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 thoughts

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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."

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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.

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Mental health is a growing concern in education, but who checks on the principals? Our guest again this episode is Tracy Vanstone. She’s in a new role with Manitoba Teachers Society as a Staff Officer. With Tracy, we explore the unique challenges school leaders face, from loneliness to unspoken pressures. It’s a mental health crisis among school leaders which highlights the need for mentorship, acknowledgment, and vulnerability for principals.It’s important for principals to build networks, embrace vulnerability, and prioritize support systems that can transform their leadership and their own mental well-being. We discuss how to break the stigma around seeking help as the school leader.

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Supporting others while maintaining your own mental health is no small feat. Our guest again this episode is Dean MacInnis, Principal of Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Dean sheds light on the mental health struggles principals face, from staff confessions to student challenges. He talks about how he navigates these pressures, finds balance through self-care, and builds supportive systems to thrive in his role. Principal MacInnis shares candidly about the unique challenges principals face in balancing the emotional needs of their schools and their own well-being. From lessons in self-care to managing isolation, this episode dives deep into the realities of being a school principal..

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Decisions that impact lives aren't made lightly. Our guest this episode is Dean MacInnis, Principal of Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
Dean opens up about his journey from vice principal to principal, tackling tough calls, navigating isolation, and building confidence through support and experience. He takes us behind the scenes of school administration, sharing the highs and lows of decision-making, the weight of responsibility, and the critical role of reflection. Dean’s stories of growth through reflection offer invaluable insights for anyone in a leadership role.

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What if your one of your best leadership tools wasn’t giving advice, but asking questions? Our guest this episode is Sascha Epp , Staff Officer for Teacher Welfare at The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. Sascha dives into the psychology of advice-giving with the verbal picture of the "advice monster" and its impact on school leadership. She talks about how to replace the instinct to fix with empowering strategies that encourage your team to solve their own challenges. Through restorative practices and intentional listening, our conversation highlights actionable strategies to build relational trust, encourage autonomy, and foster a restorative culture among staff. The leading tool is asking great questions.

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