Contacts
Info
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...
show more
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
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HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Advisor, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning, Ontario Principals’ Council
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
14 JAN 2026 · In school and system leadership it is critically important to understand the leadership and learning profiles of our team and what strengths they bring to the table. For this episode of Leadership Talks, Michael Blackburn joins us from Limestone District School Board, to discuss how through a strengths-based leadership approach we can maximize the potential of our school teams and foster a culture of collaboration, trust and risk-taking. The podcast will highlight his personal leadership journey in understanding himself and how to support a team to understand each other and the gifts and strengths they bring to their work.
Michael currently has the role of Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services - ITS and Continuing Education. He is open to new connections and invites school leaders to reach out by emailing him at mailto:blackburnm@limestone.on.ca.
OUR GUEST
- Michael Blackburn, Limestone DSB
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
Season 2 Episode 07 Transcript
10 DEC 2025 · In this episode of Leadership Talks, Aamer Zuberi, an elementary principal with the Peel District School Board, explores the power of building meaningful connections with local communities. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a reciprocal relationship where school leaders actively listen to community voices and collaborate with an engaged school council. Through this approach, schools can share their vision more effectively and create inclusive opportunities for community members to participate in shaping school leadership.
OUR GUEST
- Aamer Zuber, Peel DSB
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
Season 2 Episode 06 Transcript
26 NOV 2025 · For this episode, Nina Jaiswal, a former superintendent with the Peel District School Board, consultant, coach and facilitator, joins Leadership Talks to share some of her experiences and insights gained during projects she has been involved in while delivering professional learning to educational leaders in international spaces. Working with a senior team at a district in Sweden on executive leadership skills, provided an opportunity for her to learn the strategies they use to elevate student wellness. This cross-pollination and sharing happens in a bi-lateral manner. Ontario school leaders can build capacity in managing relationships with staff who have come from other countries by recognising cultural differences and expectations.
Nina continues to build partnerships with Ontario school boards and works with international groups to support educational leaders from countries i.e. Korea, Peru and the UAE on their learning journeys. To meet the needs of groups accessing her expertise as a consultant, she draws on all the skills she developed during her career to support the next generation of administrators.
To learn more about what OPC offers, visit the Global Learning Opportunities portal.
OUR GUEST
- Nina Jaiswal, retired Peel DSB
- Connect with Nina through -
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-jaiswal-301b9027/
- Email - njaiswal26@gmail.com
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Leadership-Talks-Podcast-Transcripts/Leadership-Talks-EP-2.5_Embracing%20Global%20Perspectives.pdf
12 NOV 2025 · Sara D’Angelo shares her passion for social justice, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed practice in education. She talks about how she models leading from the heart with a focus on building relational trust and offering voice and choice. The intentional use of the school improvement process viewed as a multi-year plan produced results for a school community to arrive at an environment reflective of the 3Cs –
- collective care,
- collective commitment and
- collective choice of courage to be the change.
Thank you for engaging with this podcast conversation. We hope it helps deepen understanding on how to create the conditions for Black, Indigenous, mis-served students' successes in a contemporary, trauma-informed school setting. Sara continues to learn and shares best practices to equip school leaders with suggested multi-tented, trauma-sensitive model / frameworks for schooling in today's complex school system.
Sara invites colleagues who have questions or would like further support to reach out to Rosaria.D'Angelo@tdsb.on.ca.
OUR GUEST
- Sara D'Angelo, Toronto DSB
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
Season 2 Episode 04 Transcript
29 OCT 2025 · In today’s classrooms, educators shape not only academic outcomes but also the emotional and psychological safety of their students—especially those students who have experienced trauma. Dr. Jackie Eldridge, formerly of York Catholic District School Board, joins us on Leadership Talks, to share her personal trauma story, where school became a refuge. This talk will explore the critical role teachers and administrators play in creating trauma-informed environments that transform both student success and school culture.
Trauma isn’t just an event—it’s the emotional and physiological response to an experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. For students, trauma can arise from abuse, neglect, racism, poverty, or violence. When unaddressed, it may appear as defiance, withdrawal, anxiety or inattention—not as a lack of desire to learn but as a nervous system in survival mode.
Trauma-informed practice is a mindset—a shift from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and eventually, “What’s strong in you?” It’s about recognizing signs of trauma, responding with empathy, and avoiding harm through punitive systems.
Administrators must model emotional intelligence, foster psychological safety, and embed trauma-informed values into every layer of school life. Teachers, on the frontlines, build safe, responsive classrooms and protect their own well-being too.
Ultimately, trauma-informed practice isn’t a program—it’s a paradigm. The most powerful tool in any school is the adult who chooses to see, hear, and believe in every child.
Let’s explore together practical strategies, tactics and skills that can be immediately applicable in classrooms.
OUR GUEST
- Dr. Jackie Eldridge, formerly York Catholic DSB
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
Season 2 Episode 03 Transcript
15 OCT 2025 · Joining us for this episode of Leadership Talks is Sheena Yap Chan, bestselling author of The Tao of Self Confidence and Bridging the Confidence Gap with Wiley, and a renowned speaker on leadership and empowerment. Sheena shares how confidence-building strategies can transform leadership potential, especially for women in education. This conversation explores the unique challenges women face in leadership, actionable steps to build self-belief, and how cultivating authenticity can inspire and empower teams.
Drawing on her books and lived experience, Sheena will share practical advice for school principals and leaders on fostering inclusive environments where diverse voices are celebrated. From navigating cultural expectations to bridging gaps in confidence that hold women back from leadership opportunities, Sheena offers both inspiration and actionable tools. Listeners will walk away with strategies to strengthen their leadership presence, uplift others, and create schools rooted in equity, authenticity and visibility.
OUR GUEST
To find out more or connect with Sheena, visit
- LinkedIN - https://linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan
- all other links - https://sheenayapchan.com/links
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
Season 2 Episode 02 Transcript
1 OCT 2025 · This episode takes us global!
We welcome Lisa Piquette, OPC International Learning Lead, and Ana Mena, principal with the Trillium Lakelands DSB, in a conversation about OPC’s International Exchanges which is a job shadowing experience that immerses administrators in a personal and professional learning journey as they spend time learning with school leaders in other countries, shadowing them in their daily work, living in their homes, and experiencing life as they do. In this session you will hear what participants have to say about their experiences, the impact on their professional practice and advice to anyone considering participating in an international exchange.
Further information about registration, the current roster of participating countries and deadlines can be found on the webpage for https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/international-exchanges.aspx.
OUR GUESTS
- Ana Mena, Trillium Lakelands DSB
- Lisa Piquette, OPC International Learning Lead
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Leadership-Talks-Podcast-Transcripts/Leadership-Talks-EP-2.1_-OPC-International-Exchanges.pdf
23 OCT 2024 · This podcast is dedicated to empowering Principals to prioritize their well-being while navigating the challenges of educational leadership.
Vinita Mongia, a recently retired Principal and now a Leadership Consultant for School Leaders, introduces her transformative “CALM” Resilience through Self-Care Framework, designed specifically for Principals. Vinita shares actionable self-care strategies, that not only enhance leadership effectiveness, but also reduce stress. Her insights will inspire you to invest in your personal leadership journey, fostering greater CALM, CONFIDENCE, and clarity in your role. Unlock the power of well-being in your leadership—tune in now to transform your success from within, feel inspired, and reignite your “CALMfident” leadership journey.
Join Vinita on January 29, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. EST for a webinar where she shares more specific examples of how to apply the CALM framework to school leadership. Vinita will also share her journey and encouragement for school leaders to engage in personalized leadership development. To register and attend this FREE informative webinar, visit https://lu.ma/20eleojr.
RESOURCES:
- https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Documents/CALMfident-podcast/CALMfident-Leadership-Overview-0924.pdf
- https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Documents/CALMfident-podcast/CALM-Resilience-Through-Self-Care-Framework-.pdf
- https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Documents/CALMfident-podcast/CALM-Placemat-6.pdf
OUR GUEST
- Vinita Mongia, Peel District School Board
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinita-mongia-m-ed-bsc-psych-oct-7b629b252
- Website - http://www.vinitamongia.com/
- Email - https://gmail.com
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Leadership-Talks-Podcast-Transcripts/Leadership-Talks_EP-24---CALMfident-Leadership_-Nurturing-principal-well-being.pdf
2 OCT 2024 · Joining us for this episode is Nicole Andrée Vernon, who shares with us how she explored the ways in which Equity might support the success of our Mathematics classrooms and at the institutionalized level.
Teaching Equity and Mathematics (T.E.A.M.) Leadership is a mathematical leadership initiative that she developed in 2022 to monitor instruction, guide student learning, and build on school mathematical education improvement processes. T.E.A.M Leadership ensured that students were centered, reflected and affirmed within their classrooms and schools.
The primary goals of T.E.A.M. were to consider our mathematical classrooms, institutional & system issues from an Equity, Diversity and Inclusive lens, as it relates to:
- Access
- Achievement
- Identity
- Power within our mathematical classrooms.
As a lead learner, Nicole focused on teaching practices that included opportunities for students to engage in active learning, and to probe, analyze and evaluate The Silenced Dialogue - the voices of those who have been marginalized because of race, gender, socioeconomic class, dominant language & ethnicity. Nicole continues to ensure that one’s teaching is within the context of ‘a system vision of excellence in education,’ and continues to co-construct shared reflections and encourage critical, courageous dialogue in collaboration with a network of courageous critical friends about the impacts of structures, power relations and mathematical inequalities.
OUR GUEST
- Nicole Andrée Vernon - Durham District School Board
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Leadership-Talks-Podcast-Transcripts/Leadership-Talks_-EP-23---Equity-and-Mathematics.pdf
16 SEP 2024 · Josh Windsor joins us in conversation with Dr. Alison Yeung to share how they have worked together to educate parents regarding the use of cell phones and the impact of social media on teen mental health. Josh has implemented some school wide flexible policies to support student learning and assist students to self regulate with regards to their use of social media during learning time.
OUR GUESTS
- Alison Yeung, MD Family Medicine
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmartphoneeffectmd?igsh=M3FrajZqOTg4enAy
- Josh Windsor - Waterloo Region District School Board
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council
https://www.principals.ca/en/professional-learning/resources/Leadership-Talks-Podcast-Transcripts/Leadership-Talks_-EP-22---Cell-Phone-Use-in-Schools.pdf
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...
show more
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
show less
HOSTS
- Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Advisor, Ontario Principals’ Council
- Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning, Ontario Principals’ Council
Information
| Author | Professional Learning |
| Organization | Ontario Principals' Council (OPC) |
| Categories | Education , Mental Health |
| Website | - |
| stephen@voiced.ca |
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