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.

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.