On Tuesday, February 24th, educators, students, and professionals in the field of education gathered in downtown Toronto for a full day, interactive conference on Safe Schools.
The Canadian Safe School Network is extremely proud to have hosted the 18th Annual Safe Schools Conference. We would like to thank all of those who made the event possible, our planning committee, volunteers, speakers and of course the delegates who joined us to learn, discuss and most importantly create the best possible learning environments for our students.
We were honoured to have the Hon. Liz Sandals with us at the event, and give an opening address to delegates discussing the new changes to sexual education curriculum in Ontario.
Following the opening remarks, our keynote speaker Mary Gordon, founder of Roots of Empathy took the podium and delivered a captivating address on creating kindness and emotionally literate classrooms.
In the student stream, sponsored by TD bank, Keynote speaker Leah Parsons, mother of Rehteah Parsons, gave an emotional account of Rehteah’s story and urged youth to speak out, and stand up for each other. Leah Parsons also applauded the new Ontario curriculum by telling students that they “were lucky that in this province changes are being made.” Leah Parsons on CTV live at the Safe Schools Conference.
As the day progressed, our delegates attended a variety of workshops all pertaining to many aspects of safe schools. Subjects included: dealing with a problem parent, restorative culture, psychological perspectives, student equity, student transitions, homophobia, practices for suspended and expelled students and much more. Some of our workshop presenters included, PREVNet, Toronto Police, and the Toronto Argos.
Our second keynote address was given by Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, of the University of Ottawa. Dr. Vaillancourt offered an insightful look at peer victimization and it’s effects on youth mental health.
We are very happy to have had such an excellent group of presenters, keynote speakers, and exhibitors. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Below are some photos and interviews from the day.
Michael Eisen from Youth Wellness Network speaks to students in the TD student stream.
Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt gives a Keynote address
Wali Shah performs spoken word in the TD Student Stream
Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt
Jason Colero, Founder of the Argos’ Huddle Up Program at the TD student stream
Mary Gordon, Founder of Roots of Empathy gives Keynote address
Mary Gordon, Founder of Roots of Empathy gives Keynote address
Leah Parson speaks to students about her daughter Rehteah at the TD student stream
The Hon. Liz Sandals discusses the new sex-ed curriculum.
Registration, media set-up and the wonderful TD volunteers!