Workshops
Workshop information and a full schedule will be available after June.
Monday,
August 26
Workshop #1
3:10 - 4:10pm
By defining specific roles, providing targeted training, maintaining open communication and setting clear goals, course teachers can maximize the effectiveness of EAs and establish a productive working relationship that benefits student learning.
We will explore common practices to implement these strategies, along with essential communication among key stakeholders, including inclusive Education (IE) or Learning Support (LS) teams, students, parents, Case Managers (CM), Education Assistants (EA) and course teachers both in middle school and grad as well as examples of tracking the level of EA support in different courses.
Join this interactive workshop as we continue the discussion around planning and assessment strategies for Grades 7-9 students. We will focus on individualized learning, exploring options for diverse student needs. Learn effective planning and feedback techniques for non-core subjects, such as second languages, and explore innovative methods for cross-grade and cross-curricular planning. The goal is for teachers to leave this workshop with valuable tools and resources to support comprehensive and engaging learning experiences for Grade 7-9 students while supporting families learning at home.
Classroom teachers! Are you looking for ways to manage your class and foster intrinsic motivation in your students? Join us for a panel discussion with Community Connections and Flex teachers. We’ll share our experiences, including challenges and successes, in creating classroom environments and learning experiences that inspire intrinsic motivation in students.
We are in the age of metamodernism, a time when people live in their multiverse virtual worlds where their truths are unique and unquestioned, and the ideal society is one that protects this life orientation. However, the result of this is despair, increased conflict, lonely and isolated individuals, and the collapse of shared values that hold communities together and maintain their resilience.
Christian learning communities should be, and can be, different. In this presentation, participants will learn more about this way of thinking and, more importantly, how to respond redemptively so they become genuinely compassionate, ‘others-oriented’ communities. These communities will be bound together by shared values and common concerns, preparing them for a renewed universe in which all conflict is ended and every weapon of destruction becomes a tool of construction. This is how we will thrive together in the future.
Tuesday,
August 27
Learning Lab A
1:15 - 2:45pm
In this session we will take some time to reflect on our first year in Brightspace – the good, the bad and the ugly. We will take time to highlight unexpected gifts, acknowledge the continued challenges, and dig in to learn some new tools and tricks to support course delivery and assessment in the coming year. So, whether you are a Brightspace newbie or one of our ‘experienced’ Brightspace teachers, join us to get a renewed sense of how we can and do use Brightspace to serve our students well.
In this informative learning lab, Calvin will guide us through the IE restructuring and outline the future direction of IE. Additionally, the IE Office and Bill Marsh will deliver key messages for IE CMs as we approach the new school year. Gain valuable insights into strategies for retaining IE students. This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the new IE structure with confidence and ease. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us for the third annual Digital Tools Demo Slam! To align with our schoolwide focus, this demo slam will feature digital tools around universal supports (clarity of purpose) and digital communication techniques (thoughtful communication). There will be a wide variety of presenters representing different HCOS divisions and departments, so there will be practical “gold nugget” takeaways for all who attend! Whether you are new to these tools or have years of expertise, you will be inspired by how you can use universal supports and digital communication techniques to connect with others and empower them (and yourself) with digital literacy skills.
Unlock the potential of every student with Proactive and Compassionate Approaches! Join us for an engaging workshop for educators passionate about fostering supportive, understanding, and effective learning environments. This face-to-face workshop, led by a panel of experienced teachers sharing their successes and challenges, will explore the collaborative problem-solving (CPS) model developed by Dr. Ross Greene. Discover and hear stories on how to shift from traditional discipline strategies to a more empathetic, problem-solving approach that empowers both teachers and students.
Wednesday,
August 28
Workshop #2
9:10 - 10:10am
Join us for a workshop designed for K-9 teachers who are passionate about fostering supportive, understanding, and effective learning environments in a home education model. A panel of engaged K-9 teachers will share their successes and challenges as they explore the collaborative problem-solving (CPS) model developed by Dr. Ross Greene. Hear stories, thoughts and strategies on how to shift from traditional discipline models to a more empathetic, problem-solving approach that empowers students, parents, and teachers.
Come be a part of a Professional Learning Community! Meet with like-minded educators to discuss how to best support continuity of learning through the different grade levels. Share resources, ideas, tips and tricks as we learn from each other’s practice and strengthen our own. This will be a jumping off point for collaboration throughout the year.
Tables will include, Humanities: English, Humanities: Socials and Bible, Mathematics, Sciences, Second Language and Electives.
Join Bri Dyck & Friends for an engaging workshop designed to transform your classroom dynamics! “Empowered Classroom Management” focuses on equipping educators with universal supports and effective strategies to boost student attention and engagement. Part of this session will include a panel discussion with Community Connections and Flex staff. We’ll share our experiences, including challenges and successes, in creating classroom environments and learning experiences that inspire intrinsic motivation in students and enhance their ability to attend and engage in class.
Ever feel overwhelmed by your calendar? Join our dynamic calendar management workshop and transform how you organize your time. Learn essential strategies for prioritizing tasks, collaborating with others, and maximizing productivity. In this workshop, Tamika and Karen will share tips and strategies for using digital calendars with Outlook and Google, blocking out time for key activities, balancing work and personal scheduling, and infusing executive functioning skills into your calendar processes. This workshop will equip you with practical tools to streamline your schedule and master your calendar!
Wednesday,
August 28
Learning Lab B
1:45 - 3:15pm
Join us for a Learning Lab focused on the role of IE GAs in developing effective Transition Plans. Discover the reasons why well-written Transition Plans are crucial and the impact they have compared to poorly written ones. Learn about the key elements that should be included in these plans and analyze real case studies. Participants will collaborate in groups to write Transition Plans using shared documents, allowing for the exchange of ideas and feedback. The session will conclude with dedicated time for teachers to refine their own IEP Transition Plans, guided by examples of goal-setting and planning with families. This workshop aims to equip you with practical skills and insights to enhance your transition planning process within your IEP.
Additional training will be provided during this learning lab, which will soon be announced.
Come learn about the new Progress Scheduler and Reporting Widget built specifically for Brightspace. We will walk through the rationale of the tool, highlight some key features, and experiment creating a schedule together. This session is mandatory for anyone who has a course in Brightspace, whether online or face-to-face.
Join David Bootsma, Certified Professional Counsellor, in this learning lab designed to empower office staff with essential skills and strategies for personal and professional growth. Our session is Christ-focused, emphasizing the importance of centering our lives on spiritual principles. We’ll explore practical methods for setting boundaries, managing motivation, and aligning self-expectations to foster a balanced work-life dynamic. Participants will learn effective techniques for reducing stress and mitigating its negative impact. Through interactive discussions, we’ll develop personalized wellness strategies tailored for both office and home office environments, promoting holistic well-being and sustainable productivity.
This session will equip you with essential strategies to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of your students. We will engage with Interior Health to cover necessary training in supporting students with medical alerts. You will learn practical techniques for maintaining a safe classroom environment, handling emergencies, and implementing effective health protocols. Join us to gain the confidence and skills needed to protect and support your students in any situation.
Thursday,
August 29
Workshop #3
10:45 - 11:45am
How can educators support students and families with difficult topics such as racism, hatred, genocide, and prejudice? What is reconciliation viewed through a biblical perspective, and what does walking together toward wholeness and healing look like? Join us for a discussion to ask questions and share your ideas.
Have you ever found yourself scratching your head over an HCOS policy or practice and wished you had the chance to get some clarity? Well, now’s your opportunity! We invite you to join our admin team for an exciting and informative workshop tailored specifically for office staff. This is your chance to dive deep into the ins and outs of our policies and practices, ask those burning questions you’ve been holding onto, and gain valuable insights directly from the experts. Whether you’re curious about specific procedures, need clarification on guidelines, or simply want to better understand how everything works, this workshop is the perfect setting. Please submit questions to any of our panelists or use the registration form to submit your questions.
Middle school science should be an engaging hands-on experience! Come play with acids, bases and cabbage juice indicator. Meet the Periodic People. Gain a deeper understanding of isotopes using Christmas balls and pompoms. Experience the signs of a chemical change in the palm of your hand. Play a Periodic Table Slap Game. Walk away with concrete ideas that use readily available materials to liven up your science classes!
