Circle Forum

The first staff meeting of the school year sets the stage for your leadership and the school's culture. It's a chance to establish norms, communicate expectations, and foster a sense of community. Join us as Dr. Shannon Behan, President of the BCPVPA,  shares her insights on planning effective and engaging staff meetings that prioritize collaboration, open communication, and a clear focus on student outcomes. Shannon discusses the art of handling resistance and negative voices on staff.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,#staffmeeting,#TeacherRecruitment,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding,#agenda

Shared leadership is important in schools. Tracy Van Stone, Principal and 2 teachers being mentored,Marissa Gertridge  and Colin Talbot from Ecole Arthur Meighan in Portage La Prairie , Manitoba.  They emphasize how distributing leadership roles and decision-making processes among various stakeholders, including teachers and students, can create a more democratic and inclusive school culture. This approach not only enhances community buy-in but also nurtures future leaders within the school, leading to a stronger, more resilient educational environment.

Mentor and mentees share their personal experiences and strategies for achieving work-life balance in the demanding field of education. They discuss the challenges of juggling professional responsibilities with personal life and offer practical advice on setting boundaries, seeking support, and maintaining a healthy balance.

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

#TeacherMentorship,#TeacherBurnout,#SchoolLeadership,#FrenchImmersion,#ProfessionalDevelopment,#WorkLifeBalance,#TeacherRecruitment,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#community building

The practice of shared leadership is gaining traction in schools.  Kimberley Miles, Principal of East Gresham School in Oregan is our guest this week and she promotes the distribution of leadership roles and decision-making processes among teachers, staff, and students. This inclusive approach leads to more democratic decision-making, greater community buy-in, and the cultivation of future leaders within the school. By embracing shared leadership, schools can foster a more engaged and participatory culture.

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

#leadership, #principal, #shared leadership, #restorative practice, #listening, #equitable outcomes #community building

In a world of increasing educational complexity, there is power in compassionate leadership according to our podcast guest this week, Caroline Picard, retired assistant superintendent of the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, the French school board of British Columbia. Caroline talks about how scheduled, mindful conversations with principals helped to reshape school environments and foster a sense of belonging among principals and teachers. 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

#leadership, #principal, #compassionate leadership, #restorative practice, #listening, #self-reflection, #appreciation

 What Does It Mean to Be Human? It’s an important question raised by our guest ’s anti-racism work in middle school .Michaela Mistal ,Vice Principal, 

Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School in Langford, British Columbia SD62 is our guest this episode.Michaela shares her philosophy on handling conflicts and fostering a culture of mutual understanding and growth. "Let's dive deeper into the behaviour and learn from it," she says, highlighting the importance of empathy and reflection in education. We discuss ways to gain powerful insights into humanizing educational practices. 

Keywords Leadership, Education, Mentorship, Restorative Practices, Anti-Racism, Conflict Resolution, School Community, Student Engagement

Find out more about our work on restorative practices and student attendance from [email protected] or check out our website resources www.restorative.ca

Transitioning from classroom teaching to school administration demands a significant shift in mindset. Jason Wiks, Principal of Guthrie School, Sturgeon School Division in Alberta, advises new principals and vice-principals to embrace the unpredictable nature of school management by prioritizing students first, parents second, teachers third, and administrative tasks last. Embracing this variability and focusing on key relationships can help administrators manage their schools more effectively and improve educational outcomes. It's about adapting to the ebb and flow of the school day and making decisions that prioritize the well-being and success of our students.

Keywords Leadership, Education, Mentorship, Restorative Practices, Anti-Racism, Conflict Resolution, School Community, Student Engagement

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

“Fifteen for two and a pair is four points!” Student attendance and crib? In this episode, our guest is Dallis Novelli ,  teacher and Education Officer, Literacy from Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) . She talks about how integrating unique activities, like cribbage, into the curriculum can significantly boost student engagement and attendance. Strategies like this not only make learning fun but also foster a sense of community and belonging in your school. Dallis give some actionable tips on how to implement these creative approaches and see the remarkable impact on your students’ enthusiasm and attendance.

Find out more about our work on restorative practices and student attendance from [email protected] or check out our website resources www.restorative.ca 

Key words: games, education, community, restorative practices, modelling, relationships, school leadership, lead learner, data collection,, student and teacher connection

As a new Principal or Vice-Principal, discover why observing and understanding your team is key to making impactful changes. Gain valuable advice on the importance of humility and reflective practice in school administration from Laurie Bachewich, Principal of Erickson Elementary and Erickson Collegiate in Erickson, Manitoba.  Learn about the power of observation, humility, and effective communication in leadership. Perfect for school principals looking to enhance their leadership skills. 

Keywords Principal, Vice-principal, educational leader, restorative practices, observations, learning, self-reflection, connections, relationships

“Find a mentor” is the advice for new principals from Tracy Van Stone, Principal of Ecole Arthur Meighan School in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.  The podcast includes invaluable insights on finding the right mentor, the importance of shared leadership, and her personal experiences in navigating the challenges of being a principal. Tracy offers practical advice for new principals and vice principals, highlights the significance of shared leadership, and shares candid stories about her own mentorship journey.

Keywords Leadership, Education, Mentorship, Restorative Practices, Anti-Racism, Conflict Resolution, School Community, Student Engagement

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

Principals face internal struggles, question their impact and often wrestle with relationships.

In this podcast we talk with Rhonda Roos , author of The Deliberate and Courageous Principal: Ten Leadership Actions and Skills to Create High-Achieving Schools .  With Rhonda, we explore the intricate web of challenges and triumphs in educational leadership. As Rhonda recounts her journey from assistant principal to principal, she delves into the self-doubt that often plagues administrators, particularly in schools grappling with high poverty and diverse student populations.

Find out more about our work on restorative practices and student attendance from [email protected] or check out our website resources www.restorative.ca 

Key words: principal, education, community, restorative practices, modelling, relationships, vice-principal, school leadership, lead learner,data collection, parental engagement, student and teacher connection

The Deliberate and Courageous Principal: Ten Leadership Actions and Skills to Create High-Achieving Schools

Rhonda J Roos