2026 ATYA - Building the Bridge Between Bravery and Self-Compassion

Sandra Murray, BEd, MCT, RCT, is a counsellor and advocate for the emotional well-being of educators and their families. Through her work with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union’s Counselling Services, she has developed a particular interest in teacher burnout, self-compassion, mindfulness, and the relationship between our inner beliefs and our ability to care for ourselves. Sandra will share her personal journey, reflecting on the experiences and pivotal moments that have shaped her perspective and professional practice. Through candid storytelling and thoughtful insights, she will offer words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration that will resonate with educators at every stage of their careers.

This year Helen returns with a new plan! She will begin the day by leading the group with a step-by-step drawing. Then your sketch will be transferred onto mixed media paper where it will be worked into a completed art piece.

Michelle will be speaking about what Human Trafficking is (in all forms), stats and predominance in our areas, trends, warning signs and what to do if you suspect one of your students is being groomed.

A gentle yoga and meditation practice to help us find peace, calmness and balance in the body and mind. This practice will be suitable for all levels. Perfect for anyone who may enjoy a gentle and relaxing yoga practice, complete with guided meditation. Please contact Angus for more details: yogawithangus@gmail.com

This presentation highlights the importance of building positive relationships with every student. You'll learn practical strategies for connecting with challenging students, explore how strong relationships support behavior management across all grade levels, and be introduced to Tier 2 relationship-based interventions that promote students' social, emotional, and academic growth.

After 30+ years of teaching all over Atlantic Canada with APSEA, then in NS with CCRCE, Holly MacDonald now continues to support schools as a substitute teacher. This session offers an introduction to Sign Language Communication in a fun and collaborative way. Participants will learn the basics - the alphabet, greetings, and any requests you may have! Be prepared to relax, laugh, share, and practice!

New to exploring your NSTU Group Insurance Benefits? Have some experience? There is always more to learn! This session will: -Help you navigate the insurance website -Review benefits at a glance: a high-level overview -Highlight benefits for members & dependents for mental health, women’s health, Employee & Family Assistance(EFAP), and Homewood Health. -Answer specific questions you may have

In this session, we will discuss ways to encourage students to be physically active and the benefits that happen from being active. However, the physical is just one part of the equation. Come discover what the other parts are and how we as teachers can be role models to them and maybe their parents.

Life is busy, and as teachers, it’s important to prioritize mental wellness. Take a break and unwind at a relaxing watercolor card-making workshop! No experience required- just bring your curiosity and enjoy a fun, hands-on session. The best part? It is not a step-by-step class. You’ll have the flexibility to create at your own pace and make each card reflect your personal style.

Join Melany Day for an energizing Zumba session designed specifically with educators in mind! This fun, music-driven dance workout blends Latin-inspired rhythms with easy-to-follow moves to help you de-stress, boost your energy, and reconnect with joy through movement. No dance experience needed, just a willingness to move and have fun! Come ready to sweat, smile, and leave recharged for the day ahead!

Over 5,000 students in Nova Scotia have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This means you have students with FASD in your classroom. The five take-home messages for FASD will help shift your paradigm to make your day easier in the classroom. Allan Mountford, with over 40 years’ experience with FASD in the schools and Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia (FANS), will highlight strategies to help educators understand FASD, reduce stigma, and create environments where all students can be successful.

Have you considered the impact music can have on building relationships? Join Mr. G as we explore ways of incorporating music into our classrooms. Doing so can not only enhance classroom management, but also enrich our course curriculum. So get ready to shake, rattle, and hopefully not roll. At the end, we will come together to share the fruits of our labour. No experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm. Relationship building through music is an effective way to enhance student success.

Neighbours, Friends and Family is a campaign to raise awareness of intimate partner violence. Often those close to women experiencing harm are at a loss as to how to support them. Similarly, those close to a man creating risk are uncomfortable or unwilling to acknowledge his behavior. Gender Based Violence is a serious and pervasive problem in Nova Scotia. The session shares some recent developments in N.S. addressing the risk of harm in relationships where intimate partner violence exists.

Michelle will be speaking about what Human Trafficking is (in all forms), stats and predominance in our areas, trends, warning signs and what to do if you suspect one of your students is being groomed.

A gentle yoga and meditation practice to help us find peace, calmness and balance in the body and mind. This practice will be suitable for all levels. Perfect for anyone who may enjoy a gentle and relaxing yoga practice, complete with guided meditation. Please contact Angus for more details: yogawithangus@gmail.com

This presentation highlights the importance of building positive relationships with every student. You'll learn practical strategies for connecting with challenging students, explore how strong relationships support behavior management across all grade levels, and be introduced to Tier 2 relationship-based interventions that promote students' social, emotional, and academic growth.

After 30+ years of teaching all over Atlantic Canada with APSEA, then in NS with CCRCE, Holly MacDonald now continues to support schools as a substitute teacher. This session offers an introduction to Sign Language Communication in a fun and collaborative way. Participants will learn the basics - the alphabet, greetings, and any requests you may have! Be prepared to relax, laugh, share, and practice!

New to exploring your NSTU Group Insurance Benefits? Have some experience? There is always more to learn! This session will: -Help you navigate the insurance website -Review benefits at a glance: a high-level overview -Highlight benefits for members & dependents for mental health, women’s health, Employee & Family Assistance(EFAP), and Homewood Health. -Answer specific questions you may have

In this session, we will discuss ways to encourage students to be physically active and the benefits that happen from being active. However, the physical is just one part of the equation. Come discover what the other parts are and how we as teachers can be role models to them and maybe their parents.

Life is busy, and as teachers, it’s important to prioritize mental wellness. Take a break and unwind at a relaxing watercolor card-making workshop! No experience required- just bring your curiosity and enjoy a fun, hands-on session. The best part? It is not a step-by-step class. You’ll have the flexibility to create at your own pace and make each card reflect your personal style.

Join Melany Day for an energizing Zumba session designed specifically with educators in mind! This fun, music-driven dance workout blends Latin-inspired rhythms with easy-to-follow moves to help you de-stress, boost your energy, and reconnect with joy through movement. No dance experience needed, just a willingness to move and have fun! Come ready to sweat, smile, and leave recharged for the day ahead!

Over 5,000 students in Nova Scotia have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This means you have students with FASD in your classroom. The five take-home messages for FASD will help shift your paradigm to make your day easier in the classroom. Allan Mountford, with over 40 years’ experience with FASD in the schools and Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia (FANS), will highlight strategies to help educators understand FASD, reduce stigma, and create environments where all students can be successful.

Have you considered the impact music can have on building relationships? Join Mr. G as we explore ways of incorporating music into our classrooms. Doing so can not only enhance classroom management, but also enrich our course curriculum. So get ready to shake, rattle, and hopefully not roll. At the end, we will come together to share the fruits of our labour. No experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm. Relationship building through music is an effective way to enhance student success.

Neighbours, Friends and Family is a campaign to raise awareness of intimate partner violence. Often those close to women experiencing harm are at a loss as to how to support them. Similarly, those close to a man creating risk are uncomfortable or unwilling to acknowledge his behavior. Gender Based Violence is a serious and pervasive problem in Nova Scotia. The session shares some recent developments in N.S. addressing the risk of harm in relationships where intimate partner violence exists.