Both were completely different experiences, but together they left me feeling more connected, supported, and ready for what’s ahead.
The National Stagecoach Conference
Heading to Halifax was a chance to step outside my own planning bubble and spend time with fellow principals and Head Office staff. The weekend was filled with lively sessions, exciting announcements about what’s coming down the pipeline, and plenty of opportunities to swap stories and advice. Initially, it was hard to pull my attention away from the launch and redirect it to the conference. It felt like “one more thing on my plate”—something meaningful for me and my business, but landing right in the middle of a crucial launch phase.
However, I am so glad I went and the weekend was amazing and energising.
What stood out most wasn’t just the training content, but the friendships that are present. Sharing space with others navigating the same challenges and driven by the same passion was both reassuring and motivating. I left with practical training and tips I could put to use right away, closer ties to my fellow franchisees, tons of encouragement, and a longer-term glimpse of what Stagecoach can become when a school really takes root.
Discovery day in Ottawa
The following weekend was Discovery Day — the first time families and children could get a feel for Stagecoach Ottawa West. We welcomed forty children (!) and their families into our venue for a “mini” version of our Saturday programme. While potential students joined in shorter classes, parents were welcomed with refreshments and the chance to connect with me and the team. The event wrapped up with a short performance highlighting what the children had learned with us.
It was a true family effort on my side — my own family pitched in, and my teachers were brilliant, bringing such warmth and energy to the sessions. The children had a fantastic experience, and I could see the spark of what’s to come. I met some families that were already registered, some that I had been speaking to and were looking at this event to provide additional clarity, and some that came along and this was their first contact with us (other than marketing materials).
Even though I’ve participated in hundreds of regular Stagecoach term sessions, Discovery Day felt very different and offered a few lessons. I learned that it’s crucial to be extra clear: this isn’t a drop-in open house, it’s not the first day of the term, and the children who attend won’t always be the same ones in class when the term starts. Parents were positive and enthusiastic, but I could see how easy it is for assumptions to form if those details aren’t spelled out. Overall, it was successful and a great way to launch into the community.
Keeping Stagecoach on their minds
After the day ended, the work continued in a different way — sending messages and follow-ups to make sure Stagecoach stayed fresh in parents’ minds. A single event can generate energy and goodwill, but it’s the conversations during and afterwards that build trust and commitment. I’ve been mindful about balancing clarity with warmth, making sure families understand how the programme works while also keeping the excitement alive.
Looking ahead
Between the relationships in Halifax and the families in Ottawa, I feel more grounded in the bigger picture. This school is not just about opening the doors on day one; it’s about building relationships — with colleagues, with staff, and with the community we’ll serve. These two weekends were exactly that in action, and it’s left me even more eager for the first curtain up — next Saturday.
