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...

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...

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...

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 environm...

  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...

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 variabili...

“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...

As a new Principal or Vice-Principal, d iscover 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 communic...

“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 principal...

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 assistan...

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 assistan...

Student attendance is not solely a school issue—it's a community-wide concern that calls for robust partnerships between schools, community agencies, and First Nations communities. Our podcast this week is a conversation with Lucia Reece, Director of the Algoma District School Board in Northern Ontario.  The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities in student engagement, with some thriving in...

Student attendance is a Canadian Concern.  Our podcast guest this week is Jennifer Dunkley, Superintendent of Education at the Northeastern Catholic District School Board in Ontario. Attendance is complex and is often overlooked in schools. With Jennifer, we explore the underlying reasons for student absenteeism, ranging from transportation challenges to familial struggles. By shedding light on th...

Why is student attendance dwindling across Canada and North America?  How it can be turned around? In this podcast episode, Ted Fransen, retired superintendent of Pembina Trails in Manitoba, delves into the critical role that teacher-student relationships play in keeping students engaged and in the classroom. He also discusses broader societal factors contributing to the problem and offers insight...

Struggling with student attendance? In our latest podcast episode, Reg Klassen, Chief Superintendent of Frontier School Division in Manitoba, discusses innovative approaches to tackling chronic absenteeism. Join us as we explore why traditional methods aren't working and discover new strategies, including land-based education, that are making a real difference in student engagement and attenda...

Struggling with student attendance? In our latest podcast episode, Reg Klassen, Chief Superintendent of Frontier School Division in Manitoba, discusses innovative approaches to tackling chronic absenteeism. Join us as we explore why traditional methods aren't working and discover new strategies, including land-based education, that are making a real difference in student engagement and attenda...

What’s the impact of staff absenteeism on students? The post-COVID environment has led to an increase in staff absences, affecting student learning and continuity. Our guest this week is Peter Jory, Superintendent/CEO of Qualicum School District in British Columbia. With fewer consistent adult figures, students may struggle to form stable relationships and stay engaged in their studies. This week...

As a new principal or vice-principal, you're not just leading a school—you're guiding an entire learning community. Amy Newman, Principal of Newport Elementary in Surrey, British Columbia, talks about how educational leaders can facilitate continuous learning among staff and students. She talks about best practices for sharing knowledge, connecting educators with resources, and fostering a...

Transitioning from teaching to a leadership role like principalship is a pivotal shift, requiring a new set of skills and priorities. This week is part 2 of 3 conversations with Amy Newman, principal of Newton Elementary in Surrey, British Columbia.  She explores this transition in depth, providing insights on balancing the diverse needs of students, staff, and families while fostering a positive...

Effective school leadership involves intentional relationship building and community engagement. In our 3 part podcast, Amy Newman, principal of Newton Elementary in Surrey , British Columbia, highlights the importance of principals creating space for professional conversations and modelling community-building activities. By facilitating collaborative discussions and engaging in group activities,...

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 i...

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...

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.re...

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...

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.restor...