Few day ago, ES admin went to each grade level and got feedback from them to see how we can support them more and to find out what they need. We agreed to only listen and not to comment. We listened and wrote down what they said. Just like all schools, it’s a busy time of year so we felt staff morale was not high in energy. We wanted to see why and what we could do as admin to help them.
So we went to each meeting and my principal gave an intro and then let them speak. We didn’t want to take much of their time and aimed for 15 minutes but all teams took nearly 40 minutes. Which we felt bad for taking up their time but felt this was important and didn’t want to rush them. We had no problem with this as long as they were being honest and spoke comfortably. We reassured our staff that everything that was being said in these meetings would stay within the meeting room. Confidentially was our number 1 policy.
The minute my principal finished his introduction they began speaking. I must say it was very hard to stay quiet while they were speaking. There were so many things I wanted to say and share but didn’t and couldn’t and instead I wrote and wrote. It was difficult but I loved the experience and I was pleased we were able to do that with our staff. Giving them that freedom to speak, vent and share meant a lot and many of them thanked us for giving them that opportunity.
We are also going to speak to our specialist teams and take their feedback. I can say with the feedback we have received, that there are only a few things that Admin can change within our division. The rest needs to go higher and we will definitely advocate for them as much as we can. As an ES admin our teachers well-being, safety and health are most important to us than anything else. I believe that when the teacher is happy and relaxed they do wonderful teaching for our students and then the parents are happy.
