The weather may still feel like summer, but the energy in our schools leaves no doubt that it is a new school year, and fall will soon be upon us. With students entering our schools, teachers learning new names and School Leaders learning about their communities and the best way to lead them, September ushers in not only the start of a new school year but also the beginning of a new leadership journey. The first week of school is, for school leaders, caregivers, students and staff, filled with anticipation, optimism, and opportunity.
This week, in the hallways, the energy has felt electric, with students joyfully reuniting with friends, teachers diving into building relationships with their students and the rhythm of school life starting to hum again. September is more than a transition month—it’s the foundation upon which the entire year is built. As school leaders, it is our responsibility to set the tone, create the environment, and establish the conditions that will allow students, staff, and ourselves to thrive.
This month, in the blog and in socials, we’ll explore what it means to lay a strong foundation for both leadership and learning. We’ll dive into themes that guide us to lead with purpose, cultivate gratitude, and approach the start of the year with confidence and clarity. As a leader, the first days and weeks of the school year are critical. This is the time when we create the culture, build trust with our team, and shape the vision that will guide our school throughout the year.
Leadership Starts with Vision and Purpose
Every school leader begins the year with a vision in mind. It might be a continuation of long-standing goals, or perhaps it’s something new and transformative that we’ve been eager to implement. Regardless, our vision sets the direction for our school community. September is our moment to articulate that vision and ground it in purpose. We need to connect not only with what needs to be done but with why it matters. Purpose-driven leadership is what inspires those around us—our staff, students, and parents—to rally behind a common goal. This year, for me, that includes navigating how to support the staff in my new school as they teach me the routines, rituals and traditions that make this place a great place to learn and lead.
In the hustle and bustle of a new school year, it’s easy to get swept up in logistics—schedules, meetings, curriculum planning, and problem-solving. But amidst all that, it’s important to stay rooted in our vision and purpose. When we lead with purpose, we bring a sense of clarity and direction to our entire community. We remind people that this work we do—educating children, fostering curiosity, building character—has a greater meaning. Our leadership is not just about keeping the school running; it’s about nurturing an environment where students can grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens and where teachers feel empowered to innovate and inspire.
Cultivating Gratitude Amid the Challenges
September also brings its challenges. From navigating new routines to handling unexpected issues, the beginning of the school year is often demanding. As leaders, our plate can feel overwhelmingly full, and the weight of our responsibilities can easily overshadow the joy and excitement of this season. That’s why it’s crucial to cultivate gratitude—both for the opportunities we’ve been given and for the small moments that make this work so meaningful.
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Rather, it’s about shifting our perspective. When we focus on what’s going well—the excitement of the students, the enthusiasm of our staff, the potential of the year ahead—we allow ourselves to approach problems with a more open, resilient mindset. Gratitude has a way of grounding us in the present moment, reminding us of the joys that come with the hard work of leadership.
Take a moment each day in September to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It might be the dedication of a teacher who goes above and beyond, the light in a child’s eyes when they learn something new, or simply the opportunity to lead in a role that impacts so many lives. When we lead from a place of gratitude, we create a culture of positivity and appreciation that can be felt throughout the school. It’s contagious—and the staff and students will notice.
Building Trust and Relationships
September is also a time for building relationships. Whether you are new to the school (as I am this year) or a familiar face, this month presents a unique opportunity to establish trust with your team, students, and families. Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Without it, your vision will struggle to take hold, and your community will be slow to embrace the changes you hope to implement.
Building trust takes intentionality. It means being visible, approachable, and consistent. Staff needs to know that you are there to support them, listen to them, and advocate for them. They also need to know that you trust them and are looking to them as experts in their field, and as the holders of traditions in the school. If you are new to the role or the school, do not be afraid to tell the staff when you do not know something. The answers are often in the room, and the keepers of the knowledge, traditions and ways of being will be happy to share. Trust comes from being authentic, which often means being vulnerable enough to admit when you don’t know something. Students need to feel safe, cared for, and valued. And parents and caregivers need to trust that their children are in good hands and that you have their best interests at heart.
In the first few weeks of the school year, make an effort to connect personally with your staff. Schedule one-on-one check-ins, attend team meetings, and offer your support. Drop into classrooms or the staff room and just have conversations. For your students, make time to be present in the classrooms, the hallways, and the playground. The more visible you are, the more approachable you become. And with parents, communicate often and openly, sharing not just information but also your enthusiasm and hopes for the year ahead.
When you lead with trust, you create a school culture where people feel valued and respected, and where collaboration and innovation can flourish. Trust is not built overnight, but September is the time to plant those seeds.
Staying Grounded in Calm Amidst the Chaos
No matter how well-prepared we are, September will bring moments of chaos. From last-minute changes in staffing to unexpected challenges with students or parents, the first month of school can test even the most seasoned leaders. In those moments, the ability to remain calm is one of the most powerful tools in your leadership arsenal.
Staying calm isn’t about suppressing your emotions or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it’s about developing the emotional resilience to manage stress and uncertainty without letting it cloud your judgment. When challenges arise—and they will—it’s important to pause, take a deep breath, and approach the situation with a clear and level head. Our calm presence will set the tone for staff and students, who will take their cues from us. If we can handle difficult moments with grace and composure, it sends a powerful message that, no matter what, our school is a safe and stable place.
Calm leadership creates a ripple effect. When you model calm, others are more likely to remain calm in the face of adversity, too. September can be hectic, but it doesn’t have to feel chaotic if you approach each day with intention and presence.
Looking Forward with Optimism
At its heart, September is about optimism. It’s a month filled with new beginnings, fresh starts, and the promise of what’s to come. As school leaders, we have the unique opportunity to shape the future for our students, staff, and community. The way we lead in these first days and weeks will set the tone for the rest of the year.
As you begin this new school year, let optimism guide you. Focus on the potential and possibilities that lie ahead. Believe in your vision, trust in your ability to lead, and know that the foundation you lay this month will support the growth and success of your entire school community. Each day is a chance to create something extraordinary—to inspire, to lead, and to make a difference in the lives of those you serve.
Welcome to September. This is our time to lead with purpose, gratitude, and optimism, and to create the conditions for a successful and fulfilling year. The first week is complete (at least for those of us in Ontario. We recognize that some have been back for up to a month or more). Let’s get started. Its going to be a great year!
Christine Sharpe: Writer, Speaker, Leader . 
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