This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we look specifically at conflict between parents and principal, as well as conflict between staff and principal.  We explore the need to be calm, caring and competent while developing a plan for success with parents.  We also emphasize the need to handle any conflict with discretion while being supportive of staff members. Lastly, we summarize key areas where staff find dissatisfaction with administration and how to avoid these situations.

Our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, returns with the new year and this week we focus on Addressing Conflict in the school setting.  Specifically, we focus on the Principal’s Attitude or Mindset, the Principal’s Game Plan or Strategy and, lastly, on Overall Keys and Steps to Conflict Resolution.  Within each of these sections we also take a look at common pitfalls for the principal to avoid.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we focus on reflecting and refocusing as principals approach the holidays.  Specifically, we discuss celebrating successes and acknowledging efforts (what and how); planning for personal time over the break; and, positively reflecting on the year and refocusing, moving forward.  Happy Holidays to all educators and school leaders!

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss the engagement of all staff and the effect it has on the implementation of the school plan.  Specifically, we centre the discussion on the principal’s attitude and approach toward staff; staff empowerment and accountability; and, how the hesitancy of some staff to engage impacts all staff. The principal’s role is key to providing the right balance of pressure and support for each staff member.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss how school leaders effectively monitor the implementation and growth of the school plan.  We focus the discussion on academic monitoring including student engagement, mental health monitoring of students and staff, equity considerations and the important roles that both qualitative and quantitative data play in the monitoring process.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss the development of the school plan.  We focus our discussion on key pieces to the plan:  Academics, including numeracy and literacy, Mental Health for students and staff, as well as Equity considerations within the learning environment. Emphasis is also placed on the notion that the school plan moves the vision for the school into the stage of becoming ‘actionable’, laying the foundation for all the items that staff and students do to achieve success.

This week, in our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, we discuss how the principal works with the staff to establish an overall vision for the school moving forward.  Specifically, we explore ensuring genuine inclusivity among staff members; establishing and supporting the leadership team; sharing and selling the refined vision with all staff; and, defining expectations that lead to commitment and collaboration from all.

This week, our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, looks at the idea of establishing presence as a school leader.  It is very important that all stakeholders get a clear sense of what you stand for, both as a principal and as a person.  We discuss the importance of exuding a sense of calm; being fair and consistent; and, being supportive of staff, ‘having their backs’ and honouring agreed upon timelines.

This week, our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, explores the idea of gaining perspective or the ‘lay of the land’ in the school setting. In doing so we discuss specifically the importance of being visible and approachable; of seeking to understand others through looking and listening; of gaining understanding through talking and feedback; and, respecting past accomplishments while focusing on the future.

Welcome back to another school year and to our twice monthly series, Matters of Principal, designed for school principals to help support them in this very exciting and challenging leadership role in education. This week we discuss the importance of building and nurturing relationships. In doing so we explore the importance of first impressions; defining who you are and what you stand for; observing and seeing things through a new lens; and, embracing life in the fish bowl. The keys for success, really, are to be visible, consistent and lead with integrity.