There is something for all staff in Grand Erie’s Leadership Programs
Learn and grow personally and professionally
- Assess your own skills and potential
- Learn about yourself
- Learn about System opportunities
So You Want to Get Involved? Here’s how…
Check out the information in this site to see if there is a program that interests you. Registration information will be outlined with each program description.
Information and updates will be available on First Class and eCentre.
If you require more information, contact Patti McCleister, Training and Development Officer, 519-756-6306 ext. 281152.
All of us within Grand Erie District School Board are leaders.
Enhancing everyone’s leadership potential is critical to building capacity within our system. Each Grand Erie Leadership Program is built on the five leadership competencies in the Ontario Leadership Framework.
By strengthening our professional culture, aligning our leadership program with the new multi-year plan, and learning with and from each other, we can raise the level of engagement within Grand Erie, create a positive environment for everyone to work and learn, and improve the achievement outcomes of our students. Our leaders tell the story of who we are, what we believe in, and the difference we make for the students, parents and community we serve.
Are you a Developing Leader, an Aspiring Leader, a New Administrative Leader or an Experienced Leader? It’s time to discover the leader in you! Find yourself in one of the categories and use them as a guide to develop your individual leadership plan.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SERIES
An introduction to leadership through the Multi-Year Plan for all staff interested in exploring their leadership potential.
Register on eCentre early to secure your spot!
- ENVIRONMENT: Mental Health - Sarah Cannon, Executive Director, Parents for Children’s Mental Health, October 11, 1- 4 p.m. Register on eCentre #9677
- ENGAGEMENT: Bridges out of Poverty - Gayle Montgomery, Certified Bridges Trainer, May 9, 1-4 p.m. Register on eCentre #9678
Participation in the above workshops requires approval from your supervisor prior to registering on eCentre. Attendance is expected for the full afternoon, 1 – 4 p.m.
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DEVELOPING LEADERS
Who are developing leaders? Any employee in any position can gain skills by participating in the Developing Leader Program.
What is the Developing Leader Program? A variety of workshops and courses for staff to choose from that will assist them in developing personal and professional leadership skills.
How do you get started? Registration information will come through First Class and registration will be on eCentre. Discuss your plan with your supervisor so you receive the support you need to participate in programs of your choice.
Developing Leader Programs to Consider:
- Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - develop skills for self-awareness and building relationships. This 3-session program enhances personal and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants complete a pre-program on-line assessment. Sessions: January 23, February 6 and 20. Registration will be available on eCentre.
- Covey Maximizer: This one-day refresher is for those who have completed the Covey 7 Habits. Learn to integrate the 7 Habits at work. April 17. Registration will be available on eCentre.
- Equity Speaker Series - attend interesting workshops related to diversity issues. See topics and dates listed under Equity below.
- Teachers As Leaders – year-long program for experienced teachers to engage in project-based learning - open to teachers with a minimum of three years’ experience.
- Information will be sent by email. Registration will be available on eCentre.
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ASPIRING LEADERS
Staff continuing on their leadership pathway 
ASPIRING INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS
Who are Aspiring Instructional Leaders? Staff ready to make a real commitment to leadership to develop expertise in the key leadership competencies and wish to explore promotion opportunities in their career. For example: Teachers with a minimum of 5 years’ experience looking towards a system position or school administration.
What is the Aspiring Leader Program? Listed below are programs for you to build your skills and develop your individual leadership plan.
How do you get started? Once you receive approval from your administrator or supervisor, forward your name to Patti McCleister. You will be contacted and invited to attend Aspiring Leader Programs. Once registered you will be assigned to teams led by Mentor Coaches. Split of release and personal time. Portfolio and Mentorship component.
Programs to Consider:
- Leadership Development Series (see above)
- Aspiring Instructional Leader Program: 4 sessions:
- What is Leadership in GEDSB: Foundational Thinking: October 26, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Environment: Creating a Safe School Environment: November 28, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Achievement: School Effectiveness Framework: Date TBA
- Engagement: Relationship Building…How Do You Build a School Community: Date TBA
- PQP Part 1 and 2 - requirements for school administration. Info: www.principals.on.ca
- Equity Speaker Series - attend interesting workshops related to diversity issues. See topics and dates listed below.
- Teachers As Leaders – year-long program for experienced teachers to engage in project-based learning - open to teachers with a minimum of three years’ experience. Information will be sent by email. Registration will be available on eCentre.
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ASPIRING OPERATIONS LEADERS
Non-teaching staff who are interested in improving their knowledge and leadership skills
Mission: To engage Operations Staff in relevant opportunities for leadership development.
Goals/Purpose:
- Engage everyone (accessible and inclusive)
- Develop teamwork
- Align programs and goals with the Multi-year Plan
- Enhance communication and collaboration
- Raise awareness of leadership goals
Who are operational staff? Non-academic staff from all Grand Erie departments: Facilities Services, Clerical, Technical, GEMST, EA’s, CDA’s, FT’s, Student Support Services. Limited funds are available for release. Must have permission from your supervisor.
Operations Leader Programs to Consider:
- Creative and Critical Thinking Skills for Applied Creativity – Min Basadur: December 13. Registration will be available on eCentre.
- Developing Teams - TBA
- Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - develop skills for self-awareness and building relationships. This 3-session program enhances personal and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants complete a pre-program on-line assessment. Sessions: January 23, February 6 and 20. Registration will be available on eCentre.
- Covey Maximizer: This one-day refresher is for those who have completed the Covey 7 Habits. Learn to integrate the 7 Habits at work. April 17. Registration will be available on eCentre.
- Equity Speaker Series - attend interesting workshops related to diversity issues. See topics and dates listed under Equity below.
- Leadership Development Series (see above)
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Grand Erie Management Support Team (GEMST)
“Making Schools Better for Kids”
GEMST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Greens at Renton
May 3, 2013, 12:30 - 3:30 followed by an opportunity to mix and mingle and meet the many new GEMST staff
“Sink r’ Swim”: Entrepreneurial simulation to overcome real workplace challenges with Andrew Reid of Big Fish Interactive.
Key Learning: high energy, negotiations, innovation, high performance, celebrating talent, selling ideas, leadership, team building, collaboration, rapid growth within a thriving community.
All GEMST Staff are encouraged to attend the Sink r’ Swim workshop on May 3. This workshop has been chosen with you in mind.
In order to ensure that each GEMST staff has the opportunity to attend at least one PD workshop within the school year, a number of other leadership development programs are available for GEMST Staff. Discuss your PD plan with your supervisor so you receive the support you need to participate in programs of your choice.
Other Programs Available to GEMST Staff:
- Operations Leadership Workshops
- Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Covey Maximizer
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Developing Leadership Series
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NEW ADMINISTRATOR LEADERS
Who are New Administrative Leaders? New vice-principals and principals and managers interested in developing leadership and management skills.
Administrative Leaders Programs
- GrEAT PD – February 15 and April 22
- GrEAT Conference at White Oaks Conference Centre - December 6 and 7, 2012. Speakers: Dr. Doug Wilms, Mary Jean Gallagher, Doug Keeley and Dr. Len Cortese.
- Aspiring Instructional Leaders Program
- OPC Mentor Coaching Certificate Course: 4 mandatory sessions: September 27, 28, November 23 and February 8.
- PPC Special Education for Administrators (see below)
- Masters of Education through Brock University: Dependent on registration. Indicate interest to Patti McCleister
- New Administrator Mentorship Program – you will be contacted with information
- Emotional Intelligence - open to school administrators and managers. Enhance the ability to recognize and use emotions to understand ourselves, cope with others and manage environmental demands. Participants complete a confidential self-report (EQi-125) prior to t he workshop.
- Equity Speaker Series – see below
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ADMINISTRATOR LEADERS
Who are Administrative Leaders? Vice-principals and principals and managers interested in developing leadership and management skills.
Administrative Leaders Programs 
- GrEAT PD – February 15 and April 22
- GrEAT Conference at White Oaks Conference Centre - December 6 and 7, 2012. Speakers: Dr. Doug Wilms, Mary Jean Gallagher, Doug Keeley and Dr. Len Cortese.
- OPC Mentor Coaching Certificate Course: 4 mandatory sessions: September 27, 28, November 23 and February 8.
- OPC Special Education for Administrators (see below)
- Masters of Education – Dependent on registration. Indicate interest to Patti McCleister
- Emotional Intelligence - open to school administrators and managers. Enhance the ability to recognize and use emotions to understand ourselves, cope with others and manage environmental demands. Participants complete a confidential self-report (EQi-125) prior to t he workshop.
- Equity Speaker Series – see below
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Equity and Inclusive Education Program
Grand Erie District School Board is proud to offer an Equity Speaker Series to all interested staff as part of Safe and Inclusive Schools Education and Awareness. A certificate will be issued to anyone who attends three or more speakers in the series in recognition of participation and to declare him or her with Equity Awareness status within Grand Erie.
Perspectives in Equity in Education - Mentalism - Thursday, October 18, 2012
White Privilege - Thursday, November 22, 2012
Topic to be confirmed - Thursday, February 21, 2013
Topic to be confirmed - Thursday, April 18, 2013
The speakers will be announced prior to each date. All workshops will take place at Joseph Brant Learning Centre 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 4:15. Join us throughout the year and learn how to:
- Make all students, parents, and members of the community feel welcomed and respected
- Promote a sense of belonging in your school and/or work environment
- Identify and receive information on how to eliminate barriers for those living in low socio-economic conditions
- Support and inspire all students to succeed in a culture of high expectations
- Recognize and value the diversity of race, colour, creed, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ability
For more information, contact the Chair of the Equity Steering Committee,
Liana Thompson. Check First Class and eCentre for registration information.
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OPC Special Education for Administrators Course
Module 1 - February 1 - 9:00-3:00, JB Thayendanegea Room
February 2 - 9:00-1:00 - JB Thayendanegea Room
Module 2 - February 28 - 9:00-3:00, JB Pine Tree Room
March 2 - 9:00-1:00, JB Thayendanegea Room
Module 3 - April 5 - 9:00-3:00, JB Thayendanegea Room
April 6 - 9:00-1:00 - JB Thayendanegea Room
Module 4 - May 3 - 9:00-3:00, JB Thayendanegea Room
May 4 - 9:00-1:00 - JB Thayendanegea Room
For information contact: Liana Thompson or Carol Mackenzie. Registration through OPC.
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What Makes a Great Leader
The Following Key Leadership Competencies have been identified
by the Ontario Leadership Framework.
What areas would you like to work on to
enhance your personal leadership resources?
Setting Goals and Developing the Organization - contribute to the development of a shared vision, foster the acceptance of group goals and model and communicate high performance expectations. Build collaborative cultures, ensure organizational success through collaboration and teamwork.
Building Relationships and Developing People - strive to foster genuine trusting relationships with students, staff, families and communities, guided by a sense of mutual respect. Affirm and empower others to work in the best
interests of the system.
Leadership Development and Service to the Organization - sets high expectations for service to the school district and monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the school or department’s contribution to the organization’s goals.
Securing Accountability - promotes a quality education system and supports students’ success and is accountable to the goals of the school district.
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