Peter Sturrup
Peter Sturrup
Retired Head of School, Pickering College and CAIServices Advisor
Heads' Retreat
Lifelong Learning for Leadership
The annual CAIS Heads’ Retreat is an intimate gathering of a maximum of 12 heads of school. Strategically timed at the end of a busy school year, the Retreat provides colleagues time to decompress, to reflect, to ask powerful questions, to share stories and to learn from one another in an atmosphere of trust, openness, and support. This time together allows participants the opportunity to make deeper connections with colleagues from across Canada, which extends beyond the Retreat, and to grow their network of support. Participants complete the Retreat with a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and confidence to address the complex challenges that come with being the Head of School.
Future Heads’ Retreats
The 2026 Heads’ Retreat has concluded. Information about the next CAIS Heads’ Retreat will be shared as details become available.
Questions about the program? Contact Rachael Brownell-Swain at rbswain@cais.ca.
A Look Back at the 2026 Heads' Retreat
The 2026 CAIS Heads’ Retreat took place from July 5 to 8 at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville, British Columbia.
Facilitated by Peter Sturrup, retired Head of School at Pickering College and CAIServices Advisor, the Retreat provided heads of school with dedicated time for reflection, thoughtful conversation, professional renewal and connection with colleagues.
Facilitator
Location
Centrally located on Vancouver Island, Tigh-Na-Mara features 22 acres of serene forest beside the warmest ocean waters in Canada. Participants enjoyed private log accommodations, exceptional dining, and a peaceful setting ideal for reflection and connection.
