Circle Forum

By: Stan Baker
  • Summary

  • Leading a school in today’s educational landscape is both rewarding and complex. This podcast equips elementary and secondary school principals with proven strategies to tackle challenges they face daily. Hosts Shelley Steele, Steve Young, and Stan Baker—along with expert guests—explore topics like restorative practices, staff well-being, equity-driven leadership, student absenteeism and navigating complex systemic challenges. Discover actionable advice, inspiring stories, and strategies to transform your school community while maintaining balance in your leadership journey.
    Stan Baker
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Episodes
  • The Role of Principals in Truth and Reconciliation: Bridging the Past and Future
    Mar 10 2025

    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

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    25 mins
  • Making it Right: How principals are the ones to transform school culture
    Feb 17 2025

    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

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    17 mins
  • Two-Eyed Seeing: A Principal's Role in Reconciliation
    Feb 10 2025

    What role do school principals play in reconciliation with Indigenous communities? Our guest this episode is Wayne Davies, Instructor and Director of Student Teaching, Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg in Manitoba. Wayne shares insights from his Métis heritage and his journey as an educator, exploring how listening, building trust, and embracing Indigenous knowledge can transform schools and relationships. Principals play a pivotal role in fostering cultural understanding and collaboration with Indigenous communities.The podcast conversation is full of stories and actionable strategies for driving meaningful change in schools.

    #SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership, #traumainformed,#staffing,#mentalhealth,#stress,#selfcare,#truth,#reconciliation,#TRC

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    22 mins

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