This week, we may find ourselves standing in two very different realities.
Earlier this week, the provincial budget was released.
Across the province, curious Principals and Vice-Principals began reading, analyzing, asking questions, and anticipating what this budget may mean for staffing, supports, and the year ahead.
At the same time, we are all still reeling from the terrible tragedy in Tumbler Ridge. Still wondering how we can help. Still reflecting on our own practices, and reviewing our own procedures. Still working to reassure families and communities that BC schools are safe schools.
The impact of this event cannot be understated. We are reminded of how closely connected our school communities are, across districts, across the province, and across the country. We are grateful for all of the messages that we have received here in our office, from Chapters and from individual members, wondering how they can help. As the days pass, we will find out more from the Tumbler Ridge school communities, and we will draw all of our members in to share about supports
And so, it is emphasized for us that two things can be true at the same time.
We can be studying line items and funding allocations, while closely carrying grief.
We can be planning for Pink Shirt Day, spring break, end-of-year activities, and future staffing, yet feel the crushing weight of unlocking the school doors on a heavy morning.
This is the complexity of school leadership.
You are asked to both interpret policy and hold people, to bring joy and steadiness to the school community.
To think strategically and respond compassionately.
To manage resources and tend to relationships.
There is no switch that allows you to do one without the other.
In moments of tragedy, educational leaders are in a singular space. You absorb uncertainty. You steady your staff. You hold families. You answer questions, often before you have had time to process your own. That is the invisible work of leadership.
Steady leadership does not mean unaffected leadership.
It means rooted leadership.
It means knowing when to pause.
Knowing who to call.
Trusting the systems and collective advocacy around you.
You are not meant to do this work alone.
If this week feels heavy, let it be heavy.
Reach out to your colleagues. Call your critical friend. Check in.
Because, two things can be true at the same time.
The budget can require careful scrutiny.
And our hearts can still be tender.
In public education, we live in both the ledger and the living room.
We work in spreadsheets and in sacred spaces.
And perhaps this is the quiet truth of our profession:
We are strongest not when the waters are calm,
but when we learn to steady our boat in uncertain seas.
Thank you for the leadership you bring to policy rooms, to staff meetings, to the school hallways, and to the moments few others see.
We are navigating together. And remember that the BCPVPA is here to support you, in whatever you may need.
Onward,
Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca