Foundations for School Leadership Program: Designing a Practice

Starting the Journey - Knowing Oneself in Order to Lead

The CAIS Foundations for School Leadership Program is the essential starting point for emerging leaders, inviting participants to explore leadership through CAIS's three pillars: Strategic Direction, Education Program, and School Operations. This comprehensive four-day program, offered annually during the summer, is designed to build a strong foundation for future leaders in independent schools.

Recent CAIS research highlights the growing need for motivated, diverse, and expert leadership to support school improvement and innovation. With support from expert facilitators and the cohort experience, participants gain a deeper sense of their strengths and areas for growth, building both confidence and understanding of independent school leadership. The program provides aspiring leaders with knowledge of leadership competencies and actions, meeting them where they are in their careers and helping them to develop the skills necessary for effective school leadership.

UPCOMING SESSIONS

Spring Pilot Session (Session is now full!)

Dates: April 5-7, 2025
Location: Toronto Hilton Downtown
Cost: $1,950 (maximum 21 participants; minimum of 15)
Registration: Currently open to CAIS members only.
Online Lumina Profile: You must complete your Lumina profile prior to the mandatory session on March 29, 2024
Note: Participants will need to arrange their own travel and accommodation. There is no hotel block available for this session.

This pilot session runs parallel to the National Leaders Conference (NLC) and is an excellent opportunity for those who have already started the program to catch up.

This session is now full. You can register to join the waitlist.

Summer Session

Dates: July 2-5, 2025
Location: Glenlyon Norfolk School Beach Campus, Victoria, BC
Cost:
- CAIS Member and Candidate Schools: $1,950
- Non-member Schools: $2,265
- Maximum 30 participants
Registration: Open to CAIS Members and non-members
Note: Participants will need to arrange their own travel. Optional accommodations are available at the University of Victoria Residences, with complimentary shuttle service to Glenlyon Norfolk School.

REGISTER HERE

Who Should Take This Program?

Aspiring Leaders: Individuals at the beginning of their leadership journey in independent schools.
Recognized Potential Leaders: Those identified by their schools as having leadership potential.
Newly Appointed Leaders: Faculty and staff new to leadership roles seeking to build a strong foundation.
Career Changers: Professionals transitioning into educational leadership from other fields.
Open to: Faculty and staff from both CAIS and non-CAIS schools.

Important!: Completion of the Foundations program is mandatory for pursuing the CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership. While the Foundations program is essential for those aiming to complete the CAIS Diploma, participants are encouraged to take individual Leadership Institute Diploma Modules of interest. This allows for personalized professional development.

Program Goals & Key Benefits

Build Understanding: Learn CAIS Indicators of Effective Leadership Practice, including the competencies, knowledge, and actions associated with school leadership.
Develop Dispositions: Understand the traits of effective leaders.
Intentional Practice: Design a leadership practice based on personal and professional experiences.
Pluralistic Mindset: Cultivate an inclusive approach within educational settings and beyond.
Professional Networking: Develop a network of professional colleagues.
Self-Awareness and Growth: Identify strengths and areas for growth, enhancing confidence and leadership understanding.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from experienced facilitators and a supportive cohort experience.