Leadership Talks

The Leadership Talks Podcast welcomes France Thibault, former Superintendent with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, for a conversation where she shares her experience leading teachers through the experience of the "Lesson Study". France found the strategies transformative for her professional practice, for the teachers' cross- and interdepartmental  collaboration, for the development of profoundly creative differentiated instruction to reach all students, and to build a learning community which embraced critical thinking among both the students and the teachers. France also mentions her experience with Cooperative Learning and the weekly meetings of small groups of schools where Principals were able to deepen their understanding of their role and share their experience and knowledge. The parallels were obvious, and this work was received enthusiastically throughout her tenure. Additional Resources:  John Hattie's Visible Learning: the Sequel: A synthesis of over 2,100 Meta-Analyses relating to Achievement P14: Lucy West P16: Lucy West - Questioning P28 Lucy West - Culture of Classroom Discourse Leading Lesson Study: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Facilitators by Jennifer Stepanuk et al OUR GUEST France Thibault, OCDSB HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 10 Transcript

The Leadership Talks Podcast has highlighted a variety of stories and perspectives so far brought forward by colleagues involved in different aspects of the education ecosystem. We are pleased to be able to offer a conversation with Dr. Emily Caruso Parnell, who pursued doctoral-level studies while working as a school administrator with the Rainbow District School Board and has since transitioned to teaching full-time at Laurentian University. While Emily originally thought she was presenting the topic of doctoral studies as an idea for someone else to discuss, she nonetheless has joined us to share  some practical information regarding time management, the logistics of the dissertation process, and the process of choosing a supervisor as well as some commentary on personal challenges and valuable learning experiences.  OUR GUEST Emily Caruso, RDSB HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 09 Transcript

In this episode of Leadership Talks, we are pleased to welcome Lesley Kennedy from the Peel District School Board. As an administrator, Lesley has consistently found meaningful ways to ensure school and community remain deeply connected in every school she has served. In a time of shifting educational landscapes and shrinking budgets, community partnerships have become more essential—and often more accessible—than school leaders might expect. Local restaurants, small businesses, service clubs such as Lions and Optimists, and even large corporations like McDonald's, Tim Hortons and Amazon are increasingly eager to support schools.  These partnerships can offer financial help, in‑kind donations, and volunteer opportunities that enrich learning and strengthen school communities. By tapping into this network, administrators can stretch limited budgets, enrich educational experiences, and build stronger ties between schools and the broader community, ultimately benefiting the students they serve. Just as important as receiving support is giving back. Community engagement is not one‑sided; it is built on reciprocity. Walking with students, staff, and families to understand the value of service, whether through food drives, environmental projects, hikes or acts of kindness, helps shape caring community members and future citizens. When students learn to contribute, they gain empathy, responsibility, and a deeper sense of belonging. By fostering partnerships that both support schools and encourage students to serve, leaders can create relationships that are meaningful, sustainable, and transformative for everyone involved. OUR GUEST Lesley Kennedy, Peel DSB HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 08 Transcript

In school and system leadership it is critically important to understand the leadership and learning profiles of our team and what strengths they bring to the table. For this episode of Leadership Talks, Michael Blackburn joins us from Limestone District School Board, to discuss how through a strengths-based leadership approach we can maximize the potential of our school teams and foster a culture of collaboration, trust and risk-taking. The podcast will highlight his personal leadership journey in understanding himself and how to support a team to understand each other and the gifts and strengths they bring to their work. Michael currently has the role of Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services - ITS and Continuing Education. He is open to new connections and invites school leaders to reach out by emailing him at blackburnm@limestone.on.ca. OUR GUEST Michael Blackburn, Limestone DSB HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 07 Transcript

In this episode of Leadership Talks, Aamer Zuberi, an elementary principal with the Peel District School Board, explores the power of building meaningful connections with local communities. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a reciprocal relationship where school leaders actively listen to community voices and collaborate with an engaged school council. Through this approach, schools can share their vision more effectively and create inclusive opportunities for community members to participate in shaping school leadership. OUR GUEST Aamer Zuber, Peel DSB HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 06 Transcript

For this episode, Nina Jaiswal, a former superintendent with the Peel District School Board, consultant, coach and facilitator, joins Leadership Talks to share some of her experiences and insights gained during projects she has been involved in while delivering professional learning to educational leaders in international spaces. Working with a senior team at a district in Sweden on executive leadership skills, provided an opportunity for her to learn the strategies they use to elevate student wellness. This cross-pollination and sharing happens in a bi-lateral manner. Ontario school leaders can build capacity in managing relationships with staff who have come from other countries by recognising cultural differences and expectations. Nina continues to build partnerships with Ontario school boards and works with international groups to support educational leaders from countries i.e. Korea, Peru and the UAE on their learning journeys. To meet the needs of groups accessing her expertise as a consultant, she draws on all the skills she developed during her career to support the next generation of administrators. To learn more about what OPC offers, visit the Global Learning Opportunities portal. OUR GUEST Nina Jaiswal, retired Peel DSB Connect with Nina through - LinkedIN profile Email - njaiswal26@gmail.com HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 05 Transcript

Sara D’Angelo shares her passion for social justice, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed practice in education. She talks about how she models leading from the heart with a focus on building relational trust and offering voice and choice. The intentional use of the school improvement process viewed as a multi-year plan produced results for a school community to arrive at an environment reflective of the 3Cs – collective care, collective commitment and collective choice of courage to be the change. Thank you for engaging with this podcast conversation. We hope it helps deepen understanding on how to create the conditions for Black, Indigenous, mis-served students' successes in a contemporary, trauma-informed school setting. Sara continues to learn and shares best practices to equip school leaders with suggested multi-tented, trauma-sensitive model / frameworks for schooling in today's complex school system.  Sara invites colleagues who have questions or would like further support to reach out to Rosaria.D'Angelo@tdsb.on.ca. OUR GUEST Sara D'Angelo, Toronto DSB HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 04 Transcript

In today’s classrooms, educators shape not only academic outcomes but also the emotional and psychological safety of their students—especially those students who have experienced trauma. Dr. Jackie Eldridge, formerly of York Catholic District School Board, joins us on Leadership Talks, to share her personal trauma story, where school became a refuge. This talk will explore the critical role teachers and administrators play in creating trauma-informed environments that transform both student success and school culture. Trauma isn’t just an event—it’s the emotional and physiological response to an experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. For students, trauma can arise from abuse, neglect, racism, poverty, or violence. When unaddressed, it may appear as defiance, withdrawal, anxiety or inattention—not as a lack of desire to learn but as a nervous system in survival mode.   Trauma-informed practice is a mindset—a shift from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and eventually, “What’s strong in you?” It’s about recognizing signs of trauma, responding with empathy, and avoiding harm through punitive systems.   Administrators must model emotional intelligence, foster psychological safety, and embed trauma-informed values into every layer of school life. Teachers, on the frontlines, build safe, responsive classrooms and protect their own well-being too.   Ultimately, trauma-informed practice isn’t a program—it’s a paradigm. The most powerful tool in any school is the adult who chooses to see, hear, and believe in every child.   Let’s explore together practical strategies, tactics and skills that can be immediately applicable in classrooms. OUR GUEST Dr. Jackie Eldridge, formerly York Catholic DSB HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 03 Transcript

Joining us for this episode of Leadership Talks is Sheena Yap Chan, bestselling author of The Tao of Self Confidence and Bridging the Confidence Gap with Wiley, and a renowned speaker on leadership and empowerment. Sheena shares how confidence-building strategies can transform leadership potential, especially for women in education. This conversation explores the unique challenges women face in leadership, actionable steps to build self-belief, and how cultivating authenticity can inspire and empower teams. Drawing on her books and lived experience, Sheena will share practical advice for school principals and leaders on fostering inclusive environments where diverse voices are celebrated. From navigating cultural expectations to bridging gaps in confidence that hold women back from leadership opportunities, Sheena offers both inspiration and actionable tools. Listeners will walk away with strategies to strengthen their leadership presence, uplift others, and create schools rooted in equity, authenticity and visibility. OUR GUEST To find out more or connect with Sheena, visit LinkedIN - https://linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan all other links - https://sheenayapchan.com/links HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 02 Transcript

This episode takes us global! We welcome Lisa Piquette, OPC International Learning Lead, and Ana Mena, principal with the Trillium Lakelands DSB, in a conversation about OPC’s International Exchanges which is a job shadowing experience that immerses administrators in a personal and professional learning journey as they spend time learning with school leaders in other countries, shadowing them in their daily work, living in their homes, and experiencing life as they do. In this session you will hear what participants have to say about their experiences, the impact on their professional practice and advice to anyone considering participating in an international exchange.  Further information about registration, the current roster of participating countries and deadlines can be found on the webpage for International Exchanges - Ontario Principals Council. OUR GUESTS Ana Mena, Trillium Lakelands DSB Lisa Piquette, OPC International Learning Lead HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Season 2 Episode 1 Transcript

This podcast is dedicated to empowering Principals to prioritize their well-being while navigating the challenges of educational leadership.  Vinita Mongia, a recently retired Principal and now a Leadership Consultant for School Leaders, introduces her transformative “CALM” Resilience through Self-Care Framework, designed specifically for Principals. Vinita shares actionable self-care strategies, that not only enhance leadership effectiveness, but also reduce stress. Her insights will inspire you to invest in your personal leadership journey, fostering greater CALM, CONFIDENCE, and clarity in your role. Unlock the power of well-being in your leadership—tune in now to transform your success from within, feel inspired, and reignite your “CALMfident” leadership journey. Join Vinita on January 29, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. EST for a webinar where she shares more specific examples of how to apply the CALM framework to school leadership. Vinita will also share her journey and encouragement for school leaders to engage in personalized leadership development. To register and attend this FREE informative webinar, visit https://lu.ma/20eleojr. RESOURCES: Biography and personalized leadership development services CALM resilience through self-care framework CALM placemat for personal reflection handout OUR GUEST Vinita Mongia, Peel District School Board LinkedIn - @vinita mongia Website - www.vinitamongia.com Email - vinitamongia@gmail.com HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 24 Transcript PDF

Joining us for this episode is Nicole Andrée Vernon, who shares with us how she explored the ways in which Equity might support the success of our Mathematics classrooms and at the institutionalized level. Teaching Equity and Mathematics (T.E.A.M.) Leadership is a mathematical leadership initiative that she developed in 2022 to monitor instruction, guide student learning, and build on school mathematical education improvement processes. T.E.A.M Leadership ensured that students were centered, reflected and affirmed within their classrooms and schools. The primary goals of T.E.A.M. were to consider our mathematical classrooms, institutional & system issues from an Equity, Diversity and Inclusive lens, as it relates to: Access Achievement Identity Power within our mathematical classrooms.   As a lead learner, Nicole focused on teaching practices that included opportunities for students to engage in active learning, and to probe, analyze and evaluate The Silenced Dialogue - the voices of those who have been marginalized because of race, gender, socioeconomic class, dominant language & ethnicity. Nicole continues to ensure that one’s teaching is within the context of ‘a system vision of excellence in education,’ and continues to co-construct shared reflections and encourage critical, courageous dialogue in collaboration with a network of courageous critical friends about the impacts of structures, power relations and mathematical inequalities.  OUR GUEST Nicole Andrée Vernon - Durham District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 23 Transcript PDF

Josh Windsor joins us in conversation with Dr. Alison Yeung to share how they have worked together to educate parents regarding the use of cell phones and the impact of social media on teen mental health. Josh has implemented some school wide flexible policies to support student learning and assist students to self regulate with regards to their use of social media during learning time.    OUR GUESTS Alison Yeung, MD Family MedicineInstagram @thesmartphoneeffectmd Josh Windsor - Waterloo Region District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 22 Transcript PDF

Integrating circles is a simple, yet profound, practice to positively impact individuals in a school community. The goal of this podcast is to share information on how circles can be implemented in varied ways. Goals include building a strong sense of community, promoting active listening and restorative practices, and creating safe and inclusive learning environments.    ARTICLES and RESOURCES Using Circles: quick tips handout. Inclusive, Safe and Caring Programs, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. What You Need to Know About Community Circles. OCDSB Mentally Healthy Classrooms 2023, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Fisher, Douglas and Frey, Nancy. 2022. Community Circles Build Restorative School Cultures. ascd educational leadership, September 2022 Riel, Margaret. 2000. Learning Circles: Virtual Communities for Elementary and Secondary Schools. eric.ed.gov ED441665 Amos, Clifford. 2013. Teaching Restorative Practices with Classroom Circles. Center for Restorative Process and San Francisco Unified School District. OUR GUEST Kim Esdaile - Ottawa-Carleton District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 21 Transcript PDF

This podcast, with guests Linda Cotnam and Sharlene McHolm, will give an overview of the classroom realities, in a way that only experienced educators can bring. They discuss what self-regulation is and what it is not. Together we invite our audience to explore the factors that impact self-regulation for both the child and the adult supporting them. As school leaders, we play key role in addressing student achievement. This can be difficult when students have poor self-regulation. We know that self-regulation is a key component to so many aspects of a child’s life, including social relationships, academics and dealing with conflict. Being able to self-regulate is essential, and due to its importance, is a key part of Kindergarten programming/curriculum. What factors need to be considered? How should one react? Considering that self-regulation skills are so vastly different, not just in Kindergarten students but all the way into high school and sometimes even adulthood, what are the key factors that affect this and what does research say? We know the tension between exciting play-based learning and what teachers and DECEs struggle with when you have a child or three in the classroom that cannot handle the choice that it represents. How do we provide great provocations that will help all students and extend the learning of the brightest? Join us as we unpack in this episode. OUR GUESTS Linda Cotnam - Waterloo Region District School Board Sharlene McHolm - Waterloo Region District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 20 Transcript PDF

Students clearly express that they want to see themselves in what they learn. For this episode, Andrea Gill joins us to share some of the student led projects that have taken place in her schools.  By fostering student voice in schools, student interest and goals are centred in their learning. Student census data alongside qualitative data, supports initiatives in learning that reflect student identity, lived experiences and community funds of knowledge. Project-based learning increases engagement in students as they are in the drivers’ seat for their learning, with the educator serving as a mentor who scaffolds tasks and provides feedback. This model of teaching increases collaboration across the school fostering interconnection, increasing community-based school model and inter-peer coaching, mentorship and leadership. This is an exciting and engaging conversation to have and Andrea looks forward to sharing it. OUR GUEST Andrea Gill - Halton District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 19 Transcript PDF

Please note that this episode mentions self-harm and/or suicide. While we don’t want to cause anxiety or stress, we acknowledge that this may be the experience for some people. If needed, we encourage you to reach out for support to a trusted friend or colleague, another personal resource or your organization’s Employee Assistance Program. Included for your reference is TDSB's resource page for Immediate Support/Help. Robert Durocher (Métis/French, he/him), centrally assigned to the Urban Indigenous Education Centre of Excellence, partners up with Jordan Applebaum (he/him) to discuss the importance of Gender and Sexuality Alliance’s (GSA’s) in schools to support 2SLGBTQQIA+ students and community members. Affinity groups can work together to lead, centering Indigenous, Black, and racialized student voices. It is a crucial time to focus on joy for Two-spirit, Indigiqueer, trans, 2SLGBTQQIA+ students and communities with intersecting identities. This is why Robert and Jordan are sharing their experiences in this episode and why they support GSA staff advisors through the TDSB GSA Network which reaches students and staff across the system. Initiatives include the annual EnVision Conference, Two-spirit, Indigiqueer Conference, Queer Nature walks, GSA Network Meetings, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Pen Pals for literacy, joy, education, and building community connections. TDSB GSA Network has a website and helps organize events, such as conferences, field trips for GSA members and Pride events. For more information visit: TDSB GSA Network OUR GUESTS Jordan Applebaum, Toronto District School Board Robert Durocher, Toronto District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 18 Transcript PDF

School leadership provides a wonderful opportunity to influence change and growth. Schools naturally foster high achievement and celebrate those that walk our halls. Unfortunately, sometimes the strategies also reinforce perfectionist tendencies, foster self-sabotage and invoke the feeling of being an imposter. As a (former) Principal, Lorraine LaPointe’s passion continues through studying the heart-mind-body connections and applying the latest brain research to create healthier habits of achievement, self-esteem and self-acceptance. This is needed today, more than ever! Through her company, Head Heart Synergy, Lorraine mentors, coaches and has authored the book Perfectionism Unplugged. She joins our podcast to share some powerful insights, metaphors and transformational stories showing how to turn fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, into the fuel for success. OUR GUEST Lorraine Lapointe - retired Durham District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 17 Transcript PDF

Michelle Sigmann is a principal, a certified wellness coach and an author of a book that guides individuals through a framework of setting goals and actionizing their visions. Her leadership style lends itself to authentic ways of teaching and leading. In this conversation with Leadership Talks she touches on her personal story where overwhelm and stress almost had her at rock bottom. The experience galvanized her new outlook and is now fuel for her passion for supporting and coaching others.   School leaders tend to believe that they should have all the answers. Michelle speaks about real, sustainable work and action that can be implemented. You can show up feeling less overwhelmed and stressed. You can balance the busy and transfer renewed energy into strategies that can be used in your school building.   Consider starting your day with you (5-10 minutes) using these three easy guidelines: Build up your self worth, be in control of your thoughts. Identify stressors by writing it down to reflect and take control / prioritize.  Be patient with yourself while you implement good habits. Resources (with notes from Michelle): Time Audit - I briefly talked about trying to find time in your day. When you complete this audit make sure to do your busiest day. The goal is once you fill it all in to try and find 15-20 minutes in your day to replace it with a habit that is for you. Please reach out to me for a more detailed guidance on this. Power Statements - In the podcast, I talked about the importance of reframing your mindset by using positive self-talk / power statements. The science behind this is more than just the words. Do this each day for yourself and see the changes in your mindset and the way you show up in your workplace and home! OUR GUEST Michelle Sigmann, Durham District School Board IG - @michellefitnessmomma LinkedIN - @Michelle Sigmann Website - www.wellnessmichelle.com Email - michsigmann@gmail.com HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 16 Transcript PDF

This conversation is with Dinusha Gunasingham and Samantha Stephen, who join us as representatives of the Transformational Administrators' Network; a group of administrators and educators invested in championing change management. With a focus on whole school implementation (for the benefit of ALL students), this group co-created the Transformative Administrators' Toolkit (TAT), an administrative toolkit that includes resources, materials, tools and frameworks that can be utilized by administrators to shift white supremacy culture by deprivatizing practice, employing evidence-based processes, setting direction through high expectations, centering and affirming students’ intersecting identities and fostering a climate of collaboration, responsibility and accountability that includes students, families and staff as active agents.    Dinusha and Samantha highlight for listeners how they have used the 6-week Co-learning and Instructional Cycle, included in the TAT toolkit, to foster positive student outcomes. It is a proactive, responsive and intentional tool created to action a transformative process to address disproportionalities in special education. The framework provides scaffolded support for educators to work in community with students, families and colleagues using critical discourse to complete an evidence-based process with a focus on problematizing practice and not students, as well as encouraging ongoing and purposeful critical reflection of current pedagogy.     Dinusha and Samantha were not able to consolidate all 6-weeks of the cycle for us in the podcast episode due to time constraints, however, they wanted to express for listeners that Weeks 4 - 6 continue with the collection of student and staff driven dialogue and data. Then analysis of the specific goals and intentional teaching strategies for when, in Week 6, a review team comes together to assess if the cycle should: (a) Continue. (b) If a referral to ISSP for a more intensive evaluation of supports (both school and / or community based) is required. (c) Discontinue with monitoring.   The purpose of the 6-week Co-learning and Instructional Cycle is to action, in the most effective and intentional way, an individualized program to meet students' specific academic and socio-emotional needs using informed instruction.    To further benefit students and support colleagues the Transformational Administrators' Network is open to sharing more information* on the TAT toolkit. Contact Dinusha at sharlene.gunasingham@peelsb.com or Samantha at samantha.stephen@peelsb.com.   *Note, the tool will only be shared with support in understanding the conceptualization. This allows the creators to ensure that the elements, use and framework are not used in a manner that operates outside of their original vision. They welcome inquires from anyone who is interested and open to a conversation and/or learning session. OUR GUESTS Dinusha Gunasingham, Peel District School Board Samantha Stephen, Peel District School Board HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council Episode 15 Transcript PDF