Leadership Talks

Professional Learning
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This podcast engages school leaders across Ontario in authentic conversations about their passion and expertise within K-12 education. We hope listeners will gain practical insights and strategies from each other to enhance learning and strengthen their school communities. Most importantly, this podcast will highlight excellence in practice and the joy of school leadership! HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Advisor, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning, Ontario Principals’ Council

  1. Jun 24

    S2 EP15 - Bold Leadership in Uncertain Times: 2SLGBTQI Inclusion

    Description: As equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts face mounting resistance, how are you uniquely positioned to lead with boldness, care, and clarity? This session invites listeners into a collaborative space to explore how they can apply the three foundational components of courageous leadership in their work, regardless of sector or personal identity. Courage to Act: Courageous leaders step up when it matters most – they don’t wait for the perfect conditions. They step forward even when it’s unpopular, uncertain, or uncomfortable, especially when protecting or uplifting equity deserving voices. We will reflect on gaps in confidence when leading and provide tools to respond with a values-based approach. Vision with Purpose: Bold leaders think beyond quick fixes or crisis management. They are proactive, intentional, and dismantle systems that reinforce harm or exclusion. Their values and mission aren’t just stated - they’re lived - even under pressure. Through this session, we will explore effective communication strategies and how to engage different audiences. Accountability and Humility: Leaders own their impact, including when they get it wrong. Courageous leadership includes the willingness to learn, grow, and repair when necessary. Drawing on Egale Canada’s resources and trainings, this session will review practices for building accountable spaces where learning is possible. OUR GUEST Mackenzie Colton, Director of Learning, Egale CanadaHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilLindsay Diakiw - Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals' CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSeason 2 Episode 15 Transcript

  2. May 6

    S2 EP14 - The Power of Distributed Leadership and Fostering Team Culture

    Description: In this episode of Leadership Talks, Julia Hayes, a principal in the Grand Erie District School Board, reflects on the power of distributed leadership and its role in building a strong, people‑centred school culture. Drawing on her first year as a principal in a new board, Julia shares key lessons about shifting away from “leading alone” toward creating conditions where leadership is shared, valued, and nurtured across the school community. Julia explores how meaningful change happens when staff and students alike are empowered to contribute in authentic ways. She discusses elevating student voice, involving support staff in decision‑making, and intentionally creating everyday moments of trust, connection, and collaboration. Through practical examples, she illustrates how shared leadership deepens relationships, builds morale, and strengthens a school’s collective sense of ownership. This conversation will resonate with principals navigating the increasing complexity of today’s work, offering both reassurance and practical strategies for fostering a culture where everyone leads, together. OUR GUEST Julia Hayes, GEDSBHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilLindsay Diakiw - Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals' CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSeason 2 Episode 14 Transcript

  3. Apr 22

    S2 EP13 - The Power of Belonging When Leading a Unique Population

    The Leadership Talks Podcast features Amy Crummer, based as a Principal with Avon Maitland District School Board. Description: When we talk about serving equity-serving or unique populations in a public system - it's not just about doing the work but rather its about doing it intentionally and thoughtfully. A big part of this is listening, being humble, ensuring  safety and a sense of belonging to the people we serve. The individuals who live these experience every day know what works and what doesn't. We need to include their voices in the decisions, and steps of change along the way. That's where the engagement, trust and true impact begin. We must also look honestly at the systems that keep inequities in place, and think about the barriers that exist, how do we challenge, change and overcome them? That means rethinking the status quo, shifting resources, and asking ourselves, who benefits from the way things are now? We also need to hold ourselves accountable, measure our impact, and to be honest about what's working and what isn't. Vulnerability is a gift - when you can create sense of belonging and trust with others who are from a different community than you - positive and united change can happen! OUR GUEST Amy Crummer, AMDSBHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilLindsay Diakiw - Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals' CouncilSeason 2 Episode 13 Transcript

  4. Apr 8

    S2 EP12 - Bring a Critical Friend on Your Leadership Journey 

    The Leadership Talks Podcast features Gillian Kajganich, based as a Principal at West Ferris Secondary School in Northy Bay with NNDSB, and also welcomes Krista Tucker Petrick who is a Principal at Chippewa Secondary School in North Bay with NNDSB. "Friends don't let friends be a principal alone." Over the course of a 15-year interwoven journey in education, we have cultivated a critical friendship-- one that emphasizes “critical” when necessary and “friendship” when it matters most. Leadership in education can often feel isolating and deeply lonely, making it essential to build a strong, supportive network.    We propose taking this idea further to developing critical, trusting relationships with colleagues that foster both professional and personal growth. These relationships serve as a vital support system. As we strive to grow as leaders, vulnerability and trust become essential. A deep friendship offers the kind of honest feedback that others may hesitate to share and that we may not always want to hear.    When faced with complex situations, a critical friend can help navigate the path forward by weighing pros and cons objectively, without a personal stake. In this podcast, we’ll explore the importance of being and having a critical friend. We’ll share examples from our own experiences, reflect on how we support each other, and of course, include a few funny stories along the way.  OUR GUEST Gillian Kajganich, NNDSBKrista Tucker Petrick, NNDSBHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSeason 2 Episode 12 Transcript

  5. Mar 23

    S2 EP11 - Equity & Anti-Racism Leadership: Moving Theory into Practice. A Critical Discussion on Race and Education

    The Leadership Talks Podcast welcomes Nicole Aloise, based in the Toronto District School Board. This session explores targeted interventions of a Scarborough high school that supports the learning and excellence of Black students, centered around anti-oppression and anti-racism. Learning how a whole school journey with a focus on a critical discourse on the impact of race in education, increased the development of a progressive teaching & learning culture, based on critical reflection and anti-racist discourse. Through leadership capacity building school, school staff fuse theory into practice through a PLC model that entails staff engaging in critically conscious pedagogy that focuses on the impact of race, identity and education. Using CRRP as the foundation, staff challenge /critique dominant cultural norms and narratives that uphold the status quo collective vigilance which purposely sustains the traditional educational trajectories of black and racialized students in public education.   This longitudinal PLC model has increased staff awareness and understanding of the impact of power imbalances, centering of whiteness , power and privilege, systemic and institutional racism, and the effects on the education system, their individual practice and student outcomes. For more information about Leadership and PLC Learning resources, please contact Nicole Aloise  via email at nicole.aloise@tdsb.on.ca.  OUR GUEST Nicole Aloise, TDSBHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSeason 2 Episode 11 Transcript

  6. Mar 4

    S2 EP10 - Creating Collaborative Learning Communities Through Lesson Study

    The Leadership Talks Podcast welcomes France Thibault, former Superintendent with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, for a conversation where she shares her experience leading teachers through the experience of the "Lesson Study". France found the strategies transformative for her professional practice, for the teachers' cross- and interdepartmental  collaboration, for the development of profoundly creative differentiated instruction to reach all students, and to build a learning community which embraced critical thinking among both the students and the teachers. France also mentions her experience with Cooperative Learning and the weekly meetings of small groups of schools where Principals were able to deepen their understanding of their role and share their experience and knowledge. The parallels were obvious, and this work was received enthusiastically throughout her tenure. Additional Resources:  John Hattie's Visible Learning: the Sequel: A synthesis of over 2,100 Meta-Analyses relating to AchievementP14: Lucy West P16: Lucy West - QuestioningP28 Lucy West - Culture of Classroom Discourse Leading Lesson Study: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Facilitators by Jennifer Stepanuk et alOUR GUEST France Thibault, OCDSBHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSeason 2 Episode 10 Transcript

  7. Feb 18

    S2 EP09 - Challenges and Rewards of Earning a Doctorate While Leading Schools

    The Leadership Talks Podcast has highlighted a variety of stories and perspectives so far brought forward by colleagues involved in different aspects of the education ecosystem. We are pleased to be able to offer a conversation with Dr. Emily Caruso Parnell, who pursued doctoral-level studies while working as a school administrator with the Rainbow District School Board and has since transitioned to teaching full-time at Laurentian University. While Emily originally thought she was presenting the topic of doctoral studies as an idea for someone else to discuss, she nonetheless has joined us to share  some practical information regarding time management, the logistics of the dissertation process, and the process of choosing a supervisor as well as some commentary on personal challenges and valuable learning experiences.  OUR GUEST Emily Caruso, RDSBHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSeason 2 Episode 09 Transcript

  8. Jan 28

    S2 EP08 - Leveraging Community Connections

    In this episode of Leadership Talks, we are pleased to welcome Lesley Kennedy from the Peel District School Board. As an administrator, Lesley has consistently found meaningful ways to ensure school and community remain deeply connected in every school she has served. In a time of shifting educational landscapes and shrinking budgets, community partnerships have become more essential—and often more accessible—than school leaders might expect. Local restaurants, small businesses, service clubs such as Lions and Optimists, and even large corporations like McDonald's, Tim Hortons and Amazon are increasingly eager to support schools.  These partnerships can offer financial help, in‑kind donations, and volunteer opportunities that enrich learning and strengthen school communities. By tapping into this network, administrators can stretch limited budgets, enrich educational experiences, and build stronger ties between schools and the broader community, ultimately benefiting the students they serve. Just as important as receiving support is giving back. Community engagement is not one‑sided; it is built on reciprocity. Walking with students, staff, and families to understand the value of service, whether through food drives, environmental projects, hikes or acts of kindness, helps shape caring community members and future citizens. When students learn to contribute, they gain empathy, responsibility, and a deeper sense of belonging. By fostering partnerships that both support schools and encourage students to serve, leaders can create relationships that are meaningful, sustainable, and transformative for everyone involved. OUR GUEST Lesley Kennedy, Peel DSBHOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSeason 2 Episode 08 Transcript

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About

This podcast engages school leaders across Ontario in authentic conversations about their passion and expertise within K-12 education. We hope listeners will gain practical insights and strategies from each other to enhance learning and strengthen their school communities. Most importantly, this podcast will highlight excellence in practice and the joy of school leadership! HOSTS Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Advisor, Ontario Principals’ CouncilSusie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning, Ontario Principals’ Council

Information

  • Creator
    Professional Learning
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ontario Principals Council
  • Show Website
    Leadership Talks