WORKSHOPS & DESCRIPTIONS

Session A Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase November 3, 3:10pm-4:00pm

A-1     Le CAVLFO qui nous sommes! 

Judith Hoffman, Direction adjointe (CAVFLO)

Mélina Duhaime-Cole,Conseillère en orientation (CAVFLO)

Nous allons présenter qui nous sommes au CAVLFO, Consortium d’apprentissage virtuel de langue française. Nous allons présenter des données et nos différents mandats.

A-2     Exploring Possibilities: Career-Related Learning for Grades 4-6

Dr.Lorraine Godden, FUSION National Lead (Carleton University)

Dr.Stefan Merchant, Adjunct Professor (Queen’s University)

This interactive workshop asks why elementary education should be concerned with career planning, Career planning is about life, learning and work, which concerns everyone and encompasses the learning we undertake from birth throughout life. Through this lens, it is easier to see the importance of thinking about career development in elementary schools. Our project examines what helps children between the ages of 8 to 12 years thrive, and this workshop will equip participants to unpack career-related learning, nurturing and developing foundational skills, the value of a community approach, and where to draw support from the curriculum and the broader career development field.

A-3     PTP and GBC – Transitioning College Students with MID

Aleksandra Popovic, Professor and Project Liaison (George Brown College)

This workshop presents an innovative, integrated, and collaborative delivery model that focuses on transitioning college students with mild intellectual disabilities to the labour market or to further education and training. Partners George Brown College (College Vocational Program/CV) and PTP Adult Learning & Employment Programs will share how the CV certificate program is designed, how integrating employment services into college programming meets student’s needs, and how continued counselling support beyond graduation promotes employment success.

A-4     Helping Students Plan for Postsecondary Pathways

Lindsay Bindman, Stakeholder Engagement Manager (ONCAT)

Andrew Wilson, Director of Technology & Transfer (ONCAT)

What if a student doesn’t get into the school or program they want? What if they realize a school or program isn’t a good fit?  What if they want to go to both college and university? Ontario’s postsecondary transfer and pathway system allows students to transfer between schools, programs, and courses more easily. Unfortunately, many students aren’t aware of their transfer and pathway options. Join experts to open doors for students by learning how to:

• Identify transfer and pathway options
• Access different entry points into a program or school
• Find ways to change programs or switch schools without losing credits
• Combine certificates, diplomas, and degrees

A-5     ChatterHigh: Make Career Ed the Most Important Course in School

Lee Taal, Founder & CEO (ChatterHigh)

TEDx speaker and founder of 2017 EdTech of the Year, will inspire with his unique story about fostering hope and creating adaptable, employable graduates. Discover a set of free, gamified resources, provided by federal organizations:

• 5 different Mental Health courses
• 3 financial literacy activities, designed for youth:

“Learn About Your Taxes” (CRA)

“Money Management & Budgeting” (FCAC)

“Insurance Literacy and Me” (Insurance Institute/Insurance Bureau)

• Embracing Nature’s Climate Solutions (Enviro Canada)
• Industry association modules (e.g. Cyber Security, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Tech Careers)
• $77,500 prize pot in Let’s Talk Careers: Canada’s Most Informed School & Student Competitions

A-6     Electrical Apprenticeship & Continuing Education

Chris Borgia, Education Coordinator (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 353)

Lena Singh, Director (Electrical Apprentice Training Alliance)

This workshop will provide detailed information on the various apprenticeships available through the Electrical Apprentice Training Alliance and the continuing education programs available to Local 353 apprentices and members.

A-7     A Circle of Support – Parents and Caregivers as Partners

Gillian Gray, Parent/Caregiver Mental Health Literacy & Engagement Consultant (School Mental Health Ontario)

Meaningful engagement and collaboration with parents and caregivers is essential in supporting student mental health and well-being. Parents, like guidance educators, are an important part of the circle of support for students. In this workshop, participants will learn more about the foundations of meaningful engagement with parents/caregivers, and ways to work together to support student mental health. Participants will hear about emerging trends and needs that have been identified across the province by both school leaders and parents/caregivers themselves. An overview of culturally responsive and identity-affirming parent/caregiver mental health literacy and engagement resources at SMH-ON will be provided, that can be shared throughout schools and with parents/caregivers.

Session B Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase  November 3, 4:10pm-5:00pm

B-1    Info-UO : Faciliter la recherche sur les universités

Deanna Underwood, Gestionnaire, Communications et événements (Centre de demande d’admission aux universités de l’Ontario, OUAC)

Catherine Brunskill, Spécialiste principale des communications : Recrutement et événements (Centre de demande d’admission aux universités de l’Ontario, OUAC)

Elyse Kay, Spécialiste des communications : Rédactrice (Centre de demande d’admission aux universités de l’Ontario, OUAC)

Compte tenu de la vaste quantité de renseignements disponibles, il peut être parfois difficile pour les élèves de savoir où commencer lorsqu’elles et ils songent à leurs options d’études universitaires. Info-UO s’agit de la seule ressource comprenant des renseignements sur les universités de l’Ontario qui est mise à jour directement par ces dernières.

Apprenez-en davantage sur la façon dont l’OUAC a amélioré Info-UO afin de mieux combler les besoins des élèves d’aujourd’hui, y compris : ajouter une section consacrée à l’équité, à la diversité et à l’inclusion; l’intégration de renseignements destinés aux étudiant(e)s étranger(-ères); et plus encore.

B-2    How to Resolve Complex Conflict & Bullying at School

Kathleen Hilchey, Lead Trainer & Coach (Third Way Conflict Specialists)

Most counselling staff have to deal with complex conflict or bullying situations and usually feel unequipped to resolve them. In this engaging session, you’ll learn a totally new trauma-informed approach to conflict and bullying that will make you immediately more effective in solving complex conflicts. Hilchey has 20 years-experience resolving high-conflict relationships with youth as young as 3 and adults as old as 83 – as an outdoor educator, a teacher, and now a conflict specialist. Participants will leave with new insights to find root causes of behaviour and three crucial conflict management tools to help resolve conflict..

B-3    Brain-Body-Behaviour

Alyson Reid-Larade, Guidance Counsellor (Ottawa Catholic School Board)

This session is designed to empower Guidance Counsellor and Educators to confidently support the mental and emotional health of their students. We will dive into the neuroscience of developing brains and the effective strategies that help support students in states of anxiety, sadness and anger bringing them towards calmness, resilience, confidence and maturity. This session also highlights the prediction and prevention of drug use and self-medicating. In addition, this session focuses on easy, instinctive strategies based on neuroscience that are rooted in brain development principles.

B-4    Guiding the Path: Strategies for Success for Ontario High School Guidance Counsellors

Jennifer Horst, Guidance Department Head (Waterloo Region DSB)

A comprehensive workshop designed to equip guidance counsellors with practical tools for success. Sample topics include effective strategies for onboarding new counsellors, establishing example timelines tailored to secondary guidance roles, and planning engaging student assemblies and parent nights. The workshop also offers valuable insights on fostering collaboration within the guidance department. Attendees will have time for Q&A and will leave with actionable templates and examples of annual timelines, empowering them to adapt and implement strategies that meet the unique needs of their schools. This workshop is particularly valuable for those new to the counselling role.

B-5    Empowering Women in the Skilled Trades

Christa Ray, OYAP Recruiter (Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic DSB)

This workshop aims to highlight young women who have chosen to pursue careers in the trades through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Participants will gain insights into what happens during “life after OYAP” and while addressing challenges, providing resources, and fostering small group discussion. By spotlighting successful women in the field, the workshop will aim to inspire attendees so that they can continue to promote traditionally male-dominated skilled trades as a rewarding career journey for ALL students

B-6    Embracing AI: Educating Future Innovators

Taj Sarin, Founder and Lead A.I. Consultant (Tempus Innovation Corp.)

This workshop demystifies Artificial Intelligence (AI) for educators and students, presenting it as a transformative tool rather than a source of fear. Participants will explore AI fundamentals, its applications in education, and its impact on future job markets. Through interactive tools and case studies, we’ll equip educators to prepare students as creators and innovators in a tech-driven world. Join us to transform apprehension into understanding and empowerment, ensuring our learners are future-ready.

B-7    Navigating the Future: GIS as a Pathway

 Jean Tong, Program Manager K-12 Education (ESRI Canada)

This engaging session unveils the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a cornerstone for academic and professional advancement. Discover how GIS is a pivotal skill set in the digital age that supports decision-making across various industries, including environmental science, urban planning, public health, and beyond. Participants will explore the vast opportunities GIS offers for post-secondary education, including specialized programs and interdisciplinary studies catering to burgeoning careers in technology, science, and data analysis. Join us to chart a course to the future, where GIS knowledge is not just an asset but a gateway to innovation and career excellence.

Session C Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase November 4, 10:30am-11:20am

C-1    Une École Sans Distraction

Julie Cook, Conseillère en orientation (Conseil des Écoles Publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario)

Suite à la mise à jour de la NPP 128, de poursuites judiciaires contre les géants des médias sociaux ainsi que de nombreuses recherches considérant les effets des médias sociaux sur le cerveau de l’adolescent, il devient primordial de nous pencher sur cette problématique. Je présenterai non seulement les recherches les plus récentes mais aussi notre projet d’école, étendu sur trois ans, ayant pour but d’éliminer les distractions causées par les appareils mobiles personnels et d’accroître la capacité d’attention et l’engagement chez nos élèves. Je propose aussi d’intégrer une composante d’échange d’information afin de partager réflexions et questionnements sur le sujet.

C-2       Decoding AI: Helping Students Look Beyond

David Weightman, Teacher Leader (Let’s Talk Science)

Support middle school students in making smart choices about using technologies driven by artificial intelligence (AI). This Let’s Talk Science session will also show you how AI can be used in math, making learning more contextual. You will also learn how to use AI responsibly, encouraging critical thinking and helping students become responsible digital citizens in a world where AI is everywhere.

C-3    Demystifying Accessibility at Post-Secondary: Understanding Students’ Rights and

Responsibilities

Alison Parker, Clinical Manager (Regional Assessment and Resource Centre, RARC)

The regulations governing special education and accommodations for students with disabilities are different in post-secondary than they are in secondary school. Will students’ IEPs be automatically applied in college? Do they need updated disability documentation? Will students be able to get double time or memory aids? This presentation will explain the different legislation for secondary and post-secondary education and how it impacts students. We will explain how to access accommodations at college and university and what changes students can expect. Participants will also receive free transition resources that can be integrated into Careers courses, guidance meetings, and post-secondary information nights.

C-4    Navigating the Challenge of Change

Susan Sweet, Psychologist (School Mental Health Ontario)

This workshop will introduce a ready-made lesson plan to support secondary student transition planning and wellness. Participants will gain familiarity with practical tools that can support students to:

• better understand the impact of transition on mental health and well-being,
• normalize stress related to change,
• increase knowledge needed to care for well-being during times of transition,
• increase understanding of how well-being strategies can support future goals,
• and improve understanding of when mental health concerns exceed those typical of transition and it is time to seek support.

Resources to share with parents and caregivers are also included.

C-5    The SOY Advantage: Transition to the Trades

Lea Valcourt, Director of Workforce Development (Support Ontario Youth)

Linda Alati,Program Manager (Support Ontario Youth)

Helping educators to better understand and navigate the apprenticeship pathway and learn how SOY is positioned to provide transitional support to high school graduates who have identified skilled trades as their post-secondary pathway. SOY is a one stop shop for try a trade bootcamps and trades readiness workshops to help support candidates in their search for apprenticeship opportunities.

C-6    Unveiling a World of Agriculture Career Opportunities

Catherine Mellilo, Program & Resource Manager (AgScape)

Jennifer Wright, Executive Director (CAHRC)

Who works in agriculture? Is it just farmers? Join us as we explore a robust industry, full of incredible career opportunities that ALL educational pathways can lead to! CAHRC is a national non-profit organization and leader in the industry addressing the HR needs of the agriculture industry. CAHRC works closely with industry stakeholders, as a centre for reliable agriculture research such as labour market information and workforce skill development.  For 30+ years, AgScape’s engaging programs and educational resources have been empowering Ontario youth to understand their relationship with food while also igniting interest in the agricultural careers available to them!

C-7    Ontario Colleges Changing the Game

Aaron Shoenmaker, Recruitment Manager (Centennial College/Ontario Colleges)

Learn more about the Ontario College system and just how much it’s evolved over the last few years. You’ll learn more about degrees offered fully within a college campus, about pathways that allow students to mix, match and save money as well as other features you may not have known about.

Session D Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase November 4, 11:30am-12:20pm

D-1    Comment appuyer les élèves qui se dirigent vers l’apprentissage

Caroline Carrière, Coordonnatrice des programmes de transition (Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est Ontarien)

Cet atelier vous permettra de mieux comprendre les étapes afin d’entamer l’apprentissage d’un métier spécialisé. Ces informations vous permettront donc de mieux guider et appuyer les élèves, ainsi que leurs parents, qui se dirigent dans cette voie après le secondaire. De plus, nous vous partagerons différentes ressources qui ont été développées au niveau provincial ou au niveau local par différents recruteurs du PAJO.

D-2       Building Pathways to Success: The Gold Collar Worker

Annemarie Schilling, Department Head of Guidance, Co-operative Ed & Student Success (Durham DSB)

Canada is currently experiencing a drastic skilled trades shortage. This hands-on workshop explores the world of Skilled Trades and the Apprenticeship Pathway. Learn the “nuts and bolts” of Apprenticeships while “getting your hands dirty” with activities geared to engage Grade 6 to 8 learners.

D-3    Anti-Oppressive Practices in Student Services

Andrea Hyde, Student Success Lead & Guidance Counsellor (Halton DSB)

Sahar Monzavi-Bacon, Head of Guidance & Cooperative Education (Halton DSB)

Do you want to find practical ways to put the theory of Anti-Oppression into your daily work? Have you read me and white supremacy by Layla Saad, Cultivating Genius & Unearthing Joy by Gholdy Muhammad and you want to be a change agent at your school? If you are looking for ways to embed learning from Egale, treaty partners, and from other organizations that challenge oppression and celebrate all identities then this is the session for you! We will work to share practices that we have tried, and continue to refine to live out our Anti-Oppressive stance in our service work.

D-4    Right Kind of Wrong: Supporting Students in Purposeful Failure

Jay Gosselin, Founder & Program Director (Discover Year)

Resilience is like a muscle – it needs to be exercised to get stronger. We all understand that some failure is essential for human growth and development. At the same time, we don’t want to encourage our students to make unnecessary, careless mistakes. In this session, we will explore various types of failures and share strategies that can help students to get comfortable with failure while striving for success.

Learning outcomes:

1) Outline different types of failure as identified in research in psychology

2) Explore ways to support students in embracing useful failures and lifelong learning

D-5    The Limitless Potential of a CPA Designation

Ola Agboola, CPA Professional and Student Recruiter (CPA Ontario)

Understand the impact and breadth of transferable skills that can be achieved via the CPA designation, as well as the diverse range of job opportunities that exist. Hear from a CPA professional making a positive impact by leading initiatives they are passionate about. Also, hear how high school students can build hirable skills by being a part of the CPA Ontario community.

D-6    The Three C’s of Success: Colleges, Careers, and Certification

Julia Farner, Manager of Marketing & Communications (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists OACETT)

This panel would focus on STEM career pathways through a college education in engineering technology and how it prepares students for success through experiential learning. Additionally, it would discuss how add-ons like co-op and professional certifications can help augment career opportunities in the engineering technology profession. Our panel would include a college faculty member, possibly a Dean of Technology, a student currently enrolled in an engineering technology program at a local college, a company leader who hires engineering technologists, and an engineering technologist who has found success.

D-7    Improving Online Tools to Transform College Exploration

Vanessa De Luca, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator (OCAS)

In this session, OCAS shares updates on how we’re evolving our online presence for college explorers. We’ll provide insights on the ontariocolleges.ca website refresh, including the new OCAS-Hosted College Events Calendar – a centralized resource for prospective applicants to find and participate in college-related events. We’ll also explore the recently revamped College Trades microsite, making it easier to navigate and providing comprehensive information on skilled trades programs. This session will offer an overview of these developments and invite valuable input and feedback from participants. It’s a great opportunity to stay informed and involved with the latest advancements at OCAS!

Session E Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase November 4, 2:00pm-2:50pm

E-1    Mises à jour du ministère de l’Éducation

Michelle Pilote, Agente du rendement des élèves (Ministère de l’Éducation)

Cette session fournira des mises à jour sur les politiques et les programmes du ministère de l’Éducation.

E-2        Neurographic Art: Promote Focus and Calm

Julie Fantinato, K-12 Safe Schools Advisor and Neurographica Specialist (TCDSB)

Neurographic art is a technique which can involve catharsis, drawing free from lines and rounding. There are many benefits to neurographic art – relieve anxiety, reduce stress, calm the mind and gain clarity. Come create with us.

E-3    Building Safer Schools – Student Led Task Force

David Boshra, Guidance Counsellor (Peel DSB)

Discover the power of student-led initiatives, particularly through senior students in GPP3O and GLC2O classes. Learn how these empowered young leaders spearhead multiple mini initiatives and presentations aimed at combating stress, managing anger, and eradicating bullying. Through innovative strategies, they foster healthier work/study habits essential for academic and personal success. Gain invaluable insights into empowering students as agents of change, creating safer and more supportive school environments. Our role as equity and student wellbeing leads in the building, working with our student body and community to cultivate a culture of respect, resilience, and inclusivity in our educational communities.

E-4    Controlling The Chaos

Barb Shannon, School Social Worker & Private Clinician (Waterloo DSB & Vitality Counselling Services)

Schools have become responsible for so much more than academics, and this additional responsibility is felt heavily by guidance counsellors. In this workshop, I address maintaining work/life balance, how to identify when you’re working harder than the student/family, why it’s important according to research to let kids fail and when counsellors should be recommending outside support for students. This workshop promises to be engaging and to provide real examples and practical strategies to help guidance counsellors focus their energy on the things they can control and to prevent burnout over things they actually can’t control.

E-5    Best Practices for Supporting Applications to US and UK Schools

Dr.Andrea Stoeckl, Director of University Counselling (University of Toronto Schools)

This interactive workshop is targeted toward Grade 10-12 school counsellors. The focus is on sharing current information and best practices in order to better assist students who are considering university applications to the U.K. and U.S. There will be an opportunity for workshop participants to share and ask questions about program planning and available supports. Specifically, guidance on writing counsellor and teacher reference letters, assisting students’ writing and college essays, and looking at suggested application timelines will be provided.

E-6    Preparing Students for a Career in the Skilled Trades

Glenda Rahn, Director of Workforce Development (Merit Open Shop Contractors of Ontario)

This workshop will educate educators on what type of candidate a construction employer is looking to hire and register as an apprentice. I will share information on potential incomes, growth opportunities within companies and why the trades are one of the better options for a fulfilling career right now. As educators, it is important to prepare your students for opportunities in ALL three post -secondary pathways of education including apprenticeship. I will provide resources and training solutions for you and your students. Finally the workshop will include current information on barriers to inclusivity and diversity in the construction sector and why we are not seeing much progress in this area and what needs to change.

E-7    Ministry of Education Updates

Patricia Marino, Education Officer (Ontario Ministry of Education)

This session will provide updates on Ministry of Education policies and programs.