THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - Dr. Shannon Behan

November 29, 2024

The Power of Partnerships 

A very good friend of mine always reminds me that I came into this world alone, and I’ll leave this world alone: it has been his mantra for most of his life. I have often found myself reflecting on this refrain, particularly during stressful moments. But, with the greatest respect to my friend, I don’t believe that this adage is true. I believe that we were never meant to do this work alone.

A foundational piece of our work as educational leaders is to build and maintain excellent relationships with our partners and friends in our school communities. This includes the students, parents, teachers and support staff, custodians and bus drivers, groundskeepers and maintenance staff, district staff, admin colleagues, and our senior leadership teams. Our relationship-building also extends to community service providers, and the people who engage with us in any capacity, from the neighbours living across from the school to contacts across the province. It is important and intentional work, as we know that collaboration and problem-solving are eased when a foundation of consideration and respect exists.

As BCPVPA President, I am privileged to represent the incredible leaders who provide guidance in schools and district offices, and support the success of students across the province. This week, BC’s education sector began a new chapter with a leadership change in the Ministry of Education and Child Care. We extend our gratitude to the outgoing Minister, Rachna Singh, for her dedication and leadership, and we warmly welcome the Honourable Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, to this pivotal role.

The BCPVPA looks forward to our continued collaboration with the Ministry, at this exciting time in public education. Last week, I had the privilege of meeting Minister Beare and the new Deputy Minister, Kathryn Krishna, at the BCSTA’s Trustee Academy event. Our conversation was engaging, and reflected our shared commitment to enrich and enhance the education system in British Columbia. We will soon meet more formally to discuss the priorities that unite us: empowering school leaders, supporting student well-being, and navigating the complexities of an evolving educational landscape while maintaining our focus on improving student outcomes.

Education sector relationships are critical to the work we do, and support the success of our members in their roles as school leaders. Effective partnerships allow us to encourage and advocate for meaningful policies, and to tackle systemic challenges together. One current example of this is the BCPVPA’s alignment of our new Leadership Competencies with the BCSSA’s Leadership Competencies for System Leaders, recognizing that our system is stronger when we are all paddling together.

By building strong connections across the sector, we amplify the voices of Principals and Vice-Principals, ensuring that your insights help to shape the decisions that impact both your daily work and, importantly, the learning environment for students. The leadership of our members both inspires and drives these important conversations. Together with the Ministry and our sector partners, we are shaping the future of education in this province, and I am honoured to stand alongside our members in this endeavour, with both optimism and purpose.

Stay in touch and thank you for the amazing work you do every day in your schools.

Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca


Logo

Search our web site:


Top