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Association of Teachers of Young Adolescents

 ATYA Best! 

Provincial Conference – Friday October 25, 2024

 
Lunch: Roast Turkey Dinner- If the turkey dinner is not suitable for you, please feel free to bring your own lunch, and/or you can make selections from the turkey dinner menu items.

Accuracy of conference information cannot be guaranteed. In the event of a discrepancy, precedent should be given to the appropriate Conference Registration page.

Registration closed

  Registration Limit: 250  
No refunds after Friday October 11, 2024

 Registration Information

Conference Fee (NSTU Members)
$95.00
Substitutes
$85.00
Pre-Service Teachers
$85.00
Retired Members
$95.00
Other Affiliates
$95.00
As per NSTU Operational Procedure 14 E. IV.: receipts of payment and attendance will not be distributed until the conference has concluded.

 Location

Riverside Education Centre

6 Riverside Drive | Hardwood Lands, NS

 Conference Schedule

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration
9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Connecting with Colleagues (cafeteria)
9:10 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome Message & Introduction of Keynote
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Keynote (Lee Anne Arsenault)
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Break (light snacks, coffee, tea)
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session A
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch (roast turkey dinner)
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Session B
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  Keynote

 

Lee Anne Arsenault

 

Lee Anne Arsenault is a recently retired teacher, counsellor, and vice-principal who approached her 30 years in education with curiosity and humour. In this session, Lee Anne will share her journey from her early childhood in Cape Breton to embracing new experiences in retirement life. Her focus will be the importance of staying curious and finding humour in our daily work.


 Agenda

Friday October 25, 2024 

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Helen Boucher
 Full Day Session A  • Painting Session

Helen looks forward to spending the day with you again this year and plans to have several "Christmas themed" patterns available for you to choose from. This will provide the opportunity for you to create your very own hand-painted, ink drawing Christmas cards or to simply have a framed watercolour that can be enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Michelle Harrison
 A • Human Trafficking

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.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Lydia Quinn
 A • Domestic Violence

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. 

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Angus Horsman
 A • Yoga

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 at yogawithangus@gmail.com and please follow Angus' yoga journey on Facebook and Instagram.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Heather Bruce
 A • Surviving Suicide: Grief and Suicide Prevention

Heather Bruce is a suicide survivor with a great passion for suicide prevention. After meeting resistance from well-meaning teachers and administrators, Heather realized that there needs to be better education for teachers about suicide prevention in our schools. After the completion of a safeTALK workshop, Heather put together a variety of resources to aid teachers as they approach suicide conversations with students in a way that will give them assurance and peace.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Susan Muir
 A • Therapy Dogs in the Classroom

Through collaboration Susan and Andrew will provide an overview of the program and explain the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs. They will also share their personal experiences with the program. Then there will be time for questions and answers. Therapy dogs, Murphy and Fearghus will  be there to spread some love and stress relief to whoever wants it.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Sandra Logan
 A • Game-Based Learning with Genially

In this interactive workshop you will unlock the creative potential of Genially for crafting captivating classroom games. Check out Genially's diverse tools for content creation. Learn how to construct engaging educational games and explore some examples you can use in your room. Please bring either a Chromebook, laptop, or tablet to work on as the editing feature does not work well on cell phones.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Steve MacLellan
 A • Money Mindset

This money mindset presentation will review why we feel the way we feel about money and success and turn your current mindset into a wealth mindset. Steve MacLellan (The Financial Engineer) will help participants increase their relationship with money and their career while reducing stress and anxiety.  Proven, effective, and easy-to-implement investment strategies for teachers will be discussed where signed copies of his book "Grow, Control, and Keep YOUR Money" will be available.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Danielle Gloade
 A • Indigenous Beading

Danielle Gloade, from Millbrook First Nation, comes from a background of both First and Second generation residential school survivors. She will share the inspiring story of her grandmother, Nora Madeline Bernard, who played a pivotal role in leading the largest class action suit in Canadian history, and contributed to REDress initiatives on a global scale. Participants will bead orange shirt pins to honor survivors. The aim is to empower others to be able to facilitate similar activities.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Morrigan MacLean
 A • Qigong

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 required. Specific principles are followed to access a letting go feature in the body. Bring a water bottle and your curiosity. Windows will be open for fresh air and chairs spaced.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Wade VanSnick
 A10  • NSTU Insurance Trustee Information

Wade VanSnick is a Trustee for the Nova Scotia Teachers Union. Through this role he has become proficient in the details of the insurance and benefit programs offered to members through the NSTU. Join Wade in an educational journey of just what is available to all NSTU members to make gains in health and happiness.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Craig Upshaw
 A11  • Hate Crimes

This workshop covers many types of hate. We will discuss hate crimes versus hate incidents, suspect hate and 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, the escalation of trauma based on words, learn to identify when a hate incident should be reported, have an understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada and how charges are applied.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Nicole Blanchard MSW RSW, Clinical Therapist
 A12  • SchoolsPlus NSHA Mental Health & Addictions

Nicole has thoroughly enjoyed working the last 7 years in schools.  She has held previous roles supporting youth, adolescents, and families for over 14 years. She enjoys meeting youth where they are at and removing barriers to accessing services. She sees the value in supporting our educators around various mental health topics to build capacity to support their students and their school community. The workshop will focus on exploring Mental Health Supports for Students in NS.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Holly Blinn
 A13  • Watercolor Painting

Dive into the world of watercolors and unleash your creativity at a hands-on card making workshop. No prior experience required, just bring your curiosity and a desire to unwind. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and with your own beautiful handmade cards.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Shawna-Kay Lawrence
 A14  • H-O-T Conversations: Exploring Pedagogical Practices that Best Support Black Students' Success

As educators, we are responsible for prioritizing our Black students' cultural brilliance, identity, and experiences to help them achieve academic excellence. One way to accomplish this is by creating opportunities for them to share their learning preferences and needs. In this session, we will engage in H-O-T (honest, open, and transparent) conversations and reflect on our practice to support the academic success of Black students.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Helen Boucher
 Full Day Session B  • Painting Session

Helen looks forward to spending the day with you again this year and plans to have several "Christmas themed" patterns available for you to choose from. This will provide the opportunity for you to create your very own hand-painted, ink drawing Christmas cards or to simply have a framed watercolour that can be enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Michelle Harrison
 B • Human Trafficking

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.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Lydia Quinn
 B • Domestic Violence

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. 

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Angus Horsman
 B • Yoga

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 at yogawithangus@gmail.com and please follow Angus' yoga journey on Facebook and Instagram.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Heather Bruce
 B • Surviving Suicide: Grief and Suicide Prevention

Heather Bruce is a suicide survivor with a great passion for suicide prevention. After meeting resistance from well-meaning teachers and administrators, Heather realized that there needs to be better education for teachers about suicide prevention in our schools. After the completion of a safeTALK workshop, Heather put together a variety of resources to aid teachers as they approach suicide conversations with students in a way that will give them assurance and peace.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Susan Muir
 B • Therapy Dogs in the Classroom

Through collaboration Susan and Andrew will provide an overview of the program and explain the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs. They will also share their personal experiences with the program. Then there will be time for questions and answers. Therapy dogs, Murphy and Fearghus will  be there to spread some love and stress relief to whoever wants it.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Sandra Logan
 B • Game-Based Learning with Genially

In this interactive workshop you will unlock the creative potential of Genially for crafting captivating classroom games. Check out Genially's diverse tools for content creation. Learn how to construct engaging educational games and explore some examples you can use in your room. Please bring either a Chromebook, laptop, or tablet to work on as the editing feature does not work well on cell phones.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Steve MacLellan
 B • Money Mindset

This money mindset presentation will review why we feel the way we feel about money and success and turn your current mindset into a wealth mindset. Steve MacLellan (The Financial Engineer) will help participants increase their relationship with money and their career while reducing stress and anxiety.  Proven, effective, and easy-to-implement investment strategies for teachers will be discussed where signed copies of his book "Grow, Control, and Keep YOUR Money" will be available.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Danielle Gloade
 B • Indigenous Beading

Danielle Gloade, from Millbrook First Nation, comes from a background of both First and Second generation residential school survivors. She will share the inspiring story of her grandmother, Nora Madeline Bernard, who played a pivotal role in leading the largest class action suit in Canadian history, and contributed to REDress initiatives on a global scale. Participants will bead orange shirt pins to honor survivors. The aim is to empower others to be able to facilitate similar activities.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Morrigan MacLean
 B • Qigong

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 required. Specific principles are followed to access a letting go feature in the body. Bring a water bottle and your curiosity. Windows will be open for fresh air and chairs spaced.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Wade VanSnick
 B10  • NSTU Insurance Trustee Information

Wade VanSnick is a Trustee for the Nova Scotia Teachers Union. Through this role he has become proficient in the details of the insurance and benefit programs offered to members through the NSTU. Join Wade in an educational journey of just what is available to all NSTU members to make gains in health and happiness.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Craig Upshaw
 B11  • Hate Crimes

This workshop covers many types of hate. We will discuss hate crimes versus hate incidents, suspect hate and 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, the escalation of trauma based on words, learn to identify when a hate incident should be reported, have an understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada and how charges are applied.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Nicole Blanchard MSW RSW, Clinical Therapist
 B12  • SchoolsPlus NSHA Mental Health & Addictions

Nicole has thoroughly enjoyed working the last 7 years in schools.  She has held previous roles supporting youth, adolescents, and families for over 14 years. She enjoys meeting youth where they are at and removing barriers to accessing services. She sees the value in supporting our educators around various mental health topics to build capacity to support their students and their school community. The workshop will focus on exploring Mental Health Supports for Students in NS.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Holly Blinn
 B13  • Watercolor Painting

Dive into the world of watercolors and unleash your creativity at a hands-on card making workshop. No prior experience required, just bring your curiosity and a desire to unwind. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and with your own beautiful handmade cards.

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Shawna-Kay Lawrence
 B14  • H-O-T Conversations: Exploring Pedagogical Practices that Best Support Black Students' Success

As educators, we are responsible for prioritizing our Black students' cultural brilliance, identity, and experiences to help them achieve academic excellence. One way to accomplish this is by creating opportunities for them to share their learning preferences and needs. In this session, we will engage in H-O-T (honest, open, and transparent) conversations and reflect on our practice to support the academic success of Black students.

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Annual General Meeting

Register here!

 Registration Limit: 250 

NAVIGATE   ››   jump to...
 ››   Registration Information
 ››   Location
 ››   Conference Schedule
 ››   Keynote
 ››   Agenda

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