Fostering Effective Relationships

Alberta’s Principal Quality Standards outline that an effective principal “builds trust and fosters positive working relationships, on the basis of appropriate values and ethical foundations, within the school community — students, teachers and other staff, parents, school council and others who have an interest in the school.” 

Descriptors
  1. Acts with fairness, dignity and integrity
  2. Demonstrates a sensitivity and genuine caring for others and cultivates a climate of mutual respect
  3. Promotes an enclosed school culture respecting and honoring diversity
  4. Demonstrates responsibility for all students and acts in their best interests
  5. Models and promotes open, inclusive dialogue
  6. Uses effective communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills
  7. Supports processes for improving relationships and dealing with conflict within the school community
  8. Adheres to professional documents of conduct

What others have to say:
  • "Vicky is amazing, she has come into my class and support me in incorporating the Daily 5 structure into my first grade classroom. She was patient and energetic through out the process allowing me time to absorb and work with my new learning."
  • "I appreciate your gentle, very generous, and open spirit."
  • "Vicky's classroom is amazing and her teaching is incredibly inspiring. Her positive attitude and spirit are a great attribute to this staff!"
  • You have a wonderful way of making a difference in the lives of our students."
  • "People matter to Vicky. Her genuine interest in others builds relationships which foster sharing, productivity, empathy and humor. Once established, she makes a point of maintaining the connections she has formed with others."
  • "Vicky is easy to approach for help of any kind. She willingly shares her knowledge in a kind and supportive way."
  • "Vicky is warm and empathetic to both staff and students."



I continue to develop Effective Relationships by making other people feel valued and appreciated. 
  • It is important for me to work on myself so that I can be the best for others. I do this through working with the  7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This practice allows me to reflect on both the private and  public victories.
  • Build Trust by getting to know staff, students and families on a personal level: Taking time each day to talk to students and parent in the hallway, greeting them at the front door upon arrival, walking the hallways to greet teachers and stopping in rooms to say good morning. All of these allow me to have time to listen to the fantastic people who make up our school community. These informal conversations allow me the chance to listen to seek understanding. Listening is the most important skill in building trust. People need to feel heard and feel valued. Having had the opportunity to be trained in 7 Habits and Cognitive Coaching these skill help me to continue to master the skills in fostering relationships
  • Examples of these informal conversations are: 
    • Check in with teachers in there classrooms in the morning, making myself available to asking question or seeking clarity.
    • Morning leadership (positive) phone calls home
    • Supervision inside or out - provides time for conversations with kids
    • Greeting parents and students in the morning and saying good my at the end of the day.
    • Classroom walk throughs and conversations with students about their learning
    • Participating in school wide events
    • Leading the Main Event at assemblies
    • Attending community events like parades, Canada Day, street dances, dance recitals, swimming at the local pool.
    • Using social media to celebrate the greatness that is happening in our school. 
    • Host and attend staff functions
    • Celebrate accomplishments
    • Connect with the world around us to model communication, friendship skills, empathy and growing beyond the community. 
    • I answer communication in a timely manner​