Some of the hardest conversations in schools involve substance use, stigma, and family complexity.

In this episode our returning guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Nathan and Emily explore how educators can approach these moments with empathy, clarity, and care.

We discuss why punitive responses often deepen harm rather than reduce risk.

Through powerful real-life stories, the conversation highlights the life-changing impact of connection and trust.

This episode dives into the importance of restorative, relationship-based responses to substance use in schools and we explore why knowing a student’s name, checking in daily, and staying connected can change life trajectories.

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

#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools

In today’s polarized world, even routine school conversations can feel emotionally charged.

Our returning guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. We explore how educators can navigate difficult conversations with parents, colleagues, and students with a particular focus on substance use conversations.

We unpack why listening to understand—not to respond—matters more than ever.

The conversation highlights the power of strengths-based thinking, shared goals, and trust-centered leadership. Substance use education isn’t really about substances—it’s about connection, belonging, and trust. Teachers and principals can approach substance use conversations in developmentally appropriate and compassionate ways.

The discussion highlights resilience, agency, and the critical role caring adults play in prevention.

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

#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools

How do you teach someone to stay calm when a parent walks in angry? Our guest this episode is Dr. Wayne Davies, Instructor, Director of Student Teaching, Faculty of education at the University of Winnipeg. Wayne believes you don’t tell—you show. He explains why mentorship must be experiential: watching, trying, and debriefing together. He shares moving stories of humility, humour, and hard-won wisdom from decades of principalship.Great principals aren’t born—they’re mentored. Wayne Davies shares how riding alongside seasoned leaders taught him the nuances of trust, timing, and emotional intelligence. His take on mentorship moves beyond checklists to real human connection—relationships that let leaders take risks, reflect, and grow. In a time when many new administrators feel isolated, his message lands deeply: leadership is learned in community.

Mentor's Guidebook: Unleashing Your Potential to Inspire and Retain New Teachers https://a.co/d/5RSIx12

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

#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether#conflictresolution