Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Journal The official magazine of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents Fall 2025 Strengthening Communities through Inclusive LeadershipManitoba Association of School Superintendents 3 Fall 2025 Volume 26, Number 2 MASS Journal Published For: The Manitoba Association of School Superintendents 50 Monterey Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 1X1 E-mail: barb.isaak@mass.mb.ca Web: www.mass.mb.ca Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 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Up Front 5 A Message from the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning / Un message du ministre de l’Éducation et de L’Apprentissage de la petite enfance 7 A Message from the Co-President of MASS / Un message de la co-présidente de la MASS 8 MASS 2025/2026 Executive 9 MASS 2025/2026 Strategic Plan STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES THROUGH INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP Features 12 Ados en réseau: Connexions sans barrières 18 Bridging Possibilities: Inclusive Leadership Through Alternative Education in Hanover School Division 24 Educating the Whole Student: A Wholistic Journey Toward mino pimâtisiwin (the Good Life) 30 Creating a System Founded on Love 34 From Planning to Progress: Embedding Inquiry and Data into School Improvement 38 Index to Advertisers Journal On the cover: On this issue’s cover we have a collection of photos featured across the articles in this issue demonstrating strengthening communities through inclusive leadership. Flip to pages 12, 18, 24, and 30 to see more! J o u r n a l The official magazine of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents Fall 2025 Strengthening Communities through Inclusive LeadershipManitoba Association of School Superintendents 5 O n behalf of the Manitoba gov- ernment, I am pleased to bring greetings to the members of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents (MASS) in this Fall journal edition. As the 2025-2026 school year begins, I extend my wishes for a successful and engaging year to all MASS members, educators and school staff. Over the last year, it has been an immense privilege to engage with and learn from MASS members. As leaders of learning, your commitment to advocating for Manitoba students is invaluable as we work collaboratively to foster an equitable, high-quality education system for all chil- dren and youth, from every background and every part of Manitoba. Inclusive leadership, grounded in equity, collaboration and a deep commitment to student well-being and success, is essential to ensuring that all children and youth find school to be a place where they belong, are supported and can thrive. Inclusive leadership is more than simply guiding schools and school divisions – it is about building relationships, honouring diverse voices, and creating learning environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. It is leadership that fosters cultures of care and belonging and ensures that Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing are meaningfully embedded in our schools. Everyday, across Manitoba, we see education leaders rising to the challenge of leadership, working alongside educators, families and communities to create inclusive, engaging and empowering spaces of learning. MASS’s commitment to inclusive leadership continues to grow and support this work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all MASS members, educators and school staff who have sup- ported the wildfire response across the province this year. Whether it was coordinating emergency transportation for communities, or supporting students and their families in uncertain times, many leaders throughout Manitoba worked quickly and compassionately to support the well- being and safety of Manitobans. Thank you for your continued dedication to public education and your commitment to creating inclusive, learner-focused schools where every student can succeed and reach their full potential. Sincerely, Honourable Tracy Schmidt Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning A u nom du gouvernement du Manitoba, j’ai le plaisir de saluer les membres de la Manitoba Association of School Superintendents (MASS) dans ce numéro automnal du jour- nal. En ce début de l’année scolaire 2025-2026, je souhaite à tous les membres de la MASS, aux éducatrices et éducateurs ainsi qu’au personnel scolaire une année fructueuse et stimulante. Ce fut un immense privilège pour moi de collaber avec les membres de la MASS au cours de la dernière année, et d’apprendre à leurs côtés. En tant que leaders en éducation, votre engagement à défendre les inté- rêts des élèves du Manitoba est inestimable alors que nous travaillons ensemble pour favoriser un système d’éducation équitable et de haute qualité pour tous les enfants et les jeunes, quels que soient leur milieu et leur région du Manitoba. Un leadership inclusif, fondé sur l’équité, la collaboration et un engagement profond envers le bien-être et la réussite des élèves, est essentiel pour garantir que tous les enfants et les jeunes trouvent à l’école un lieu où ils se sentent à leur place, où ils sont soutenus et où ils peuvent s’épanouir. Le leadership inclusif ne se limite pas à diriger les écoles et les divisions scolaires : il s’agit de nouer des relations, d’honorer la diversité des opinions et de créer des environnements d’apprentissage où chaque élève se sent vu, entendu et valorisé. C’est un leadership qui favorise une culture d’attention et d’appartenance et veille à ce que les perspectives et les modes de connaissance autochtones soient intégrés de manière significative dans nos écoles. Chaque jour, partout au Manitoba, nous voyons des leaders en éducation relever le défi du leadership, travaillant aux côtés des édu- catrices et des éducateurs, des familles, et des communautés pour créer des espaces d’apprentissage inclusifs, stimulants et habilitants. L’engagement de la MASS envers le leadership inclusif continue de croître et de soutenir ce travail. Je voudrais profiter de cette occasion pour remercier tous les mem- bres de la MASS, les éducatrices et les éducateurs, ainsi que le personnel scolaire qui ont soutenu les efforts déployés cette année pour lutter con- tre les incendies de forêt dans toute la province. Qu’il s’agisse de coor- donner le transport d’urgence pour les communautés ou de soutenir les élèves et leurs familles en cette période d’incertitude, de nombreux dirigeants du Manitoba ont agi rapidement et avec compassion pour assurer le bien-être et la sécurité des Manitobaines et des Manitobains. Merci pour votre dévouement continu envers l’éducation pub- lique et votre engagement à créer des écoles inclusives et axées sur l’apprentissage, où chaque élève peut réussir et atteindre son plein potentiel. Cordialement, Madame Tracy Schmidt Ministre de l’Éducation et de l’Apprentissage de la petite enfance A Message from the Minister of Education and Early Childcare Learning / Un message du ministre de l’Éducation et de l’Apprentissage de la petite enfance Strengthening Communities through Inclusive Leadership Renforcer les communautés grâce à un leadership inclusifManitoba Association of School Superintendents 7 A Message from the Co-President of MASS / Un message du co-président de la MASS A s we enter into another school year, I am honoured to wel- come you to the Fall edition of the MASS Journal. This issue explores a theme that is both timely and timeless: “Strengthening Communities through Inclusive Leadership.” Across Manitoba and throughout Canada, public education continues to be one of our most powerful tools for building strong, vibrant, and equitable communi- ties. Our schools are more than places of learning, they are spaces where relationships are nurtured, identities are affirmed, and futures are shaped. In these complex times, the role of inclusive leadership has never been more critical. Inclusive leadership calls us to lead with humility, to listen deeply, and to act with intention. It means recognizing the diverse strengths within our com- munities and creating conditions where every student, staff member, and family feels a sense of belonging and purpose. It is about ensuring that our systems reflect the values of equity, reconciliation, and collec- tive well-being. This journal offers a rich collection of voices and per- spectives that illuminate what inclusive leadership looks like in action – from classrooms to boardrooms, from policy to practice. These contributions challenge us to think critically, lead courageously, and continue learning alongside one another. As you engage with the articles in this edition, I encourage you to reflect on your own leadership journey. How are you strengthening your community through inclusion? What stories are unfolding in your context that deserve to be shared and celebrated? Together with Dan Ward, MASS Co-president, we express our deepest gratitude to the educators, school leaders, and system leaders across Manitoba who continue to show up with compassion, creativity, and commitment. Your work matters. Your leadership matters. And your impact is felt far beyond the walls of our schools. Together, we are shaping a future rooted in belong- ing, justice, and possibility. Warmly, Jenness Moffatt Co-President, Manitoba Association of School Superintendents A lors que nous entamons une nou- velle année scolaire, je suis heu- reuse de vous présenter le numéro d’automne du MASS Journal. Le présent numéro explore un thème à la fois actuel et intemporel : « Renforcer les communautés grâce à un leadership inclusif ». Au Manitoba comme partout au Canada, l’éducation publique demeure l’un de nos outils les plus puissants pour bâtir des communautés fortes, dynamiques et équitables. Nos écoles sont plus que de simples lieux d’apprentissage, ce sont des espaces où les relations sont entretenues, les identités sont affirmées et les avenirs façonnés. De plus, compte tenu de la complexité des derniers temps, le rôle du leadership inclusif n’a jamais été aussi crucial. Le leadership inclusif nous invite à diriger avec humilité, à écouter attentivement et à agir avec conviction. Il s’agit de reconnaître les forces diverses au sein de nos communautés et de créer des conditions dans lesquelles chaque élève, chaque membre du personnel et chaque famille éprouve un sentiment d’appartenance et trouve un sens à son action. Il s’agit de veiller à ce que nos systèmes reflètent les valeurs d’équité, de réconcili- ation et de bien-être collectif. Le présent journal offre un riche recueil de voix et de perspec- tives qui illustrent ce à quoi ressemble le leadership inclusif dans la pratique, des salles de classe aux salles de réunion, de la poli- tique à la pratique. Ces contributions nous incitent à réfléchir de manière critique, à diriger avec courage et à continuer à apprendre les uns des autres. Alors que vous prendrez connaissance des articles du présent numéro, je vous encourage à réfléchir à votre propre parcours en matière de leadership. Comment renforcez-vous votre com- munauté grâce à l’inclusion? Parmi les histoires propres à votre contexte, lesquelles méritent d›être partagées et célébrées? Dan Ward, coprésident de MASS, et moi-même exprimons notre plus profonde gratitude aux éducatrices et éducateurs, aux dirigeants scolaires et aux responsables du système éducatif de tout le Manitoba qui continuent de faire preuve de compassion, de créativité et d›engagement. Votre travail est important. Votre leadership est important. Et votre influence se fait sentir bien au-delà des murs de nos écoles. Ensemble, nous façonnons un avenir fondé sur l’appartenance, la justice et les possibilités. Chaleureuses salutations, Jenness Moffatt Coprésidente de la Manitoba Association of School Superintendents Building Strong, Vibrant, and Equitable Communities Bâtir des communautés fortes, dynamiques et équitables8 MASS Journal Fall 2025 MASS 2025-2026 Executive TABLE OFFICERS: Jason Young Past President Superintendent/CEO Beautiful Plains School Division Sandra Herbst, Metro Superintendent/CEO River East Transcona School Division Grant Wiesner, South West Superintendent/CEO Turtle Mountain School Division Bathélemy Bolivar, At-Large, Metro Director of Human Resources Division scolaire franco- manitobaine Jennifer McGowan, Metro Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Seven Oaks School Division Pamela Garnham, South Central Superintendent/ Secretary Treasurer Portage la Prairie School Division Barb Isaak Executive Director Karen Wohlgemuth Executive Assistant Tyler Moran, Southeast Interlake Assistant Superintendent Interlake School Division Rob Riel, Metro Assistant Superintendent, Indigenous Education Winnipeg School Division Corey Kapilik, Metro Assistant Superintendent, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Services Louis Riel School Division Tammy Ballantyne, At-Large, Rural Superintendent/CEO Flin Flon School Division Jenness Moffatt Co-President Superintendent/CEO St. James-Assiniboia School Division Dan Ward Co-President Superintendent/CEO Garden Valley School Division DIRECTORS: STAFF: Leanne Peters, Professional Learning and Leadership Development Assistant Superintendent Hanover School Division Shelley Amos, Metro Treasurer Superintendent/CEO Pembina Trails School Division Tyson Mac Gillivray, North Chief Superintendent Frontier School DivisionVISION In the next 3 years, MASS will enhance our ability and capacity to support professional learning, connection and advocacy among our members. HIGH LEVERAGE STRATEGIES Ensure internal and external clarity about who we are, what we do and how we operate. LEARNING Ensure professional learning: • reflects the priorities of the strategic plan • respects the diverse needs of members • is responsive to needs in public education • is practical/directly applicable to the work of senior leaders CONNECTING Ensure our approaches to networking and connection: • support members’ sense of efficacy in their divisional leadership • deepen their understanding • lead to meaningful collaboration/ co-construction ADVOCATING Ensure a strategic approach to advocacy that: • clearly outlines a compelling case for change/ improvement within MASS priority areas • maps out a cohesive plan for advocacy throughout the organization’s areas of action • ensures actions support and are aligned to the plan MISSION Manitoba Association of School Superintendents (MASS) provides leadership for public education by advocating in the best interests of learners and supports its members through professional services. Manitoba Association of School Superintendents Strategic Plan 2024-2027 HIGH LEVERAGE STRATEGIES 1 Ensure internal and external clarity about who we are, what we do and how we operate. 2 Build our capacity through increasing human and financial resources. 3 Nurture a culture of positive, meaningful and constructive engagement with members and external partners. 4 Review, re-imagine and revise structures that support all areas of our work. 5 Develop a cohesive and strategic approach to advocacy and a concrete plan to support implementation across the organization. Manitoba Association of School Superintendents 9Next >