  in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  With Niigaan we explore how leading with humility can help you overcome the challenges of school leadership. Principals can take small yet powerful actions, from fostering authentic relationships with Indigenous communities to overcoming the sense of overwhelm that comes with the job.

#reconciliation,#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,#leadership,#restorative practice,#relationships,#humility,#indigenous,#nativestudies,#relationshipbuilding,#inclusion,

Are traditional disciplinary methods in your school leading to real change? Restorative practice in schools is more than just addressing harm—it’s about understanding its roots and breaking cycles of violence. Our guest is Niigaan Sinclair, an Anishinaabe writer, editor, activist and Head of the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba  in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  With Niigaan we explore how Indigenous justice principles offer a powerful framework for principals to address student conflicts and suspensions while building a stronger, more inclusive school community. Principals can use these time-tested approaches to create a more supportive environment, reduce suspensions, and empower both students and staff.  Principals can  address harm, and build lasting relationships with students through culturally responsive practices that lead to real change.

#reconciliation,#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,#leadership,#restorative practice,3relationships,#suspension,#expulsion,#indigenous,#nativestudies,#relationshipbuilding,#inclusion,

Are territorial acknowledgements becoming mere formalities in your school? In this episode, our guest is Niigaan Sinclair, an Anishinaabe writer, editor, activist and Head of the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba  in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Niigaan leads the conversation into how principals can transform these acknowledgements from empty gestures into meaningful practices that genuinely contribute to reconciliation. Indigenous education is not just a moral obligation but a crucial factor in employability of students today. Every student, regardless of career path, in Canada, will need to effectively engage with Indigenous communities.  Principals can play a leading role in fostering this essential competency in today’s schools.

#acknowledgement, #land,#territory, #reconciliation,#employability,#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,#leadership,#restorative practice, #ally,#indigenous,#nativestudies,#relationshipbuilding,#inclusion, #systemicbarriers

As school leaders, principals hold the power to either reinforce the status quo or champion meaningful change in education. In this episode, our guest is Niigaan Sinclair, an Anishinaabe writer, editor, activist and Head of the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba  in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Niigaan leads the conversation on how principals can be true advocates for Indigenous education and reconciliation. There are real challenges, tough decisions, and bold moves principals must make to support reconciliation efforts, even when it means facing resistance or risking their own career progression.Stepping beyond symbolic gestures with even the smallest act can lead to transformative actions that challenge systemic barriers, create inclusive environments, and make a lasting impact on students and communities alike. Part 1 of 4

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,#leadership,#restorative practice, #ally,#indigenous,#nativestudies,#relationshipbuilding,#inclusion, #systemicbarriers

A critical issue facing our schools is how early literacy struggles can set the stage for poor attendance and long-term academic challenges. Our guest this week is Dallis Novelli ,  teacher and Education Officer, Literacy from Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) . We explore the story of a young student who, despite receiving help from multiple tutors, faced a daunting journey to close the gap in their reading skills. That was the root cause of their absenteeism. It’s often only when a child is visibly struggling that parents feel the urgency to act. Dallis explores some simple yet  practical ways schools can engage parents, provide the right tools, and build a supportive community that encourages consistent attendance and learning.

#studentattendance, #absenteeism,#parents, #teachers, #relationshipbuilding, #restorativepractices, #readingskill, #parentteachercommunication#literacy, #earlyintervention

Is your school still grappling with the lingering effects of COVID-19 on student attendance? You're not alone. 

What if a simple parent class could drastically improve student attendance at your school? Our podcast guest again this week is Dr. Robyn Koslowitz the educational director of the Targeted Parenting™ Institute in New Jersey. Her new book“Post Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be” will be released in July, 2025. Dr. K talks about how,By fostering a positive, connected environment, one principal is breaking down the barriers between home and school. Imagine a school event where parents not only learn critical strategies but also enjoy a warm, welcoming environment with catered dinners and fun giveaways.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,traumainformed,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding,#parents,#parentalengagement, #traumainformedparenting

As a principal or vice-principal, you know that addressing student behaviour isn’t always straightforward. But did you know that trauma can manifest long after the triggering event? Our guest this week is Dr. Robyn Koslowitzhe educational director of the Targeted Parenting™ Institute in New Jersey. Her new book“Post Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be” will be released in July, 2025. She breaks down how trauma may show up unexpectedly and what school administrators can do to build a trauma-sensitive culture that fosters resilience and long-term growth. Trauma isn’t always immediate or obvious, but it profoundly affects student learning and behavior, often showing up years after the initial event. Dr. Robyn Koslowitz explains how trauma, especially unaddressed, can disrupt a student's ability to succeed in the classroom. Discover strategies to help your staff recognize the signs of trauma and create a nurturing, safe space for learning.

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,traumainformed,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding,#parents,#parentalengagement, #traumainformedparenting

How can we create more inclusive leadership pathways in education? In this episode, Dr. Shannon Behan, President of the BCPVPA, discusses her research on the challenges women face in rising to leadership roles and the critical role that mentorship and networking play in overcoming these hurdles. School principals and educational leaders will find this conversation both inspiring and informative, offering key insights into fostering diversity and breaking down barriers in educational leadership.

Reconciliation and decolonization are not just buzzwords—they are critical areas of focus for school principals across Canada. In this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Shannon Behan, President of the BCPVPASopens up about her experience leading a school district through a name change to honor Indigenous communities. She shares the fears, challenges, and rewarding moments that come with such transformative work. This episode offers valuable perspectives for principals striving to build inclusive school cultures and engage in the hard but necessary work of reconciliation. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Shannon’s journey and discover actionable strategies to apply in your own school.

#reconciliation#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,#indigenous,##leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding,#equity

“The vice principal role is in some ways the most …underutilized position” according to our guest this episode, Dr. Shannon Behan , President of the BCPVPA (British Columbia Principal Vic-Principal Association).  Drawing from her personal experiences, Shannon discusses how talented teacher leaders transition into vice principal roles, only to find themselves bogged down by administrative duties. She highlights the importance of intentional leadership development and shares practical strategies for principals to cultivate and prepare their vice principals for future principalship, ensuring their skills and passion are fully harnessed for the benefit of the entire school community.

Find out more about our work from [email protected] or check out our website resources on restorative practices and leadership in schools at  www.restorative.ca

#Mentorship,##SchoolLeadership,#Principal,#Viceprincipal,#TeacherRecruitment,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding