Matters of Principal

This week, in our final podcast of Matters of Principal, we discuss key principles that we think school leaders always need to keep in mind.  We explore how to treat all stakeholders; the meaning of servant leadership;  working with people and not through them; and, remembering to celebrate improvement and success. It is fitting to conclude our final podcast with thoughts on these key principles.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we focus on principals themselves, specifically on their personal wellness.  The podcast splits the discussion into two parts:  home life and school life.  For both, we explore strategies that a principal should keep in mind to remain well; to establish work/home balance; and, to lead effectively on a daily basis.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss balancing key immediate needs with longer term planning as end of the school year approaches. The discussion focuses on various changes in all types of staffing that inevitably occur at this time of year; enrolment planning including placement meetings and special needs considerations; timetabling and scheduling thoughts; and, budget considerations to keep the school in good financial shape for the fall ahead.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we talk about the EQAO Assessment as it makes its return to Ontario schools this spring.  Our discussion focuses on:  the attitude of not just the principal, but of all stakeholders, the positives and negatives of the assessment, as well as important changes for this year.  Perhaps this year’s approach might shape the format for EQAO in years to come.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss key resources and supports from outside the school board.  These outside resources include:  the Community Liaison Officer (used both proactively and in response to situations), School Field Trips and Presenters/Activities co-ordinated by the school.  We discuss the implication of board and non-board excursions and presenters as well as the importance of equity, curriculum and risk management connections when planning such school events.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss how a principal accesses and utilizes key supports within the school board.  We focus on four key areas of support available to school leaders:  Legal Consultation, Communications, Safe Schools and the Special Education school team.  Impactful school leadership involves knowing not only when supports are required, but also how to access them.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we continue the discussion regarding the school leader’s decisions around the staffing process. We look closely at factors such as staff preferences and abilities; aligning staff with the needs of the school; and, gaining or losing staff members during the transfer process.  Once again, we speak to being transparent and timely in communicating with staff, as well as being honest with your own principal colleagues throughout the entire staffing process.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss the school leader’s decisions around the staffing process.  Little else impacts teaching and learning more so than staffing decisions.  The discussion focuses on setting the scene for staffing season, as well as exploring the principal’s thought process around transparency and communication and how the needs of the overall school must always come first in the process.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we continue our discussion on crisis management and leading through Covid-19 in the school setting.  The discussion focuses on lessons learned over the past two years, unprecedented challenges that are presented in schools today and moving forward throughout the balance of the school year. The steps forward require principals to focus on what they can control, while working with stakeholders to positively adapt to the things they cannot control.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss crisis management in the school setting with a focus on the importance of clear communication.  We explore three types of crises:  a traumatic event affecting a stakeholder, an immediate school-based event and effects from a community or world event.  Each type of crisis requires timely, compassionate and concise communication and monitoring from the principal.