Due to severe flooding in July, Barnett House will remain closed until early 2027.
The ATA Library is still open and providing resources to members.
Staff are working from home and continue to serve members online and by phone.
The Southern Alberta Regional Office (SARO) in Calgary is unaffected and conducts business per usual.
Bite-sized takeaways to boost and brighten your leadership life
several books at once. I like to be fully present when I read, so if I’m not absorbing the learning, I give myself permission to pause and come back when I’m ready. I’m currently reading The Power of Mattering by Zach Mercurio and Mattering by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. The concept of “mattering” has really resonated with me. Understanding what it means to feel seen, heard and valued truly is foundational, not only as a leader, but as a mom, wife, friend, and as a human. I’ve recognized that we never outgrow the desire to feel like we matter. As adults, we just become better at masking that we don’t.
protein, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates for every meal—a non-negotiable in our household. This also includes us sitting down as a family every night (even if it’s brief) to discuss the best and hardest parts of our days as we eat. At the same time, life is about balance. Eat the cookie. Bake the cake. Life is precious, and finding moments of joy along the way is just as important as making healthy choices. Besides, if wellness were all kale and discipline, I’m not sure any of us would stick with it.
protecting time for the people who matter most. Just as we schedule meetings and appointments, I’ve learned to schedule connection. Whether it’s a shopping date with my mom, coffee with a friend, a workout, or sitting on the deck by myself with a hot coffee, those moments matter. As a full-time working mom, if it’s not in my calendar, there’s a good chance it doesn’t exist.
what makes me feel good. My grandma once baked her own birthday cake because, she said, “You never know if you’ll get another one.” She passed away shortly after her next birthday, and that lesson has stayed with me. So, I wear the lipstick, curl my hair and pull out the heels. Not for anyone else, but for me. It’s a small act of gratitude and a reminder to show up authentically, confidently and unapologetically. Life is too short to save the good lipstick for a special occasion.
not a lot of television, but when I do, it’s usually something created by Taylor Sheridan. It reminds me to channel my inner Beth Dutton. We also watch classic ‘90s favourites with my daughters: Happy Gilmore, Full House, The Wedding Singer, Legally Blonde...all the good ones. Watching them through a modern lens always makes it so much more entertaining and sparks some interesting family conversations.
Are you a school leader? Would you like to share your “Thrive 5”? Submit your ideas to managing editor Lindsay Yakimyshyn at lindsay.yakimyshyn@ata.ab.ca.
