Earlier in the week Jennifer Abrams, International education and communications consultant and the author of 'Having Hard Conversations' spent two days at the Kenora Catholic District School Board with the principals, managers and senior leaders. The professional development was focused on providing strategies and thought maps for authentically engaging in difficult conversations that are growth producing. Here are a few comments from the participants: "Jennifer takes a really difficult and often avoided topic and provides tools and strategies on how to have difficult conversations that are effective and make a positive difference. I also really enjoyed Jennifer's use of wit and humor in the training. She's very funny!" "The session reinforced that these types of conversations are necessary and can be done in a way that creates positive changes for students". "Even though these types of conversations are often avoided they still have to happen because the results are best for kids." "By having these authentic and meaningful conversations we can support each other to grow and learn and continue to promote schools that are open, healthy and collaborative." The leadership team will continue to explore this topic within their professional learning community throughout the year.