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Association of Teachers of Young Adolescents

 "ATYA"tude is Everything!  

Provincial Conference – Friday, October 25, 2025

Important Notice: There will be lunch provided at the venue this year.
Lunch includes a Roast Turkey Dinner & Dessert. Conference attendees will have the option to choose from a variety of traditional turkey dinner sides. Other lunch options are not available. Please feel free to bring your own lunch if this is not something you wish to partake in.

Registration

 Registration Limit: 275 
No refunds after  Friday, October 10, 2025 

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


Registration Information

NSTU Members
$100.00
Substitute Teachers
$90.00
Pre-Service Teachers
$90.00
Retired Members
$100.00
Affiliates/Other Members
$100.00
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 & Introduction of Keynote Guest (Dr. Christopher Gilham)
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Session
10:15 p.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Break (Foyer—Snacks, Coffee & Tea)
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Workshop A
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch (ProvidedRoast Turkey Dinner)
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Workshop B
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Annual General Meeting (AGMCafeteria)

Keynote

Dr. Christopher Gilham

In this interactive keynote address, we will discuss mental health literacy and the stress response. We will also discuss the practice of over-accommodation and how it might be contributing to perceived anxiety among students. We will then look at an evidence-informed approach to helping students (and the adults around them) respond in healthy ways to anxious feelings and thoughts in students.


Agenda

└ Milford

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Capacity: 300

Dr. Christopher Gilham
 Keynote Session  • Dr. Christopher Gilham
In this interactive keynote address, we will discuss mental health literacy and the stress response. We will also discuss the practice of over-accommodation and how it might be contributing to perceived anxiety among students. We will then look at an evidence-informed approach to helping students (and the adults around them) respond in healthy ways to anxious feelings and thoughts in students.
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
Neighbors, 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

Agnus Horsman
 A3  • 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.

Contact Angus for more details at: Yogawithangus@gmail.com
Follow Angus' yoga journey on Facebook and Instagram
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Davina Melanson
 A4  • De-Escalating Classrooms
We will dive into understanding and addressing challenging classroom behaviors. Insights and strategies will draw from a range of approaches. This workshop will explore preventative measures and effective responses to challenging behaviors in the classroom. While the concepts apply to students of all ages, the session will also offer ideas on how to adapt these strategies for various grade levels. 
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Holly MacDonald
 A5  • Sign Language
After 30+ years of teaching all over Atlantic Canada with APSEA and then in NS with CCRCE, Holly MacDonald now continues to support schools as a Substitute Teacher and assists others in learning. 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! Be prepared to relax, laugh, share and practice.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Danielle Gload
 ALanguage Quilt Construction
A Mi’kmaw educator from Millbrook First Nation who will guide participants to make a language quilt. As a Mi’kmaw woman and language carrier, the Language Quilt is my promise to keep our words alive. Each of the 25 panels shows one Mi’kmaw term in Smith-Francis orthography, its English meaning and a simple illustration. When arranged in a 5x5 grid, these tiles will become a collective vow; each person carries their word forward. A shared living ceremony that we can all be a part of.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Wade Vansnick
 ANSTU Group Insurance
Ever wonder if you can get those new glasses or if you should book that massage? Well Wade Vansnick is the person to answer those questions. Wade offers valuable insight into the NSTU benefits offered to members and can answer all of your questions. Join Wade for a very informative session that will be sure to be useful.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Nicole Blanchard
 ASchools Plus Information Session
Nicole has held various roles within schools, including mental health support and supporting youth and their families for over 15 years. Through her current role, a School Based Clinician with Mental Health and Addictions, she will address and facilitate conversations around supporting today’s youth in classrooms/school environments, including services offered and how to support youth in accessing services, strategies/techniques to incorporate in the classroom. 
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Holly Blinn
 AWatercolor Painting
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 requiredjust 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 you own pace and make each card reflect your personal style.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Melany Day
 A10 Zumba
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! 
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Karen Smith
 A11 Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia
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. Led by Allan Mountford, with over 40 years’ experience with FASD in the schools, Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia (FANS), will highlight strategies to help educators understand FASD, reduce stigma, and create environments where all students can be successful. 
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Gary Foley
 A12 Let’s Jam
Join Mr. G. in a fun and interactive music experience. Come and learn to incorporate singing with developing hands on music accompaniment. Get ready to shake, rattle, and hopefully not roll. At the end, we will come together and share the fruits of our labor. No experience necessary, just bring enthusiasm and positive vibes. This may become something you wish to use in your classroom. Positive communication and relationship building are all pivotal building blocks towards successful learning.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Kiah Matthews
 A13  • Junior Achievement Nova Scotia
JA Nova Scotia is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free programming on financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to students and educators across the province. Join this session for a demonstration of these hands-on activities, how to access more free resources online, how to involve volunteers in your sessions, and a tailored walk through of which programs would best suit your courses this year!
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
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
Neighbors, 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

Agnus Horsman
 B3  • 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.

Contact Angus for more details at Yogawithangus@gmail.com
Follow Angus' yoga journey on Facebook and Instagram
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Davina Melanson
 B4  • De-Escalating Classrooms
We will dive into understanding and addressing challenging classroom behaviors. Insights and strategies will draw from a range of approaches. This workshop will explore preventative measures and effective responses to challenging behaviors in the classroom. While the concepts apply to students of all ages, the session will also offer ideas on how to adapt these strategies for various grade levels. 
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Holly MacDonald
 B5  • Yoga
After 30+ years of teaching all over Atlantic Canada with APSEA and then in NS with CCRCE, Holly MacDonald now continues to support schools as a Substitute Teacher and assists others in learning. 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! Be prepared to relax, laugh, share and practice.
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Danielle Gload
 BLanguage Quilt Construction
A Mi’kmaw educator from Millbrook First Nation who will guide participants to make a language quilt. As a Mi’kmaw woman and language carrier, the Language Quilt is my promise to keep our words alive. Each of the 25 panels shows one Mi’kmaw term in Smith-Francis orthography, its English meaning and a simple illustration. When arranged in a 5x5 grid, these tiles will become a collective vow; each person carries their word forward. A shared living ceremony that we can all be a part of.
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Wade Vansnick
 BNSTU Group Insurance
Ever wonder if you can get those new glasses or if you should book that massage? Well Wade Vansnick is the person to answer those questions. Wade offers valuable insight into the NSTU benefits offered to members and can answer all of your questions. Join Wade for a very informative session that will be sure to be useful.
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Nicole Blanchard
 BSchools Plus Information Session
Nicole has held various roles within schools, including mental health support and supporting youth and their families for over 15 years. Through her current role, a School Based Clinician with Mental Health and Addictions, she will address and facilitate conversations around supporting today’s youth in classrooms/school environments, including services offered and how to support youth in accessing services, strategies/techniques to incorporate in the classroom. 
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Holly Blinn
 BWatercolor Painting
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 requiredjust 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 you own pace and make each card reflect your personal style.
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Melany Day
 B10  Zumba
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! 
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Karen Smith
 B11  Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia
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. Led by Allan Mountford, with over 40 years’ experience with FASD in the schools, Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia (FANS), will highlight strategies to help educators understand FASD, reduce stigma, and create environments where all students can be successful.
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Gary Foley
 B12  Let’s Jam
Join Mr.G in a fun and interactive music experience. Come and learn to incorporate singing with developing hands on music accompaniment. Get ready to shake, rattle, and hopefully not roll. At the end, we will come together and share the fruits of our labor. No experience necessary, just bring enthusiasm and positive vibes. This may become something you wish to use in your classroom. Positive communication and relationship building are all pivotal building blocks towards successful learning.
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Kiah Matthews
 B13  • Junior Achievement Nova Scotia
JA Nova Scotia is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free programming on financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to students and educators across the province. Join this session for a demonstration of these hands-on activities, how to access more free resources online, how to involve volunteers in your sessions, and a tailored walk through of which programs would best suit your courses this year!
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Agenda

└ Full Day Session

10:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Helen Boucher
 Full Day Session  • Painting
This year Helen returns with a new plan! This year 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.

Registration

 Registration Limit: 275 
No refunds after  Friday, October 10, 2025 

NAVIGATE  ››  jump to...
 ››  Registration Information
 ››  Location
 ››  Conference Schedule
 ››  Keynote
 ››  Agenda - Milford
 ››  Agenda - Full Day

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