The crisp September air was alive with energy as we welcomed families back to school just a few short weeks ago. As I stood outside an elementary school, scanning the crowd of eager faces, I couldn’t help but look for the little ones who might have a hard time letting go.
A Grade 1 student caught my eye — shiny unicorn backpack, new light-up runners, braids bouncing, a few missing teeth, and likely a head and heart full of beautiful summer memories. When the bell rang, she strode towards her classroom without so much as a backward glance at her mom. I knew this child had a lot on her plate — a new family arrangement, nerves about which teacher she would have, hopes that her friends would be nearby. On the inside, she was likely a bundle of nerves. On the outside, she looked confident, connected, and ready to take on whatever this new year would bring.
Just as she reached the classroom door, she noticed another student still clinging to her mom, tears running down her cheeks. Without hesitation, our brave little leader turned back, took the other child’s hand, and gently asked if she wanted to walk into class together. Off they went, crossing that bridge hand in hand.
What stayed with me that morning was not just the courage this child summoned to take her own first steps into a new year, but the compassion she showed in turning back to walk with a friend who needed help to take theirs. She reminded me that courage and compassion are not separate traits — they are partners.
We face these moments every day as educational leaders. Sometimes courage means making the tough call — reallocating staff, addressing conflict, or standing firm on a difficult decision. But compassion asks us to remember the humanity in those moments: to listen, to communicate with genuine empathy, and to walk alongside those most affected. Courage without compassion can feel rigid. Compassion without courage can leave decisions undone. Walking hand in hand, courage and compassion are fierce friends.
This September, as you step deeper into the school year, you will face your own bridges. Some will require courage to move forward decisively. Others will call you back to walk beside someone who isn’t ready to cross alone. Both are leadership. Both matter.
As Principals and Vice-Principals, your staff, students, and communities are watching — not to see if you avoid the hard things, but to see how you carry yourself when you face them. When they see courage, they learn that challenges can be met head-on. When they see compassion, they learn that, even in difficulty, they are not alone.
The heart of leadership is this balance. Be brave enough to step out, and caring enough to reach back. Thank you for leading with both your head and your heart this September. It makes all the difference.