President’s Perspective - October 9

If you want a Principal to talk enthusiastically, ask them about their school. If you want to make the conversation a little more awkward, ask them to talk about their own contribution to its success. We can happily fill an afternoon celebrating our students and staff. Accepting a compliment ourselves can take a little more practice. I suspect I am not alone in this!

I recently spoke with the Vancouver Elementary School Principals and Vice-Principals Association (VEPVA) and was graciously invited to visit Lord Kitchener Elementary School and Dr. George Weir Elementary. It is worth noting that Google Maps was very keen to send me all the way to Burnaby to visit their own Kitchener Elementary, but I was able to find my prompt error before travelling too far down the wrong road. Both Margie Trovao at Lord Kitchener and Julia Clark at Weir are in their second year at their schools, and are now settled into the community and leading with vision. The visits were a reminder of how busy things can get, and how great our leaders are at keeping a clear head while making decisions aligned with their goals.

BCPVPA Principal Sid Jawanda with Lord Kitchener
Elementary Principal Margie Trovao

BCPVPA Principal Sid Jawanda with Dr. George Weir
Elementary Principal Julia Clarke.

October is National Principals' Month.

In all my interactions with Principals and Vice Principals, they are quick to acknowledge the partnerships and relationships within their school communities, to credit any success or strengths to these other groups. The contributions of students, staff, and families deserve celebration. So does the contribution of the Principal. As building and community leaders, we are so diligent in recognizing the work of others and act with such humility that we downplay our role in the equation or leave ourselves out of the story all together. Principals and Vice-Principals are integral to the success of any school or school program.

October gives us a reason to say that out loud.

I understand the hesitation. Leading with humility is a tremendous character trait. There is always another concern to address, another conversation to have, or another item waiting on the list. Sometimes we are reluctant to celebrate the accomplishments of the day because so much remains unfinished when you finally leave for home. Yet an unfinished list does not mean an unsuccessful day. If it did, I am not sure any of us would qualify for a successful one!

Consider the work that might never appear in a newsletter: preparing carefully for a difficult conversation, following up when a family needs support, helping a colleague work through a problem, or making a decision that gives a student a better opportunity to learn. These are examples of the judgement and care our members bring to their roles, and actions that should be recognized, even when we describe them as simply doing our job.

This month, I invite you to make that recognition specific. Tell your colleagues what you appreciate about their leadership and why it matters. A few thoughtful sentences can mean a great deal. And when someone offers that appreciation to you, try accepting it before explaining how everyone else deserves the credit. A simple “thank you” will do. You can still celebrate your team in the next sentence.

I would also encourage you to anchor one contribution of your own that you feel good about. Perhaps you helped a relationship move forward, made space for a student’s voice, or stayed patient through a challenging conversation. Allow yourself to acknowledge the skill and effort that required.

As I continue visiting schools, I look forward to hearing more about the communities you lead and the work you are proud of. Do reach out to Sharon or me for Chapter and school visits.

This is also Thanksgiving weekend, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to represent BC Principals and Vice-Principals.

Sid Jawanda
President, BCPVPA

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