What’s on the minds of school leaders?

It’s easy to overlook the unwavering dedication of our school leaders. These exceptional individuals tirelessly dedicate themselves each day to making schools vibrant and welcoming places for learning and growth. They navigate the complexities of resource allocation, foster collaboration, and promote innovative educational practices—all while ensuring the well-being and sense of belonging of both staff and students.

At this year’s Recharge, Reflect and Refocus two-day retreat, school leaders brought their problem of practice and reframed them as opportunities for improvement. They worked together to co-construct learning to develop new theories of action for this new school year. A sampling of questions provide insight into different aspects of educational challenges, presented in themes.

Leadership and Visibility

- "How do I make myself more visible to our community (staff, students and family) to nurture and strengthen meaningful connections and establish partnerships?"

Belonging and Community Building

- "How can I build a stronger sense of belonging + cohesion among a large staff?"

Communication and Ownership

- "How do I create an environment that fosters direct and honest communication with my team?"

- "How can I get students, parents, and staff to take ownership of their part of the problem and solution process?"

Resource Allocation and Efficiency

- "How can I more effectively and efficiently deal with resource allocation due to staffing shortages every day?"

Collaboration and Partnership

- "How can we as support staff, resource teachers, classroom teachers and admin be partners in learning spaces?"

- "How can we make more time for collaboration to build collective efficacy?"

Work-Life Balance and Well-being

- "How can I gain control over my work priorities?”

Assessment and Learning Practices

- "How can we shift classroom teachers to embrace meaningful formative assessment and student-centred communication of learning?"

These questions tell us that leaders:

• are concerned with optimizing the use of available staff and resources to meet daily demands

• are concerned about the well-being of staff

• value teamwork and seek to break down silos

• need more collaborative time to improve collective efficacy

• wish to promote innovative educational practices and improve the quality of teaching and learning

• understand collaboration is key to building a strong, effective teaching community

• appreciate the significance of community engagement and the importance of building strong relationships with rights holders

• want more shared responsibility and accountability among all rights holders, emphasizing a collective approach to problem-solving

• value open, honest communication and seek to create an environment where this can thrive, recognizing its importance for trust and effective teamwork

School leaders demonstrate a commitment to fostering a collaborative, efficient, and supportive educational environment that prioritizes innovative practices, well-being, and community engagement, ultimately enhancing the overall success and well-being of their school communities.

They tirelessly dedicate themselves each day to making schools welcoming places for learning and growth, despite staffing shortages and complexities.

This school year, consider extending your appreciation—small gestures truly matter!