Resilience is a word we often hear, but may not take the time to unpack. What does it truly mean to be resilient, especially in leadership? As I reflect on my own experiences, I am reminded of Valentine’s Day, one year ago. It was a day that didn’t quite go as planned; a day that tested our resilience as an admin team, and reinforced the profound role we play as leaders in our schools.

You can picture it: heart-shaped decorations everywhere, a buzz of excitement in the hallways, and elementary students eager to exchange their carefully chosen Valentine’s cards. Then, the unthinkable: an emergent issue from a neighbouring home that required a heavy police presence, and resulted in a SWAT team landing on the school field. What started as a celebration of friendship and kindness turned into a day of extraordinary demands on the leadership team.

In moments like this, there is no script. With the SWAT team on-site, and students and staff needing reassurance, my Vice-Principal and I had to pivot quickly. We focused on two things: keeping everyone physically safe, and maintaining a sense of calm while endeavouring to preserve the joy of the day for students and staff. Inside the classrooms, teachers continued with their brilliant work, doing everything they could to keep the day feeling normal. Their calm energy set the tone for the students, and I couldn’t have been prouder or more grateful for their support.

Outside the classroom, however, it was a different story. The situation required clear, calm communication with our immediate staff, senior staff, parents, and community. From coordinating with police and the board office, to managing social media updates, every decision felt critical. We knew misinformation could spread quickly, and it was our job to keep everyone informed while also projecting steadiness and control.

After the incident, we gathered as a team to debrief. We celebrated what went well, and candidly discussed what could be improved. Most importantly, we acknowledged the emotional toll of the day. Crises don’t just test your leadership; they challenge your humanity. Supporting our staff in the aftermath was as vital as leading them through the event itself.

Reflecting on that day, I was reminded of a fundamental truth: leadership is a balance of joy and challenges. Schools are filled with laughter, learning, and connection, but they are also spaces where crises can emerge without warning. Resilience, I have learned, isn’t about being unshakable; it’s about being able to adapt, reflect, and grow.

I encourage you to take a moment this week to reflect on your own resilience. When was the last time you were tested as a leader? What small steps can you take to strengthen your resilience for the future? Perhaps watch Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe’s short video, Hope Is the Strategy for Everyday Resiliency, which emphasizes the importance of hope as a deliberate and actionable practice. Her message resonates deeply: by fostering hope, we create space for growth, adaptability, and connection, even in the face of adversity.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to your schools and communities. Remember, resilience isn’t something you’re born with – it is something you build, one challenge at a time. If that Valentine’s Day experience taught me anything, it’s that resilience grows best when we face challenges together.

With gratitude and admiration,