How do you lead a school where office referrals are piling up—and it feels like all you do is suspend students? In this episode , Part 1 of 2, with co-host, Steve Young ,he shares the exact aha moment that led him to adopt restorative practices. With data showing an 80% drop in office referrals and teachers learning to ask better questions, this episode explores how small shifts lead to cultural transformation. Steve recounts how early experiments with RP turned into school-wide practice. Over three years, student suspensions dropped, staff confidence grew, and discipline became something teachers owned again. What made the difference? Modeling, data, and asking the right questions—not mandates. We also dive into how RP becomes a natural part of your leadership style—and how to bring reluctant staff along for the ride. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,

Do your staff feel seen, heard, and professionally valued—or just evaluated? In Part 2 of this conversation, Craig Randall of Trust-Based Observations challenges school leaders to reimagine how trust is built—not by intention, but through dozens of consistent, small behaviours. From sitting beside teachers to asking permission to offer a suggestion, these shifts create space for true reflection. When trust grows, so does teaching and learning. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#prevention,#selfawareness, #strengthsbased, #selfmanagement,#trustbasedobservations,#teacherobservations

What happens when school leaders stop evaluating and start listening?Our guest this episode is Craig Randall of Trust-Based Observations. Craig unpacks how a simple shift—asking the right questions—can change everything about teacher observations. Principals and vice-principals will appreciate the real stories of growth, relational trust, and student achievement. Craig explains how his model moved one school from fear to collaboration—raising achievement by over 12%. He shares how trust-based observations transform teacher morale and professional growth. Instead of ratings and judgment, Craig invites teachers to reflect and lead their own improvement.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,,#leadership,#restorative practice,#listening,#relationshipbuilding,#connection,#sustainability,#distributedleadership,#prevention,#selfawareness, #strengthsbased, #selfmanagement,#trustbasedobservations,#teacherobservations