Building Culture in a District: Reflections on My Visit to Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF)
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting with Principals and Vice-Principals from the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), BC’s French-language school district (SD93), as they gathered for a professional development day in Richmond to share learning and reflections. As there are 47 CSF schools located throughout the province, we came together at their administrative offices on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language group. More than 50 passionate and dedicated education leaders work within a unique context in this district, one that is deeply rooted in language, culture, and identity. Their commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging in their schools resonated with me, and reinforced an essential truth about leadership: culture is the foundation of a thriving school district.
CSF school leaders are not just guiding students academically; they are also the stewards of French language and Francophone culture in a largely English-focused educational environment. Their work requires intentionality, vision, and resilience to ensure that the 6,000 students they work with not only learn in French, but also develop a deep connection to their cultural heritage. Doing this work, while working somewhat in isolation from colleagues doing the same work, can be complex.
As I listened to these Principals and Vice-Principals, I was struck by the parallels between their work and the broader efforts of school leaders across the province. No matter the district, building culture is at the heart of what we do. Whether it is sustaining a linguistic and cultural identity in a minority setting, creating inclusive learning spaces, or fostering a sense of shared purpose, the role of school leaders extends far beyond operations and curriculum – it is about shaping the collective experience of students, staff, and families.
Intentional Leadership in Culture-Building
One of the key takeaways from my visit was the importance of intentional leadership in shaping a district’s culture. For CSF, this means ensuring that students see themselves reflected in their learning, from literature to historical narratives. It means fostering a sense of pride and belonging, where students feel connected to a broader Francophone community. It also means that the adults enjoy deep cultural benefits from working in collaboration.
The same principles apply to leadership in any district. A strong school culture doesn’t happen by accident; it requires clear values, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusivity. When leaders champion a shared vision, they create the conditions for students and staff to feel engaged and supported. It means staying connected to colleagues, building and fostering strong relationships, and keeping a close eye on the vision.
The Power of Connection
My visit with the CSF leaders was a reminder that building culture is not a task, but a continuous process, one that is shaped by the relationships we cultivate. Whether the school or district is centered in French or in English, leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
As we continue our work across BC, let’s remember that culture is not just something we talk about: it is something we build, together.