Circle Forum

What if curiosity was the single best antidote to stress, shame, and trauma in schools? Our returning guest this episode is Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, Educational Director of the Targeted Parenting Institute and author of  Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become The Parent You Always Wanted To Be. Dr. Robyn  argues that curiosity is the opposite of pathology—it shifts our focus outward and makes space for authentic connection. Principals, vice-principals, and teachers will hear how curiosity helps in staff conflicts, parent meetings, and classrooms where the usual playbook doesn’t work. Principals and teachers can practice trauma-informed leadership simply by staying curious and kind. In this conversation, Dr. Robyn  shows how curiosity helps de-escalate conflict, validate human experience, and model problem-solving skills for students.  Robyn also offers guidance on how to notice and manage our own triggers, so we lead with steadiness instead of reactivity.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether#conflictresolution

New principals often face the pressure of staying on script, but what happens when the real need is something else entirely? Our returning guest this episode is Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, Educational  Director of the Targeted Parenting Institute and author of  Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become The Parent You Always Wanted To Be.  She shares how she balances the tension between curriculum and connection by addressing what’s truly happening in the room. Her CARING model- Connection, Assessment, Resourcing, Integration, Normalization, and Generation - offers leaders a step-by-step way to move from frustration to collaboration with parents, staff, and students. We hear about aha moments that shift blame into understanding and conflict into problem-solving. From cattiness in Grade 6 to territorial debates among teachers, Robyn describes how leaning into tough conversations fosters connection and trust.She shares powerful stories about becoming trauma-informed and creating space for teachers to connect with kids in meaningful ways. Instead of pushing through the curriculum, Dr. Robyn encourages us to pause and teach the social-emotional lessons that matter most.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether#conflictresolution

What’s your process for handling tough parent conversations? In this episode, Shauna Streich, Case Manager, Disability Benefits Plan, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. explains why principals need a clear, collaborative approach. She talks about how principals can turn high-stress interactions into opportunities for trust and partnership. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear process for conversations at both the school and division levels, so teachers, principals, and even superintendents know when to step in, how to respond, and how to keep the dialogue constructive.We discuss how to bring a restorative perspective to parent communication. Shauna  reminds us that parents call because they care deeply about their children, and principals can build connection by starting with that common ground. She explains why self-reflection is critical — checking your own emotions and stress levels before entering a conversation — and why setting healthy boundaries helps protect both staff and leaders. Most importantly, our conversation  underscores the shift from “listening to respond” to “listening to understand,” a mindset that breaks down defensiveness, reduces shame, and allows parents to share what’s really going on.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether

What if more mental health claims from staff was actually good news? In this episode, our return guest is Shauna Streich, Case Manager, Disability Benefits Plan, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. She explains the interim results of a project she’s been working on which shows how shorter sick leaves reveal that educators are finally seeking help earlier—because they feel safer to speak up. Drawing on Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety, she shows how open reporting and honest conversations make teams stronger rather than weaker. At the same time, Shauna emphasizes that recognition is at the heart of staff well-being. Educators at every level—from custodians to EAs to teachers and principals—don’t want token gestures or pizza lunches. They want to be truly seen for the hard, messy work they do every day, whether that’s managing a difficult student or navigating a tough parent conversation. This episode connects the dots between psychological safety, recognition, and relational  leadership practices that reduce stress leaves for teachers AND principals. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership

Did you know that many stress leave claims in schools trace back to the relationship between principals and staff? In this episode recorded earlier this year,  our guest is Shauna Streich, Case Manager, Disability Benefits Plan, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society.  She shares insights from a Manitoba project that tackled the root causes of rising stress leave claims and mental health challenges in schools. The findings were clear: many claims stem from the principal–teacher relationship, highlighting the urgent need for training and support in adult-to-adult dynamics.Shauna explains how survey data on loneliness, burnout, and psychological safety challenged principals’ perceptions — and why these tough conversations are necessary. She introduced practical frameworks showing how principals can flatten hierarchies, improve communication, and build trust with staff. If you’re a principal, vice-principal, or education leader, this episode offers powerful tools to reduce stress leave, strengthen relationships, and create healthier schools.  Be sure to catch our next episode where Shauna Streich reports back on some of the interim findings. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership

What does it take to build trust with parents who arrive in your office angry or fearful? Our guest on this first episode of Season 11 is Dr. Amy Newman, principal of Newton Elementary in Surrey, British Columbia.  She believes the answer lies in restorative leadership—meeting hard conversations with listening, compassion, and resilience. In this episode, she shares how “being like grass” , a quote from Richard Wagamese, allows leaders to bend under pressure without breaking, while modeling this approach for staff and students. From restorative circles to daily hallway conversations, Amy shows how trust is built step by step, moment by moment. She describes how “softening” isn’t weakness but a powerful way to shift energy in the room and open space for real dialogue. With stories of working with students on the edges and building trust with families, Amy brings restorative leadership to life.#educationWhat resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#Leadership #Education #SchoolLeadership #ConflictResolution #Resilience#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#RestorativeLeadership #Principals #VicePrincipals #EducationalLeadership #TrustBuilding #SchoolCommunity,#ListenToUnderstand #LeadWithCare #BeLikeGrass #TransformConflict

Steve may be “retired,” but his reflections in this episode couldn’t be more relevant.He shares sharp insights on education’s colonial legacy, especially within Indigenous communities, and challenges us to imagine systems that actually change. From his favorite podcast guests (including Barbara Coloroso and Edward Valandra) to his new role in public recreation, Steve shows how restorative thinking transcends the classroom. This episode is a masterclass in applying relational practice to new phases of life, leadership, and learning.What happens when a seasoned principal and trainer starts winding down… but never really stops?In this heartfelt episode, Steve reflects on the long arc of his restorative journey—from alternatives to suspension in the early 2000s to podcasting, Indigenous education insights, and even working marathons. Alongside Stan and Shelley, he shares how storytelling, shared meals, and mismatched perspectives created powerful learning for educators and teams. This is a tribute to the value of lived experience—and the importance of stepping back while lifting others up. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,

How do you lead a school where office referrals are piling up—and it feels like all you do is suspend students? In this episode , Part 1 of 2, with co-host, Steve Young ,he shares the exact aha moment that led him to adopt restorative practices. With data showing an 80% drop in office referrals and teachers learning to ask better questions, this episode explores how small shifts lead to cultural transformation. Steve recounts how early experiments with RP turned into school-wide practice. Over three years, student suspensions dropped, staff confidence grew, and discipline became something teachers owned again. What made the difference? Modeling, data, and asking the right questions—not mandates. We also dive into how RP becomes a natural part of your leadership style—and how to bring reluctant staff along for the ride. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,

Do your staff feel seen, heard, and professionally valued—or just evaluated? In Part 2 of this conversation, Craig Randall of Trust-Based Observations challenges school leaders to reimagine how trust is built—not by intention, but through dozens of consistent, small behaviours. From sitting beside teachers to asking permission to offer a suggestion, these shifts create space for true reflection. When trust grows, so does teaching and learning. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#prevention,#selfawareness, #strengthsbased, #selfmanagement,#trustbasedobservations,#teacherobservations

What happens when school leaders stop evaluating and start listening?Our guest this episode is Craig Randall of Trust-Based Observations.  Craig unpacks how a simple shift—asking the right questions—can change everything about teacher observations. Principals and vice-principals will appreciate the real stories of growth, relational trust, and student achievement. Craig explains how his model moved one school from fear to collaboration—raising achievement by over 12%. He shares how trust-based observations transform teacher morale and professional growth. Instead of ratings and judgment, Craig invites teachers to reflect and lead their own improvement.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#prevention,#selfawareness, #strengthsbased, #selfmanagement,#trustbasedobservations,#teacherobservations

Before you fix curriculum, fix communication. Our podcast guest this episode is Tre Gammage, Owner of Strengths Based Training helping superintendents build high performance leadership teams.Tre shares why adult strengths-awareness and emotional intelligence are at the heart of real school change.  We explore how small conflicts — if ignored — spiral into absenteeism, frustration, and burnout. Through strengths-based assessments and coaching, adults can learn to speak, lead, and connect confidently with  each other and with students. When principals understand themselves and their staff, schools become stronger, happier places for everyone — including students. It’s a very practical roadmap to change that starts from the inside out.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#AI,#artificialintelligence,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#makingitright,#prevention,#selfawareness, #strengthsbased, #selfmanagement

We spend so much time trying to "fix" students... but what if the real change starts with us — the adults? Our podcast guest this episode is Tre Gammage, Owner of Strengths Based Training helping superintendents build high performance leadership teams.  Tre digs into why adult strengths awareness and skills isn’t just important — it’s essential if we want better student outcomes and stronger schools. Tre Gammage shares his journey from psychology to educational leadership, and he doesn't hold back about what it really takes: self-awareness, honest conversations, and sustainable growth (not just another one-off PD session).He shows how staff resistance isn’t a roadblock — it’s actually one of the best opportunities for real transformation. Tre discusses how he uses personalized strengths assessments and strategic coaching to help educators move past resistance and build better learning environments. Real change starts with the people leading the classrooms, not just the kids sitting in them.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#AI,#artificialintelligence,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#makingitright,#prevention,#selfawareness, #strengthsbased, #selfmanagement

What happens when you believe in collaboration—but your system doesn’t? Our guest again this episode is Jessica Lees, Deputy Head Teacher of Teaching and Learning, Cairo English School. She explores that very tension in this conversation about creating cultural change from the middle. Jessica tells the story of recognizing when she was managing instead of mentoring—and how one conversation shifted everything. This episode is about the power of asking better questions, being vulnerable, and creating space for others to step up.  Jessica Lees walks us through how she tackled unsustainable policies by inviting department leaders into real problem-solving, not just top-down directives. It’s a compelling story of pushing for change with courage and care.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#AI,#artificialintelligence,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#makingitright,#prevention

“What’s one thing on your plate that AI could take off?”  Our guest this episode is Jessica Lees, Deputy Head Teacher of Teaching and Learning, Cairo English School.  Jessica flips the conversation on AI by starting where most educators feel the strain—time, feedback, and administrative overload. She unpacks how school leaders can ethically and effectively adopt AI without losing the human side of education. It's not about doing less—it’s about doing what matters.  When educators secretly use AI but never talk about it, we miss out on growth, on using use AI transparently to support teachers, on streamline admin work, and on preparing students for a future powered by smart tools. Leaders need to model curiosity, not perfection. AI isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation to lead with courage and community.What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts https://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#AI,#artificialintelligence,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#makingitright,#prevention

Think only specialists can prevent substance use in schools? Think again. Our guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Sometimes, one caring adult can change a student’s entire trajectory. Emily Jenkins shares how a simple comment from a basketball coach transformed her school experience, highlighting the profound impact of small moments of connection.Emily and Nathan debunk the idea that educators need special training to make a difference. Instead, they emphasize how simple acts of connection—like learning a student's name, asking how they're doing, or showing up in their extracurricular activities—can be life-changing protective factors.Listen to how schools can proactively foster connections instead of waiting to identify "at-risk" students If you're an educator, administrator, or policymaker, this episode builds an understanding how relationship-building is at the heart of substance use prevention.What resonated with you? What challenges do you facei n your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts https://www.restorative.ca/cff Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright,#substanceuse,#prevention Transforming Substance Use Harm Prevention in Canadian Schools: An Examination of School Administrators’ Experiences and PerspectivesRead the report here. https://wellstream.ca/

When it comes to substance use prevention, many schools are stuck using outdated, ineffective strategies. Our guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia  and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The recently released research reportTransformingSubstance Use Harm Prevention inCanadian Schools:An Examination ofSchool Administrators’Experiences and Perspectives reveals about what actually works—and what doesn’t. They discuss the critical role of caring adults, the failure of zero-tolerance policies, and how national standards could provide much-needed support. What if the key to substance use prevention isn’t just saying “no” but instead building meaningful connections?What resonated with you? What challenges do you facein your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughtshttps://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright,#substanceuse,#prevention

How can principals create a culture of growth in their schools? In this episode our guest is  Leanne Marchand , Curriculum Coordinator at Chinook School Division #211 in Saskatchewan.  She explains why instructional leadership is key and how principals can use student data to drive decision-making. She highlights the power of teacher appraisals, feedback loops, and reflective conversations to improve learning outcomes. She unpacks how principals can support teachers effectively, even without subject expertise, and why structured feedback cycles matter.We also discuss the challenge of balancing leadership with daily management tasks. If you’re a school leader looking for practical strategies, this episode is for you.Let’s continue the conversation and we want your perspective! What resonated with you? What challenges do you face? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughtshttps://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright

School principals are at a breaking point. Their roles now extend far beyond education—managing refugee support, mental health crises, and even food programs—all without additional resources. In this episode, we dive into the overwhelming demands placed on school administrators and the unrealistic expectations that keep piling up. Guest Chris Hicks , Chair or the Council of School Leaders with the Manitoba Teachers Society, shares firsthand experiences of navigating these challenges while trying to maintain a functional school environment.He explores how schools have become the frontline of social services and the toll this takes on school leaders. We talk about the growing pressure on principals, the lack of structural support, and the reality that many feel overwhelmed and burnt out.Let’s continue the conversation and we want your perspective! What resonated with you? What challenges do you face? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughtshttps://www.restorative.ca/cff  Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright

What does it take to shift an education system toward truth, reconciliation, and real equity? In this episode, our guest is Dr. Nathan Ngieng, Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Dr Ngieng discusses how school leaders can move beyond surface-level initiatives and engage in deep, systemic change.He also shares insights on transformative leadership, the power of vulnerability, and how truth and reconciliation efforts are shaping schools in Abbotsford. By dismantling systemic barriers for Indigenous students, we discuss practical strategies for fostering equity and inclusion.Learn how Abbotsford’s educators are addressing historical barriers, supporting Indigenous students, and rethinking leadership at all levels.We’re not stopping at the conversation—we want your perspective too! What resonated with you? What challenges do you face? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts on this linkhttps://www.restorative.ca/cfs10e49/ Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC,#makingitright

What happens when school leaders embrace vulnerability, listen to their staff, and implement restorative practices? Our guest this episode is  Wayne Davies, Instructor and Director of Student Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg in Manitoba. Wayne shares his personal and professional stories of transformation, offering practical advice on building trust, addressing resistance, and championing a culture of dignity and collaboration. Principals can turn mistakes into opportunities for growth and lead cultural transformation in their schools. Our conversation is a part of Wayne’s journey of shifting school culture from punitive measures to restorative practices, emphasizing the power of relationships, trust, and "making it right." #SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC