Circle Forum

Our podcast this week features Dawn Wemigwans Principal of St. David's Catholic School in Sudbury, Ontario. In this entertaining conversation, Dawn shares invaluable advice for new principals and vice principals, shedding light on the evolving landscape of educational leadership. New school principals can learn how adopting a circular leadership style, prioritizing soft skills, and fostering inclusivity can transform your school into a thriving community hub.

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

Key words: principal, education, community, restorative practices, work-life balance, relationships, vice-principal, school leadership, joy

Welcome to our 10th Season of CircleForum(over 144 episodes so far) where we’re asking school leaders to share their advice for new principals and vice-principals. This episode we welcome Dave Johnson, VP of SD23 Watson Rd Elementary Kelowna, British Columbia, sharing his journey and wisdom gained from leading with empathy and humility. Dave tells the story of of a journey building an anti-racist school community as he responded in his role as VP to a situation on the yard regarding a racial slur. We explore the transformative power of building trust, fostering inclusivity, and leading with a learning mindset.

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

Key words: anti-racism, equity, parent engagement, restorative practices, work-life balance, relationships, vice-principal, school leadership

Principals can ease teacher stress by discovering the importance of curiosity in conversations with staff.   Restorative questions can be as simple as: “What’s been happening with……?How’s that affecting you?  What’s been the hardest thing for you? How can I help? What’s needed next?” Have the next staff meeting in a circle.

 Find out more about some great restorative questions and resources www.restorative.ca 

Keywords: school leadership, stress, principal, vice-principal, trauma informed, restorative practices, meetings, school climate

Read the Education Week article

Directors and superintendents support for school based leaders like principals and vice-principals can do a lot to ease their stress.  Consider how those regular principal meetings can be a catalyst for stress relief? Restorative questions can be a simple and effective way to check in with principals.  Take a trauma informed restorative practice into intentional conversations with vice-principals too.

 Find out more about some great restorative questions and resources www.restorative.ca 

Keywords: school leadership, stress, principal, vice-principal, trauma informed, restorative practices, meetings, school climate

Read the Education Week article

What can school leaders do to alleviate the immense stress on our educators? This episode explores the power of listening, asking great questions, and creating a space for teachers to share their experiences. Discover 3 of the HOW TOs of restorative practices and a trauma-informed approach that can transform your school

 Find out more about some great restorative questions and resources www.restorative.ca 

Keywords: Education, TeacherWellbeing, teacher stress, restorative practices, school climate, trauma informed, leadership, teaching

Read the Education Week article

New research and a new theory highlighting the pivotal role of independence in the mental health crisis among teenagers. The conversation revolves around the challenges adolescents face when it comes to decision-making and autonomy. Join us as we explore the impact of persistent helplessness, hopelessness and the crucial role restorative practices can play in reshaping the narrative from doing FOR to working WITH. Restorative approaches will impact the HOW TO  for educators and parents as they support youth mental health.

Key terms: mental health, teens, restorative practice, learned helplessness, hopelessness, trauma informed, leadership, teaching

Read the research

Trust, compassion, stability and hope.  These are 4 ways school superintendents built excitement in a recent Gallup poll of over 1,800 U.S. superintendents. Implementing these pillars is possible with the HOW TO of restorative practices.  In this podcast we discuss this Gallup study, delving into the crucial elements that drive excitement, engagement and retention of staff in schools. Leaders don’t need to have the answers just the most helpful restorative questions.  Find out more www.restorative.ca where superintendents go to galvanize optimism within their schools and districts!

Keyterms: school leadership, restorative practices, trust, compassion, stability, hope, staff engagement, staff retention

Read the Gallup article https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/185318/four-ways-superintendents-build-excitement-future.aspx

Watch the video “It’s not about the nail”

Tune in to our podcast as we delve into the top concerns capturing district leaders' attention in 2024. The challenges are undoubtedly familiar:

There is transformative potential in restorative practices as it amplifies student voices and addresses teacher retention concerns, shaping a more inclusive and responsive educational environment. 

Visit www.restorative.ca for more information on actionable insights to reimagine school district leadership!

Keyterms: district school leader concerns, student mental health, restorative practices, teacher burnout, teacher retention, school leadership

Read the article https://www.hanoverresearch.com/insights-blog/the-top-3-concerns-on-district-leaders-minds-in-2023-24/?org=k-12-education

When secondary principals identify some high yield actions to address student attendance, it’s worth a second and even a third look.  The National Association of Secondary School Principals article is called “10 High-yield actions to improve student attendance”.  These actions are doable.  The top 4 of the 10 are highlighted in our conversation starting with a school climate that shows you care.  Setting up a mentor program, monitoring attendance data and minimizing obstacles to attendance are also recommended actions.  Restorative practice questions and a mindset of curiousity provide a HOW TO when addressing secondary absenteeism.  Check out our website www.restorative.ca for more information on restorative questions.Student Attendance Improvement

Key terms: Developing Relationships in Schools

Building Relationships with Students

Creating a Culture of Care

Mentorship Programs in Education

Monitoring Student Attendance

Minimizing Attendance Obstacles

Restorative Approach in Education

Read the full article

https://www.nassp.org/publication/principal-leadership/volume-17-2016-2017/principal-leadership-december-2016/10-high-yield-actions-to-improve-student-attendance/

Educators tell me regularly that they went into education to make a difference for students.  This week’s podcasts discusses the article HOW INFORMAL MENTORING BY TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, AND COACHES SUPPORTS STUDENTS’ LONG-RUN ACADEMIC SUCCESS talks about how much adults can impact academics just by doing the little things of connecting with kids. If informal mentors can make this big of a difference, imagine the possibilities if every school was more intentional about building the trusted, caring adult to student connection with those at risk of absenteeism, of academic struggles or of not graduating. Restorative practices along with a TWO by TEN (2 minutes times 10 days) can build the connections formally and less formally.  Find out more about our work from [email protected] or check out our website www.restorative.ca

Keywords Relationships,Informal,Students,Teacher,School,Connections,Mentoring,Class, Trusted Caring Adult, Restorative practices