Building relationships and developing people
- Proven ability to engage in courageous conversations leading to improvements in student achievement and well-being
- Implements innovative and effective ways of improving the professional practice of staff (cross school initiatives, informal leadership roles, Technology leveraging with Itinerant Teachers practice)
- Led discussions about the relative merits of current and alternative practices (Book study, Lunch and Learns)
- Curated and facilitated Professional Development opportunities and staff meetings (Trauma Informed Practice)
- Maintained positive school wide progressive discipline model utilizing restorative justice practices and therapeutic interventions in collaboration with therapeutic staff and aligned with treatment goals
- Developed positive parent relationships through regular communication and visibility with extensive use of 21st century technologies (Newswire and Social media management).
Some of the tangible actions I have taken to build relationships with the school community is the emphasis on being present. Being present on a daily basis and checking in with others is the base of building a trusting and nurturing environment. Not only do I perform my Principal role within the school on a day to day basis, I reach out and initiate and implement many activities such as Maker Space Workshops, Girl Power groups focusing on Well Being and Self Esteem, ECO Team facilitator and Innovation Lead. My involvement with these activities offers a chance to connect and invest in students and staff and support them as individuals with uniqueness and ability. I also run student groups based on social topics that students are interested in. Topics such as self-esteem, bullying and social media safety are all pressing issues to students today and by offering “talking” groups, I have found another way to connect with my students and hear their voice. All of the groups that I support have come from an identified staff need. Staff has had opportunity to identify needs that they see within the school and student population. Once heard and verified, I try diligently to support that student need in combination with the staff. Ensuring staff have a voice is imperative in building relationships and moving actions forward.
I also believe in investing time to support our parent community. Taking the time to build relationships with parents is essential in developing a caring school community. I facilitate all school council meetings and ensure that in between discussion is taking place to keep present on the pulse f the community. I take the time to value the opinion of all adults entering our school and treat them as valuable assets within our school community. I currently have implemented a practice with completing sunshine calls once a week to our parent community to share the wonderful celebrations of students achievement. In the Section 23 school that I supported as a Vice-Principal, I attended all parent conferences and work within the circle of care to provide a solid treatment plan that incorporates both academic and treatment options for students attending that particular school.
Building relationships with peers and colleagues is of utmost importance especially when in a leadership role. By valuing the uniqueness in individuals you are able to foster their growth in certain areas. My philosophy is to walk with staff and find out their strengths so I can support in any way in efforts for them to share their gifts with others. When the staff is struggling, the school struggles. I want my colleagues to know that I believe in them and I make sure that I take chances to celebrate their success. I recognize a school is made up of many individuals, and I do recognize that we must all work together toward a common vision. By supporting and offering opportunities for staff to shine, they will feel value and connected to their work, which enhances not only their personal well being but the students as well.
Lastly, I am a present leader; one that greets people in the morning and says good bye at the end of the day. I am a leader in faith and show my commitment to God in all that I do. I diligently work hard to provide meaningful interactions with all those around me. I build people up and give them opportunities to share the goodness that they have to offer. I am a leader with integrity, who always puts student achievement, both academic and personal, first. I believe that this can be achieved by building relationships and valuing what each individual has to offer in a meaningful and purposeful way.