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Standard 5: Build collaboration, communication and partnerships

Pillar: Engagement. Model: distributed leadership. Facilitate collaboration, communication and partnerships that support the learning, development and well-being of all students.

What this standard expects

Step 1: Set up and keep effective two-way communication with students, teachers, staff, families and communities.
Step 2: Model collaboration by encouraging, valuing and responding to the views of students, staff, families and community members.
Step 3: Build lasting partnerships with community groups, government agencies, businesses and post-secondary institutions.
Step 4: Encourage parents to get involved by welcoming them and responding to their priorities, needs and own experiences of school.
Step 5: Build trust by being visible, approachable, honest and respectful.
Step 6: Support professional learning communities where teachers and leaders network, innovate, take risks and learn together.
Step 7: Promote teamwork and shared decision-making through collaborative inquiry, problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Leadership domains

Communication; collaboration; partnerships; parental involvement; trust and relationships; professional learning communities; teamwork and shared decision-making.

Back to the five standards at a glance.

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The law and policy behind this

Both practice guidesSection 7 in both guides · draft of 27 May 2026

Not yet checked by a Ministry editor