Online Parallel Workshops

A variety of parallel workshops on relevant topics will be offered each day and presenters will share insights and leadership expertise that

  • address key questions and issues in educational leadership
  • provide actionable strategies for school leaders and
  • showcase diverse perspectives and innovative approaches.

Themes

A variety of theme icons

  • Community and Relationship-Based Engagement 

  • Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression 

  • Inclusive and Supportive Instructional Practices 

  • Indigenous Learning 

  • Leadership Development and Coaching 

  • System and School Improvement

  • Well-Being and Resilience

 

Parallel Workshop Schedule

BlockDateTime (EST)
1 November 13 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2 November 14 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 13 (2:45 - 4:00 p.m.)

Leading Mentally Healthy Schools  

Theme: Well-Being and Resilience 

Good mental health is fundamental to a student’s ability to learn, succeed and reach their full potential. School administrators are not expected to have all the answers, but they can create the conditions for the broader school community (students, parents/caregivers, staff, community members) to work together to improve student mental health. Schools in Ontario are well positioned to support student mental health, and principals and vice-principals have a crucial role in leading a purposeful path toward mentally healthy schools.  

This workshop will unpack the recently updated Leading Mentally Healthy Schools ebook to guide evidence-informed and student-centred leadership moves to support mental health and well-being. Principals and vice-principals will be led through their access to Ontario content and resources to support leadership growth in mental health literacy and action planning.  

Judith Desjardins, Retired Principal/School Mental Health School Leadership Consultant, School Mental Health Ontario 

Toni Lauzon, Implementation Coach/Equity, Reconciliation, Leadership and Integration Lead; Clinician, School Mental Health Ontario 
Making Leadership Learning Count:  

A Flourishing Approach to Leadership Development  
Theme: Leadership Development and Coaching 

Given the increasingly demanding and complex work of leaders, is it possible to support the development of a rich set of leadership competencies while nurturing personal well-being? Come imagine and explore the possibility of engaging in leadership learning opportunities that will support participants to flourish as leaders across a multitude of dimensions. 

Participants will learn how to become a critically thoughtful decision maker with the capacity to coach themselves and others to success by applying a current and relevant researched-based set of leadership competencies. This session will lead participants on a leadership learning journey that puts them at the center, respects their personal learning needs and offers practical ideas that can transfer to the learning of teachers and students. 

Laura Gini-Newman, Flourish Co./ Retired Educator (School Success Planning Coordinator) 

Mary Nanavati, Flourish Co./Retired Principal

Friday, November 14 (10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

Durham District School Board Anti-Oppression Strategy:  

Centering Human Rights and Equity 

Theme: Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression 

This workshop will provide participants the opportunity to explore the Durham District school board’s Anti-Oppression Strategy through a universally designed and interactive workshop that includes a mix of small and large group discussion. Attendees will gain insight into  

  • how we demonstrate our commitment to upholding human rights 

  • how the strategy supports the priorities of our district and  

  • how we monitor and measure the impact of the Anti-Oppression Strategy on students, families and staff through an intersectional approach. 

Jackie Leacock, System Principal, Durham District School Board 

Sean McCormack, System Principal, Durham District School Board 
Trauma-Informed Practice for School Leaders 

Theme: Well-Being and Resilience 

This workshop introduces participants to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), epigenetics and the neuroscience behind trauma and resilience. The key learning objectives are to  

  • provide information about how to identify trauma-impacted students in the school or classrooms and  

  • how to respond with evidence-based responses and strategies.  

Sample tools and templates will be shared that can be adapted for use by educators and school leaders. 

Anne Marie McDonald, Principal, Lakehead District School Board