Friday, October 27

8:30am - 9:00am

Registration 

9:00am - 9:15am

Welcome & Introduction of Keynote

9:15am - 10:15am

Keynote

Beyond Accommodation: Exploring Accessibility as a Condition of Inclusive Schooling

Dr. Cynthia Bruce

Nova Scotia has committed to becoming accessible by 2030, and public education institutions will be required to adhere to regulatory standards intended to facilitate progress toward this goal. In this talk, we will explore how access differs from accommodation, examine how ableism can get in the way without us realizing it is doing so, and discuss possibilities for enhancing accessibility that can support a diversity of learners to flourish in Nova Scotia Public Schools. Dr. Bruce will draw on her work with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate, her research in education and accessibility, and her lived experience as a blind learner and educator to help us think through how to foster accessibility and equity in the context of inclusive education in Nova Scotia schools.

10:15am - 10:45am

Break

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A1: Painting Session (Full Day Session)

Helen Boucher, Artist

Come and spend both the morning and the afternoon session encouraging each other through the steps to creating your own painting. Show off your drawing skills and try your hand at watercolor painting. Enjoy a relaxing day of well deserved creative time.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A2: Human Trafficking

Michelle Harrison, RCMP

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.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A3: Domestic Violence - Neighbours, Friends and Family

Lydia Quinn, Intimate Partner Violence Case Coordinator, RCMP

Neighbours, Friends and Family is a campaign to raise awareness of intimate partner violence so people close to an at-risk woman or a person using abuse can detect signs and help. Gender Based Violence is a serious and pervasive problem in Nova Scotia. Often those close to women who are experiencing abuse are at a loss as to how to support and/or help them. Similarly, those close to an abusive man are uncomfortable or unwilling to acknowledge his behavior. Neighbours, Friends and Families is a powerful educational tool which can be used to raise awareness of the issues surrounding gender-based violence for both women and men.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A4: Yoga

Angus Horsman, Yoga Alliance International

Traditional yoga with Angus is a calm, relaxing and a more meditative yoga practice designed to quiet our minds and relax our bodies. A perfect class for beginners, seniors and anyone who would enjoy a calm and simple yoga practice at a gentle pace. Angus will guide you all safely through a Traditional Hatha Raja yoga practice aimed to fully ease our bodies and our minds from stress and tension. Leaving us feeling calm and refreshed with peace in our hearts and clarity in our mind.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A5: Teaching Sexual Health Education 101

Rene Ross, Sexual Health Centre Cumberland

Join sexual health educator Rene Ross (she/them) as we discuss sexual health education in the classroom, curriculum delivery, current trends, tips and best practice - for K-12 students. This workshop is ideal for teachers who are new to the Healthy Living curriculum and for those who want a refresher.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A6: French

Stephen Hare, Teacher

Modeling vulnerability as professional practice in the classroom as a way to encourage second-language French learners to take risks when speaking with their peers. 

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A7: Therapy Dog

Susan Cameron Muyr, St John’s Ambulance & Murphy the Therapy Dog

An overview of the program will explain the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs.  She will also share her personal experiences with the program. Then there will be time for questions and answers. Murphy the therapy dog will be there to spread some love and stress relief to whoever wants it.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

WORKSHOP CANCELLED

Session A

A8: GuysWork

Derek Smith, Counsellor

GuysWork is a curriculum that teaches health through the lens of masculinity. It seeks to disrupt unhelpful traditional male norms around help-seeking, consent, violence, and isolation with lessons for grades 6-9. GuysWork has been present in Nova Scotia schools since 2012 and the GuysWork Atlantic Pilot (funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada and the NS Advisory Council on the Status of Women) is currently expanding the work to all of the Atlantic provinces, as well as performing a 3-year longitudinal study. This session will give participants a taste for the DNA of the curriculum, an update on the current state of GuysWork, as well as a chance to participate in some of the lessons. 

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A9: Money Mindset

Steve MacLellan, Business Owner

This money mindset presentation will review why we feel the way we feel about money and “success”. Steve MacLellan (The Financial Engineer) will then show participants how to increase their relationship with money, their success mindset, while reducing stress and anxiety. Proven, effective, and easy to implement investment strategies for teachers will also be discussed.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A10: Honouring and Embracing Community Based First Voice and Experiences in Our Schools

Nevin Jackson, Teacher

This presentation will explore how schools can and should embrace historically marginalized groups and leverage the rich history and human resources associated with Nova Scotia’s Historically Black and Indigenous First Nations Communities.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A11: Quijong

Morrigan MacLean, Certified Level 1 CFQ Instructor

CFQ Qigong is a healing system created by Master Yap Soon Yeong of Malaysia, a licensed therapist with the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Medicine of Malaysia with years of clinical experience. Movements are performed seated or standing (the ones we will do will be seated) ~ no special equipment or clothing is required. Bring a water bottle and your curiosity. The windows will be open for fresh air and chairs spaced.

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A12: Art Club

Denise Palmer, Teacher

In this presentation, I will explain how schools built on ethics of care foster joy for both teachers and students as they explore together in caring relationships. I will exemplify this theory-driven teaching practice through a story about a group of ten-year-olds who applied for and obtained a Health Promoting Schools (HPS) Healthy Schools Grant. In their grant application, the students pointed out that the club was a positive factor in their mental health as it provided an opportunity for them to relax and decompress during the school day. The process was student-directed, providing students with a sense of agency over their wellbeing and education. In this way, establishing a lunch time art club and applying for an HPS grant, made a positive impact on both my and my students’ wellbeing. I will explain with supporting literature the function that student-agency serves in promoting wellbeing across a diverse group (i.e. gender, income, race, newcomer status, learning needs).

10:45am - 12:00pm

Capacity: 25

Session A

A13: Hate Crimes

Criag Upshaw, RCMP

This presentation will cover different types of hate. We will discuss hate crimes versus hate incidents as well as suspect hate. We will have discussion around how to support individuals and diverse communities who are targeted by hate and what services exist to support people who are victims of hate crimes. Participants will develop an understanding of trauma and the escalation of trauma based on words. Participants will be able to identify when a hate incident should be reported and have an understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada and how charges are applied.

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Lunch: Turkey Dinner (provided)

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B1: Painting Session (Full Day Session Continued)

Helen Boucher, Artist

Come and spend both the morning and the afternoon session encouraging each other through the steps to creating your own painting. Show off your drawing skills and try your hand at watercolor painting. Enjoy a relaxing day of well deserved creative time.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B2: Human Trafficking

Michelle Harrison, RCMP

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.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B3: Domestic Violence - Neighbours, Friends and Family

Lydia Quinn, Intimate Partner Violence Case Coordinator, RCMP

Neighbours, Friends and Family is a campaign to raise awareness of intimate partner violence so people close to an at-risk woman or a person using abuse can detect signs and help. Gender Based Violence is a serious and pervasive problem in Nova Scotia. Often those close to women who are experiencing abuse are at a loss as to how to support and/or help them. Similarly, those close to an abusive man are uncomfortable or unwilling to acknowledge his behavior. Neighbours, Friends and Families is a powerful educational tool which can be used to raise awareness of the issues surrounding gender-based violence for both women and men.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B4: Yoga

Angus Horsman, Yoga Alliance International

Traditional yoga with Angus is a calm, relaxing and a more meditative yoga practice designed to quiet our minds and relax our bodies. A perfect class for beginners, seniors and anyone who would enjoy a calm and simple yoga practice at a gentle pace. Angus will guide you all safely through a Traditional Hatha Raja yoga practice aimed to fully ease our bodies and our minds from stress and tension. Leaving us feeling calm and refreshed with peace in our hearts and clarity in our mind.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B5: Teaching Sexual Health Education 101

Rene Ross, Sexual Health Centre Cumberland

Join sexual health educator Rene Ross (she/them) as we discuss sexual health education in the classroom, curriculum delivery, current trends, tips and best practice - for K-12 students. This workshop is ideal for teachers who are new to the Healthy Living curriculum and for those who want a refresher.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B6: French

Stephen Hare, Teacher

Modeling vulnerability as professional practice in the classroom as a way to encourage second-language French learners to take risks when speaking with their peers. 

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B7: Therapy Dog

Susan Cameron Muyr, St John’s Ambulance & Murphy the Therapy Dog

An overview of the program will explain the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs. She will also share her personal experiences with the program. Then there will be time for questions and answers. Murphy the therapy dog will be there to spread some love and stress relief to whoever wants it.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B8: GuysWork

Derek Smith, Counsellor

GuysWork is a curriculum that teaches health through the lens of masculinity. It seeks to disrupt unhelpful traditional male norms around help-seeking, consent, violence, and isolation with lessons for grades 6-9. GuysWork has been present in Nova Scotia schools since 2012 and the GuysWork Atlantic Pilot (funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada and the NS Advisory Council on the Status of Women) is currently expanding the work to all of the Atlantic provinces, as well as performing a 3-year longitudinal study. This session will give participants a taste for the DNA of the curriculum, an update on the current state of GuysWork, as well as a chance to participate in some of the lessons. 

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B9: Money Mindset

Steve MacLellan, Business Owner

This money mindset presentation will review why we feel the way we feel about money and “success”. Steve MacLellan (The Financial Engineer) will then show participants how to increase their relationship with money, their success mindset, while reducing stress and anxiety. Proven, effective, and easy to implement investment strategies for teachers will also be discussed. 

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B10: Honouring and Embracing Community Based First Voice and Experiences in Our Schools

Nevin Jackson, Teacher

This presentation will explore how schools can and should embrace historically marginalized groups and leverage the rich history and human resources associated with Nova Scotia’s Historically Black and Indigenous First Nations Communities.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B11: Quijong

Morrigan MacLean, Certified Level 1 CFQ Instructor

CFQ Qigong is a healing system created by Master Yap Soon Yeong of Malaysia, a licensed therapist with the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Medicine of Malaysia with years of clinical experience. Movements are performed seated or standing (the ones we will do will be seated) ~ no special equipment or clothing is required. Bring a water bottle and your curiosity. The windows will be open for fresh air and chairs spaced.

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B12: Art Club

Denise Palmer, Teacher

In this presentation, I will explain how schools built on ethics of care foster joy for both teachers and students as they explore together in caring relationships. I will exemplify this theory-driven teaching practice through a story about a group of ten-year-olds who applied for and obtained a Health Promoting Schools (HPS) Healthy Schools Grant. In their grant application, the students pointed out that the club was a positive factor in their mental health as it provided an opportunity for them to relax and decompress during the school day. The process was student-directed, providing students with a sense of agency over their wellbeing and education. In this way, establishing a lunch time art club and applying for an HPS grant, made a positive impact on both my and my students’ wellbeing. I will explain with supporting literature the function that student-agency serves in promoting wellbeing across a diverse group (i.e. gender, income, race, newcomer status, learning needs).

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Capacity: 25

Session B

B13: Hate Crimes

Criag Upshaw, RCMP

This presentation will cover different types of hate. We will discuss hate crimes versus hate incidents as well as suspect hate. We will have discussion around how to support individuals and diverse communities who are targeted by hate and what services exist to support people who are victims of hate crimes. Participants will develop an understanding of trauma and the escalation of trauma based on words. Participants will be able to identify when a hate incident should be reported and have an understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada and how charges are applied.

2:15pm - 2:30pm

AGM