How We Work Together: The Culture We Choose

This past Tuesday, we had the privilege of hosting the WIS Teacher Academy, where we focused on the norms of collaboration and what it truly means to lead effective teams. The conversations were practical and reflective, grounded in a shared understanding that the strength of a school is not only measured by outcomes, but by how its people work together.

As a whole school community, we spend a great deal of time thinking about curriculum, assessment and achievement. These things matter. But what matters more, always, is how we work together.

A healthy school culture does not happen by chance. It is built intentionally through the ways we show up for one another each day, in classrooms, in meetings, on the playground, at assemblies, in emails, and in difficult conversations. Culture lives in the small, repeated moments.

At the heart of our work is a simple belief: relationships over results.

Results matter, but they are a by-product of something deeper. When relationships are strong, when trust is present, and when people feel seen and valued, learning flourishes. Students take risks. Teachers collaborate openly. Leaders make thoughtful decisions. Families partner with us constructively. Without strong relationships, even the best strategic plans struggle to succeed.

During the WIS Teacher Academy, we explored what healthy collaboration looks like in practice. It is not accidental. It is intentional and it requires shared norms.

We Assume Positive Intent

We begin from a place of trust. When misunderstandings arise, we pause before reacting. We ask questions. We seek clarity. We choose to believe that everyone, staff, students and parents -  is acting with the best interests of children at heart.

We Listen to Understand

Healthy collaboration requires deep listening, not listening to respond, but listening to understand. In meetings and conversations, we slow down. We paraphrase. We ensure voices are heard before decisions are made. This applies equally to our work with colleagues and to our partnerships with families.

We Speak with Respect and Clarity

Kindness and honesty can coexist. We address concerns directly and professionally. We avoid assumptions and side conversations, and instead engage in constructive dialogue. Clear and respectful communication strengthens trust across our entire community.

We Focus on Solutions

In any vibrant school community, challenges will arise. What defines strong teams is how they respond. We move from problem-talk to solution-thinking. We ask: What is within our control? What is the next best step? When families and schools approach challenges together with this mindset, progress follows.

We Honour Commitments

Showing up is not just physical presence; it is emotional and professional presence. It is being prepared, engaged and dependable. Trust is built when we follow through: on deadlines, on communication, and on support for students.

We Keep Students at the Centre

Every conversation ultimately comes back to one question: Is this in the best interest of children? This shared focus aligns us, even when perspectives differ. It allows us to disagree professionally while remaining united in purpose.

Healthy collaboration is not about always agreeing. It is about agreeing on how we disagree. It is about maintaining dignity in dialogue, balancing advocacy with inquiry, and remembering that we are partners in a shared mission.

For parents, this means trusting that our decisions are grounded in care and professional expertise. For staff, it means recognizing the important role families play in a child’s success. For all of us, it means modelling the very collaboration and respect we hope to see in our students.

When we choose relationships over results, something powerful happens: results improve anyway. Students feel safe enough to learn. Teachers feel supported enough to innovate. Families feel confident enough to engage meaningfully.

Culture is built daily. It is built in greetings at the gate, in thoughtful emails, in well-run meetings, in patient explanations, and in courageous conversations. It is built when we pause, reflect and choose respect.

Thank you for the way you show up, for your professionalism, your partnership and your commitment to working together well. The strength of WIS lies not only in what we achieve, but in how we achieve it, together.

Primary Principal | Jenna Brown