THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - Dr. Shannon Behan

November 15, 2024

Who We Are

I attended the Canadian Association of Principals (CAP) meeting in Ottawa this past week, and it was timely that the Woven Histories collection at the National Gallery of the Arts was on display. This is a body of work from creators who were once marginalized for their gender, race, or class, as in the 20th century textiles were often considered ‘lesser’, as applied art, women’s work, or domestic craft. The Woven Histories exhibition explores the contributions weaving has made to modern art. At the CAP meeting, I connected with educational leaders from every Canadian province and territory, and my thoughts returned to Woven Histories, and how the importance of education is laced into every aspect of our work.

The mission of CAP is to shine a light on the work of school and district leaders across Canada, while also supporting professional development for those leaders. Each province and territory is unique in how their education systems are patterned, but in the fabric of each system is the shared value that the key to a just and viable future is education. Regardless of the jurisdiction, our universal focus on removing barriers to success and remaining vigilant on improving student outcomes is what weaves us together. It is what makes us part of something much bigger.

While I was in Ottawa on a cold and drizzly Remembrance Day morning, I joined the 35,000 people who slowly made their way downtown to the War Memorial. Along the way, I heard families speaking English and French, along with many other languages. Canadians with heritage from all around the world gathered to share in this collective experience, a different kind of tapestry. All of us, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and identity, or language came together because we shared in the desire to honour the men and women who have defended Canada in times of war and peace, and the 118,000 Canadians who have been killed in service to our country. Many in the crowd would have their own lived experience, and understand the struggle of raising their children in war-torn countries where access to education may be impossible. This is one reason why they have chosen to make Canada their home.

The family in front of me – Granny, Mom and Dad, several children – spoke a language I didn’t understand. When the National Silver Cross Mother, Maureen Anderson of Oromocto, was announced, we were told that she lost both her sons after their service in Afghanistan. Tears welled up in the eyes of many in the crowd, and for a moment my gaze touched that of the grandmother in front of me, and we shared in Maureen Anderson’s grief, anguish, and pain. ln that instant, collectively, we hoped we could take part in carrying that grief, woven together in a tapestry of common emotion.

It was that sense of being a part of something larger that struck me this week, both at the memorial ceremony and at my meetings with CAP colleagues. Just as the ceremony marked a hope for the future – lest we forget – so did the connection with Canadian educators and leaders lead me to consider the role of education in building a future society. Educators in each province or territory – despite their very different local structures – are working to understand their shared history, contend with a complex present, and contribute to the vast and vibrant tapestry of a common future vision.

Leaders in schools and districts recognize the struggles of our students as they begin to weave in their own delicate threads. They face factors influenced by technology, climate change, social justice, political polarization, and globalization. Our support and guidance to young people requires understanding, resources, and opportunities for growth as they learn to navigate their world and become citizens.

Our work as educational leaders is to build strong relationships and allow for open communication. Through your collaborative leadership in your schools and district offices, you weave together the vision and direction of both your district and the province. You model empathy and respect. You create safe, caring, and inclusive spaces. You invest in mental health and well-being initiatives. You encourage youth participation. You build collaborative networks. You support academic achievement, and value lifelong learning. You advocate for resources and for equity. And, you build a culture of belonging. You work and plan so that all these colourful threads are woven together and, with steady hands, you smooth the fabric and ensure that these threads don’t break.

Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca


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