MPTCA 2025: Full Schedule

Greetings and a warm welcome to the 2025 Mighty Peace Teachers’ Convention!

Convention will be held at Charles Spencer High School (CS) and St. Joseph Catholic High School (SJ), with some off-site sessions as well.

MPTC Wifi password: Mighty2025

Here are a few key points to get you started:

Keeping informed about MPTC 2025- The most up to date information is posted on our website and in our Facebook Group. Keep an eye on our posts and emails for upcoming social events, speakers, and contests. These opportunities will provide valuable insights, resources, and networking possibilities.
Read the February Newsletter.
Build your schedule - Be sure to read the descriptions!: Please note that adding a session to your schedule DOES NOT guarantee you a seat in the room. We allow attendees to select multiple sessions per time slot when creating their schedule to allow for maximum flexibility on the day of Convention. All sessions are first come, first served, unless otherwise stated in the session description. Some sessions are double sessions and some require pre-registration and may have a fee to cover costs of materials. Please read and follow the instructions in the descriptions. We are excited to include several off-site sessions this year, so be sure to check the location as well.

3. New schedule - There are four time slots when sessions are held on each day. Sessions are 70 minutes long and there is 20 minutes between sessions to allow time to get to the other venue(s) if necessary.
Session 1: 9am-10:10am
Session 2: 10:30am-11:40am
Lunch 11:40am-12:40pm
Session 3: 12:40pm-1:50pm
Session 4: 2:10pm-3:20pm

Teachers’ Conventions are organized by volunteer teachers from each of the participating locals.
If you are interested in joining the MPTCA Board, please contact your local president.

9:00am MST

Basics of American Sign Language DOUBLE SESSION

Thursday March 6, 2025 9:00am - 11:40am MST

CS 206

Post-Convention Survey

We will examine the basics of American Sign Language: what sign language is and its cultural origins. A basic review of fingerspelling, alphabet and greetings will also be briefly reviewed. This session is only a brief introduction to ASL and is suitable for beginners, looking to learn some ASL and find a few ways to use it in a classroom.

Session Objectives:
1. Learn alphabet and a few basic signs in ASL
2. Build an understanding of Deaf Culture

Speakers

Alina Ovsiy

FSL/ASL Teacher, Peace Wapiti Academy, PWPSD No 76

I am a language enthusiast, currently in my 8th year of teaching Languages for PWPSD in Grande Prairie. In my education journey, my previous goal was to become an Interpreter in Ukraine at National Aviation University, in Kyiv. Having immigrated from Ukraine in 2011, I have been privileged... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 9:00am - 11:40am MST
CS 206 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

10:30am MST

Out of the Box and Into the Barnyard

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

CS 163

Post-Convention Survey

Got Goats?
Join Teaching-Principal Jennifer Daniel on her journey into agricultural education. Jennifer has led a variety of agriculture and farm-to-table activities and projects with her students in a K-12 school setting. She will share some of the highlights from these projects and lessons learned (sometimes the hard way!). Participants will leave the session with a "blueprint for failure," because this is how we learn! Jennifer will also highlight the wide range of curriculum outcomes addressed in her projects and how student voice and choice have empowered students to personalize and take ownership of their learning.

Session Objectives:
1. Teachers will gain insights into how to incorporate agriculture and food systems education into the curriculum, helping students connect with where their food comes from.
2. Educators will learn how to implement PBL effectively by engaging students in hands-on, real-world activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
3. Participants will be encouraged to embark on learning activities and create environments that spark joy and bring calm to our often chaotic world, fostering a sense of fulfillment for both students an

Speakers

Jennifer Daniel

Principal Worsley Central, PRSD

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
CS 163 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

Administration, Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Curriculum & Pedagogy, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education, Language Arts, Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Science | Division 1/ Grades 1-3, Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Curriculum & Pedagogy, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education, Language Arts, Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Science | Division 2/ Grades 4-6, Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Curriculum & Pedagogy, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education, Language Arts, Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Science | Division 3/ Grades 7-9, Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Curriculum & Pedagogy, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education, Language Arts, Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Science | Division 4/ Grades 10-12, Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Curriculum & Pedagogy, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education, Language Arts, Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Science

10:30am MST

Engaging the Disengaged

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

SJ GYM

Post-Convention Survey

“Is this going to be on the test?” “Do I have to do that?” Motivation and engagement are critical factors in helping our students find success in school. This session will feature simple ways to keep students actively plugged into teaching efforts. Participants will learn how to facilitate lessons that help students not only pay better attention in class, but also better retain the content being taught.
Download the handout below.

Speakers

Dan St. Romain

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
SJ GYM 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

10:30am MST

ᑕᐯᐧᐃᐧᐣtapwewin: Dismantling Anti-Indigenous Racism

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

CS MOD 9

Post-Convention Survey

This introductory workshop will encourage educators to critically reflect on concepts such as systemic racism and assimilation. Historical and contemporary examples of anti-Indigenous racism will be explored, and participants will be challenged to consider their own role in dismantling anti-Indigenous racism. Educators will leave with a foundational understanding of anti-racism with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, and will also be equipped with suggested resources for further learning. Note that portions of this workshop may be difficult for some participants, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and/or those who have experienced racism.

Session Objectives:
1. Understand and dismantle systemic racism and assimilation

Speakers

Cassandra Mercer

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
CS MOD 9 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

10:30am MST

Off-Campus Coordinator PLC

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

SJ 135

Post-Convention Survey

This session will allow off-campus coordinators to discuss current trends and issues. I will try to bring in other speakers from Careers, Green Certificate, etc.

Session Objectives:
1. Further knowledge of off-campus education
2. Discuss and learn from colleagues about current issues
3. Sharing of best practices

Speakers

Scott Randall

Off-Campus Coordinator/Sr. high English, Glenmary School

Scott Randall is an award winning Off-Campus Coordinator and Sr High English teacher at Glenmary School. In his spare time, Scott is an independent recording artist. He also volunteers his time as a music minister at church and school sports coach. He enjoys playing music festivals... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
SJ 135 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

12:40pm MST

How to Foster Effective Relationships?

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST

CS MOD 6

Post-Convention Survey

The number one LQS, TQS, and SLQS is Fostering and building Effective Relationships. Yes, but how? Is it hard to foster effective relationships sometimes? Why? In this session, Leaders of learning will unpack practical and immediate applicable skills and strategies that will positively impact our relationships, and instantly create rapport with our colleagues. It is important to remember that people have different behaviour styles, but within these differences, we all have strengths. Therefore, we need to capitalize on these strengths, and adjust our message to increase our daily effectiveness. In this session, based on the platinum rule (treat people the way they want to be treated), leaders of learning with explore how to create a quicker, deeper, and longer lasting rapport with others.

Session Objectives:
1. #1 TQS, LQS, and SLQS

Speakers

Rania Eshak

Rania is an award winning High School Teacher, she received the excellence in teaching award 2016. Rania is a passionate educator who taught French for over 15 years with ECSD. She has a bachelor of Secondary Education, and a master's degree both from University of Alberta.

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST
CS MOD 6 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

Administration, Counselling & Student Support, Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Fostering Effective Relationships, Inclusive Education, School Leadership | Division 1/ Grades 1-3, Counselling & Student Support, Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Fostering Effective Relationships, Inclusive Education, School Leadership | Division 2/ Grades 4-6, Counselling & Student Support, Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Fostering Effective Relationships, Inclusive Education, School Leadership | Division 3/ Grades 7-9, Counselling & Student Support, Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Fostering Effective Relationships, Inclusive Education, School Leadership | Division 4/ Grades 10-12, Counselling & Student Support, Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Fostering Effective Relationships, Inclusive Education, School Leadership | Pre-K/ K, Counselling & Student Support, Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Fostering Effective Relationships, Inclusive Education, School Leadership

12:40pm MST

Positive Behaviour Principles

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST

SJ GYM

Post-Convention Survey

Although behaviours in the school system have changed a great deal in the past few decades, our strategies for supporting those behaviors have not. By examining all the information we have learned about the brain, we are in a better position to design effective interventions. In this fast-paced session, participants will learn nine principles for positively shaping the behavior of our students.
Download the handout below.

Speakers

Dan St. Romain

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST
SJ GYM 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

12:40pm MST

Where do I belong?

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST

CS 206

Post-Convention Survey

This session will examine some ideas and important things to consider when working with students, both immigrants and refugees of first and second generations. Note that some triggering topics may come up. Some review of literature and personal stories of the presenter and authors/psychologists will be included. Please come prepared to collaborate and ask questions.

Session Objectives:
1. Build an understanding and empathy towards all learners.
2. Learning and creating strategies with cross-cultural components that can be utilized in the classroom.
3. Supporting learners embrace their diverse cultural heritage.

Speakers

Alina Ovsiy

FSL/ASL Teacher, Peace Wapiti Academy, PWPSD No 76

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST
CS 206 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

12:40pm MST

FULL! Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED - DOUBLE SESSION

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 3:20pm MST

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

Post-Convention Survey

Join us at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum for a guided tour of the gallery, paleontology lab, and collections area with our paleontology team! Teachers will hear firsthand about the Pipestone Creek Bonebed, one of the world’s densest dinosaur deposits right in Grande Prairie’s backyard. Our team will take you through our lab and explain how fossils are collected, prepared, and curated, and what happens to the specimens that don’t go on display. This is your chance to see real dinosaur skin and touch a tyrannosaur tooth! Participants will have a chance to meet ‘Big Sam’, a dinosaur skull weighing over 1000 lbs that were collected from the Pipestone Creek Bonebed last September. The tour will end with time to explore the gallery and visit our school programming table. If you are looking for classroom resources, visit our gift shop for educational games and resources.

Vendors

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

Programs Manager, Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

Ask out Palaeontology and Science Educators how we can support you with your students learning goals. We have a wide range of curriculum-based programming available for local and schools out fo the region.

Thursday March 6, 2025 12:40pm - 3:20pm MST
Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

2:10pm MST

FASD - Transforming Behaviours into Success!

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm MST

SJ 142

Post-Convention Survey

Are challenging behaviours distracting from the overall success of your classroom? We will identify a few "tricks of the trade" when working with students with the common disorder of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Learn to easily interpret 'challenging' behaviours in a different light while discovering new strategies that will benefit all students.
Come to this fun and interactive session with specific questions. There will be opportunities for discussion and engagement. By the end of this session, you will have a refreshed mindset that will prepare you to tackle the most challenging situations.

Session Objectives:
1. The learner will be able to apply their knowledge in the classroom about specific strategies regarding dysregulation, sensory processing, executive functioning, etc.
2. The learner will be able to identify and understand symptoms that students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder may display.
3. The learner will be able to apply new strategies to further increase the overall success and enjoyment within their classroom.

Speakers

Jen Duperron-Trydal

WRaP 2.0 FASD Instructional Coach, NW Peace FASD Network

Jen Duperron-Trydal is the WRaP 2.0 FASD Instructional Coach for the Northwest Peace FASD Network. Jen has over 20 years experience working with individuals with FASD and has been employed with the FASD Network since 2014 (involved particularly with FASD diagnostics). During this... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm MST
SJ 142 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

2:10pm MST

Plurilingual Approach to Learning

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm MST

CS 206

Post-Convention Survey

Have you ever considered letting students use their native or learned languages in your classroom? How would it work and how can we inspire other to learn more languages, while supporting individuality and diversity in our classrooms? This session will attempt to help you encourage students to not only participate and draw connections to their existing languages but also encourage others to want to learn a language in the future. Some ideas of strategies to implement in the classroom will be provided.

Session Objectives:
1. Build an understanding and empathy towards all learners.
2. Learning and creating a toolbox of plurilingual strategies to reflect the tendencies of migrations in the world
3. Promoting metalinguistic awareness and teaching students to build connections with prior knowledge.

Speakers

Alina Ovsiy

FSL/ASL Teacher, Peace Wapiti Academy, PWPSD No 76

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm MST
CS 206 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

2:10pm MST

The Power of Story: Living a StoryCentric Life

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm MST

SJ 145

Post-Convention Survey

Ever since we scratched symbols on a cave wall, we ve been learning how to communicate through the art of story. It s a universal truth that we learn through storytelling, by recognizing the experiences of others, and learning important lessons that stretch beyond the cautionary tales of stealing porridge from bears. This session is an engaging and interactive deep dive into the art of story, including the 3-act structure of life, and how to become the master of your own story through intentional interactions and an unwavering sense of perseverance.

Session Objectives:
1. Storytelling is the best way to communicate and inspire positive change.
2. It can be used to improve professional and personal relationships, to share success stories and lessons learned, and to foster a culture of openness and creativity.
3. This keynote teaches anyone and everyone how to live life in a StoryCentric way.

Speakers

Andrew Buckley

Author/Speaker/Creator

Today, he’s a traditional and self-published novelist of rather silly, yet enjoyable speculative fiction for all ages, a comic book writer, screenwriter, podcaster, creator, and speaker. For over 20 years, he’s worked in the dreaded world of marketing as a content creator, copywriter... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm MST
SJ 145 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

Administration, Counselling & Student Support, Inclusive Education | Division 1/ Grades 1-3, Counselling & Student Support, Inclusive Education | Division 2/ Grades 4-6, Counselling & Student Support, Inclusive Education | Division 3/ Grades 7-9, Counselling & Student Support, Inclusive Education | Division 4/ Grades 10-12, Counselling & Student Support, Inclusive Education | Pre-K/ K, Counselling & Student Support, Inclusive Education

9:00am MST

How to Help Students with Anxiety, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and Autism

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am MST

SJ GYM

Post-Convention Survey

These may all seem like very different issues, but there are simple strategies that teachers can use to help students who struggle with any of these. Many teachers are feeling lost in how to teach students who are struggling. They don t need more information, but practical tools that allow them to engage students like this on a daily basis. This session will give the background they need to know about how these students work, as well as 5 practical tools that will result in the teacher feeling more confident and successful in reaching their students who are struggling.

Session Objectives:
1. Student engagement
2. Teacher understanding of these mental health concerns
3. Improved academics

Speakers

Connie Jakab

CEO, Jakab Co.

Connie Jakab is a Speaker, Author, and the CEO of the Jakab Co. She has been working in mental health and resilience for over 25 years in schools, researching how to bring students falling through the cracks closer. She is also the author of the Bring Them Closer series for parents... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am MST
SJ GYM 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

10:30am MST

Communication Skills to Disarm Angry Parents

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

SJ GYM

Post-Convention Survey

Working with parents can be tricky. In this session, teachers and administrators will learn four key communication skills that can disarm heated discussions, resolve conflicts, and create a collaborative approach to student academic success.

This session identifies traps that can needlessly escalate anger or large emotions and teaches a six-step Empowerment Model communication approach that allows for collaboration, responsibility, and clear, disarming communication.

Session Objectives:
1. Student engagement
2. Communication
3. School culture

Speakers

Connie Jakab

CEO, Jakab Co.

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
SJ GYM 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

10:30am MST

Autism 101

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

CS 232

Post-Convention Survey

Autism 101 gives the opportunity to gain a basic overview of autism and neurodiversity. It is an introduction to what autism is and gives information on how autistic individuals may interact with others and the world around them. More specifically, the presentation covers the following topics:
Overview of Autism
Characteristics of Autism
How Sensory Processing Works
Sensory toolbox
Language to Use
Introduction to Visual Supports

Session Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to use the information about learning characteristics to inform how they would work and interaction with Autistic youth.
2. Participants will be able to identify areas in their own understanding of Autism
3. Participants will be able to take the information and use it to inform teaching practices.

Speakers

Douglas Parsons

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
CS 232 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

10:30am MST

Beyond 20/20-Visual Acuity is not enough

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

SJ 143

Post-Convention Survey

Many people associate 20/20 with perfect vision. However, vision is much more complex than how we can see. We use many visual skills daily, over 17 different visual skills. Deficits in visual skills are often overlooked, but they can significantly disrupt reading and learning. In this session, we will dive deep into all the visual skills. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the visual system and be able to recognize when a vision problem may be holding a child back.

Session Objectives:
1. Understand the main categories of visual skills and their functions
2. Understand the symptoms that will surface from each type of visual skills deficit
3. Ability to recognize the signs of a vision problem in a student

Speakers

Chantelle Duinker

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
SJ 143 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

Administration, Inclusive Education, Health & Wellness | Division 1/ Grades 1-3, Inclusive Education, Health & Wellness | Division 2/ Grades 4-6, Inclusive Education, Health & Wellness | Division 3/ Grades 7-9, Inclusive Education, Health & Wellness | Division 4/ Grades 10-12, Inclusive Education, Health & Wellness | Pre-K/ K, Inclusive Education, Health & Wellness

10:30am MST

Witness Blanket - Voices of Residential School Survivors

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

CS MOD 8

Post-Convention Survey

The Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art. It contains hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and both traditional and cultural structures from across Canada. Witnessblanket.ca invites visitors to explore objects from the blanket and hear directly from survivors about their experience. This session will introduce participants to witnessblanket.ca and discuss how incorporate a trauma informed approach in bring voices of residential school survivors in the classroom. Additionally, educators will learn how to walk alongside their students in taking the next steps on their pathway of reconciliation.
www.witnessblanket.ca

Session Objectives:
1. Participants will learn about free programs to support their teaching,
2. Participants will learn more about the Witness Blanket and incorporating Indigenous pedagogy.

Speakers

Sarah Adomako-Ansah

Manager, Education Outreach, Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Sarah Adomako-Ansah is a graduate of the University of Alberta, B. Ed (’13). She is a former teacher with the Edmonton Catholic School Division, teaching grades three through six from 2013 until 2021. She was the Division’s first Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Consultant... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
CS MOD 8 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

10:30am MST

Teaching Neurodiverse Students in an Inclusive High School Classroom

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

SJ 232

Post-Convention Survey

How do we approach our teaching in a way that reaches today's students? Neurodiversity is being discussed more, understood more, and diagnosed more. Combined with the demands of the curriculum, meeting the needs of students with a wide variety of neurotypes is a complex challenge. This session will briefly overview neurodiversity and disability before sharing my approach to creating a neuro-inclusive classroom and learning experience. This combines theory from my Master's program with my experience of nearly 20 years teaching math, science, and CTS. Most importantly, it shares the reasoning for my approach to teaching students in the classroom, putting disability at the forefront of my decisions.

Session Objectives:
1. Describe neurodiversity and models of disability
2. Apply teaching and assessment methods in order to create an inclusive classroom in a high school class

Speakers

Chris Wudarck

I teach Math and Legal Studies at GP Composite High School. I'm in the process of completing my masters at U of L, focusing on curriculum and assessment. I love learning, and I love math :)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
SJ 232

12:40pm MST

Growth Mindset in the Classroom - Learn from an Olympian

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST

CS 223

Post-Convention Survey

I can't do that YET! How can teachers help introduce and incorporate a growth mindset into their classroom culture? Turnkey and concrete examples will be explored, giving you tools and strategies to use right away and throughout the school year to build perseverance and hope in your students. Co-presented by a Mighty Peace teacher and an Olympic athlete.

Session Objectives:
1. Gain concrete tools and strategies to bring back to your classroom for immediate use
2. Understand how to inspire growth mindset in your students through real life examples
3. Discover how Olympic athletes stay focused on their goals despite obstacles, and how this translates to your students

Speakers

Andrea Dion

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST
CS 223 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

12:40pm MST

Playful Learning: From Cradle to Career

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST

SJ GYM

Post-Convention Survey

Discover the transformative power of play in education at every stage of life. This keynote explores how playful learning fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional resilience from early childhood through adulthood. Emphasizing the importance of children being in the flow while they play, we will delve into how this state of deep engagement enhances learning and development. Learn how integrating play into your teaching strategies can enhance student engagement, support lifelong learning, and prepare individuals for the challenges of the modern world. Join us to unlock the potential of play and make learning an enjoyable journey for all ages.

Session Objectives:
1. Educators will explore how play fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional resilience from early childhood through adulthood.
2. Educators will learn strategies to help children achieve flow states during play, enhancing their engagement and learning outcomes.
3. Educators will develop methods to incorporate playful learning into their teaching practices, making education enjoyable and effective for all age groups.

Speakers

Dominic Tremblay

Education Consultant, Dominic P. Tremblay, Education Consultant

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST
SJ GYM 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

12:40pm MST

Substance Use and Mental Health - What Educators Can Do To Help Students

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST

SJ 272

Post-Convention Survey

Students who are stuck in a loop of substance use can be helped. How can educators and administrators help them, and how does this impact mental health? In this session, participants will learn a 6 step change model to lead students in a trauma informed method to see students move away from substance use and improve their mental health.

Session Objectives:
1. Student engagement
2. Mental Health/substance use recovery
3. Improved academics

Speakers

Connie Jakab

CEO, Jakab Co.

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm MST
SJ 272 10520 68 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB

Administration, Counselling & Student Support, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education | Division 3/ Grades 7-9, Counselling & Student Support, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education | Division 4/ Grades 10-12, Counselling & Student Support, Health & Wellness, Inclusive Education

12:40pm MST

Autism 201 DOUBLE SESSION

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 3:20pm MST

CS 232

Post-Convention Survey

During this presentation, we dive deeper into what Autism is and share practical strategies that can help you interact with and support autistic individuals. The presentation also covers the strengths and challenges experienced by many autistic people and how to respond to create accommodating environments. Lastly, we unpack what might trigger a meltdown and how to help de-escalate a situation.

Autism 201 is a follow up session to Autism 101. Attendance in the Autism 101 class is advised but not necessary for Autism 201 as there is a review component. By joining this session, you will be able to:
• Expand your knowledge of Autism
• Dive Deeper into Common Autism characteristics and how you can support
• Identify the impact of sensory differences and respond to the sensory needs of autistic individuals
• Explore environmental accommodations
• Learn about co-existing disabilities
• All behaviour is a form of communication
• Discuss meltdowns including triggers, relationships recovery and repair as well as de-escalation techniques

Speakers

Douglas Parsons

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 3:20pm MST
CS 232 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB