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JH/SH: ECSD DWPD Mini Conference April
Thursday, April 17
 

12:30pm MDT

Registration Check-in (all participants please register for this session)
Thursday April 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Father Michael McCaffery
Thursday April 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Father Michael McCaffery

1:15pm MDT

Opening Keynote
Thursday April 17, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm MDT
Gymnasium
How can we transform cultural differences into a foundation for civic unity and social trust while fulfilling our responsibilities as educators and engaged citizens? This discussion is grounded in real-life experiences and practical perspectives.
Speakers
avatar for Nataliia Dydyna

Nataliia Dydyna

Intercultural Liaison, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Thursday April 17, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm MDT
Gymnasium
  All Participants

2:00pm MDT

Reporting on Assessments in Diverse Classrooms
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
210
Session Materials
Diversity is the norm in our classrooms; therefore, we can leverage different approaches to ensure accurate and meaningful assessment for all students, including embracing UDL principles, providing accommodations, and using adapted programming.  But how do we ensure that our PowerTeacher Pro gradebook both reflects the supports students are accessing and is set up in a way that enables flexible assessment practices?  This session will connect UDL, accommodations, and adaptations to the reporting that happens in PowerTeacher Pro.
Speakers
avatar for Lori Arksey

Lori Arksey

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
avatar for Kiara Smyth

Kiara Smyth

Curriculum and Assessment Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Kiara is passionate about assessment and getting students engaged in the process of learning!  With a high school humanities background, she also loves to talk literature and current events.  Outside of work, her favourite activity is traveling the world, but when she's closer to... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
210
  Assessment

2:00pm MDT

How to integrate Career and Passion Connections into all classes, without sacrificing time or curriculum! LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
230
Session Materials
Are you passionate about the courses you teach and eager to make the material more meaningful for your students? Do you want to inspire them to see how what they’re learning applies to their futures? We understand the challenges: the curriculum is packed, time is tight, and ensuring they meet learning objectives is always the priority.

In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to seamlessly integrate real-world careers and passions into your teaching—without sacrificing curriculum goals. Using examples from a variety of grade 7-12 courses, you’ll learn how to subtly and consistently connect what you’re teaching to how students can use it beyond the classroom. Join us to reimagine how we inspire our students while keeping the curriculum front and center and not losing any time!
Speakers
avatar for Phill Scott

Phill Scott

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Philip Scott has been in Education for over 20 years (well, closer to 30 now), proving that teachers don't get to fully graduate! In his current role as a consultant with Edmonton Catholic as a Careers Specialist, he's constantly juggling opportunities to support staff and students... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
230
  Careers

2:00pm MDT

Quick and Practical 3D Design with Autodesk Fusion LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
127
Learn the basics of 3D design with this hands-on, practical introduction to Autodesk Fusion. This session focuses on the essential skills to create functional, dimensionally accurate 3D parts, and how Fusion Team for Education enables whole classes to learn and collaborate together. Participants will learn the tools and techniques to get started without delving into the extensive features of Fusion. Whether you are new to 3D design or seeking a streamlined approach, this session provides a clear, time-effective pathway to success.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Yakimets

Megan Yakimets

CTF/CTS Consultant, Learning Services, ECSD
Megan enjoys supporting ECSD teachers and students through her role as CTF/CTS consultant.  She has taught a variety of subject areas including Fashion Studies, Foods, Comm. Tech., Math, English, WIN, Art, and Religion.  Please feel free to contact Megan via division email.
avatar for Daniel Paquin

Daniel Paquin

CTF/CTS Consultant, Learning Services, ECSD
Daniel has taught physics and electro-technologies with ECSD for over 10 years. He now supports CTF and CTS programming across the Division in his role as consultant. Please feel free to contact Daniel through Division email.
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
127
  CTF/CTS

2:00pm MDT

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Embracing Unity and Diversity LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
236
Session Materials
In this session, teachers will deepen their understanding of culture, while exploring principles of culturally responsive teaching that promote equity, connection, and engagement. Through discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn strategies for fostering inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and enhance relationships within classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Angelica Tan

Angelica Tan

English as an Additional Language Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division
Angelica Tan is an Elementary English as an Additional Language Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Growing up as a multilingual learner, she developed a deep passion for languages. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta, majoring in French... Read More →
avatar for Jacqueline Werstiuk

Jacqueline Werstiuk

Secondary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Jacquie Werstiuk has over 30 years teaching and consulting experience with ECSD and earned her Masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the UofA in 2014. For the past 8 years as an EAL Consultant, Jacquie has worked with ECSD high schools to program for and support... Read More →
avatar for Devin Austin

Devin Austin

Elementary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Devin Austin, a forward-thinking K-12 Elementary EAL consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, sharing his skills in diverse capacities since 2011. He loves globe-trotting, keeping abreast of the newest tech innovations, and moments with his family. Devin is deeply committed to enhancing... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
236
  EAL

2:00pm MDT

Language in Action: Engaging Students and Language Learners Through Thinking Routines and Communication LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
306
Session Materials
In this professional learning session, educators will explore practical strategies for integrating language supports into thinking routines to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Participants will learn how to scaffold academic language, and be provided with tools that help students articulate their ideas clearly and confidently. The session will focus on making thinking routines accessible to all learners, including English language learners and students in language programs by leveraging targeted language strategies that promote deeper thinking and collaborative learning (all materials shared will be provided in both French and English).
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Winters

Stephanie Winters

French Immersion Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Stephanie is a Saskatchewan transplant and a product of french immersion who found herself in Edmonton to continue her passion of learning in French at Campus St-Jean. Throughout her 14 years years at ECSD, she's loved working with students and teachers to help them see the wonderful... Read More →
avatar for Vanessa Gavin

Vanessa Gavin

Secondary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Vanessa Gavin is an EAL Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has a background in teaching junior high and high school math and science, which has given her a unique perspective on language learning potential across different content areas. Vanessa believes in empowering... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
306
  EAL/French Immersion

2:00pm MDT

Courageous Conversations with Students LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
208
Session Materials
Student learning is impacted by their ability to be included, feel safe and have a sense of belonging.  In this session we will explore a framework for courageous conversations about inclusion, human dignity and the common good.  Join us to dive into strategies to help students understand what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God and what it means to be a person in a relationship with others.  Participants will be provided with key strategies that help students of all abilities thrive in their environment alongside their peers.
Speakers
avatar for Shireen Mohammed

Shireen Mohammed

EDIAR Specialist, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Shireen has been in education for 30+ years as a teacher, consultant, counsellor, and assistant principal.  She is truly passionate about students and how we can improve our practices to fully support them in all areas of their lives. Shireen is originally from Trinidad which is... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
208
  EDIAR

2:00pm MDT

UDL Strategies in High School English Language Arts LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
233
In this hands on interactive session, participants will be invited to consider the use of manipulatives and games in the high school ELA classroom. This session explores how cards serve as manipulatives to support Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Participants will experience hands-on strategies for using Canva to create cards to scaffold analysis, model writing structures, and foster discussion, making English class more accessible and dynamic for all students. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas adaptable to any text, grade level, or learning goal.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Ochoa Whelan

Erin Ochoa Whelan

English Consultant (10-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division
Erin Ochoa Whelan has been a high school English teacher for 20 years and currently works for Edmonton Catholic Schools as a high school English Curriculum Consultant.
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
233
  English

2:00pm MDT

Humanities Essential Academic Terms and Skills (HEATS) LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
333
Session Materials
This session will provide teachers with structure, resources, and activities to help engage their students in the understanding and competency of sixteen common skills and terms found in the Junior High Humanities curricula. The HEATS project addresses essential skill-building by providing clarity to these terms/skills for all learners and by engaging them in meaningful opportunities to practice and develop the skills. The overall goal is for our students to become more competent and confident thinkers in any discipline or area of life.
Speakers
avatar for Carolyn Fenrich

Carolyn Fenrich

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Carolyn is a book worm with a love of the outdoors. She works as the Junior High Curriclum Consultant for Language Arts for Edmonton Catholic Schools and is a strong believer in collaboration as a means for engaging students.
avatar for Chris Manderscheid

Chris Manderscheid

Secondary Social Studies Consultant (7-9), Edmonton Catholic School Division
Chris brings over two decades of Social Studies education experience to his role at ECSD as the Junior High Social Studies consultant. He is passionate about supporting educators in enhancing their instructional and assessment strategies while fostering engaging and collaborative... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
333
  English/ Social Studies

2:00pm MDT

Secondary Music Resource Share LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
156
In this interactive professional development session, we will discuss suggestions for our ECSD Band Share Day in 2027. We will also discuss ideas for a more robust inventory of resources for our ECSD teachers. Together, we will create shared repertoire and assessment resources to add to our TEAMS files. Please bring a laptop if you can.  If you cannot, chromebooks will be provided.  Join us for comradery and collaboration.
Speakers
avatar for Pamela Ball
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
156
  Fine Arts

2:00pm MDT

Stage Combat Workshop - Part 2 LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
159
In this interactive session, you will learn about falls, slaps, pushes, punches, partnering, consent, and check-in-based practices for students.  The workshop will be run by Morgan Yamada (freelance actor CAEA & ACTRA, fight choreographer, creative collaborator, co-artistic producer with the Azimuth Theatre), who ran the first Stage Combat Workshop in February.  If you were not able to attend the first Stage Combat Workshop, you are still welcome to attend this workshop, as it will begin with a review of the part one.  Join us for this fun, active professional development session!
Speakers
avatar for Pamela Ball
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
159
  Fine Arts

2:00pm MDT

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and a Way Forward LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gymnasium
Working with children and youth demands emotional labor from teachers, school leaders, and other education workers which influences their workplace well-being. This presentation will discuss the findings from two, three-year research studies into some of the stress and distress felt by educational workers, and will introduce the HEARTcare planning framework and will describe four health promotion initiatives, including streaking and professional "Walk and Learn" sessions to build occupational well-being for all educators at the individual, school, and system levels.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lisa Everitt

Dr. Lisa Everitt

Executive Staff Officer, Government, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dr. Lisa Everitt has dedicated her career to the field of education, commencing with working as a teacher in both the North West Territories and in Parkland School Division. Since 2006, she has served as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association. Throughout... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gymnasium
  Inclusive

2:00pm MDT

Quest to Universal Design for Learning LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
209
In this professional development session, educators will receive an overview of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework and learn how to apply its three principles to enhance student engagement. The session includes interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on practice to help create inclusive Junior High and High School classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Caroline El Cid

Caroline El Cid

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School District
KG
SP
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
209
  Inclusive

2:00pm MDT

Regulation and Executive Functioning for Neuro Diverse Learners LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
211
Session Materials
In this session, participants will explore practical strategies to support neuro-diverse students, especially those with ADHD. Participants will examine regulation and executive functioning strategies to help students manage their emotions and improve organizational skills. Through interactive activities and discussions, educators will gain valuable tools to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
Speakers
SI
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
211
  Inclusive

2:00pm MDT

Supporting Student Peer Support Circles LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
206
During this session we will discuss the possibilities of using circle approaches in our school community to build student peer relationships. Circles are a great way to connect, share, support one another, and provide encouragement. Peer support circles provide time and space for sharing of feelings, thoughts, and experiences, which promotes emotional and mental health. Join us in circle to learn about how to support your students to create effective peer circles based on respect, shared responsibility and mutual agreement of expectations. 
Speakers
DL

Donita Large

Four Directions Wellness Specialist, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
206
  Indigenous Learning

2:00pm MDT

Achieving Unity in Scoring High School Math Written Response Questions FILLING
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
234
Consistency and fairness are key when scoring written responses in high school math. This session simulates the diploma exam marking experience, guiding educators through scoring guide interpretation and common student response patterns. Participants will engage in hands-on scoring practice to develop a shared understanding of expectations, ensuring unity in assessment. 
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Mackay

Stephanie Mackay

Secondary Mathematics Consultant (10-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division
Stephanie MacKay has been teaching for Edmonton Catholic Schools for over 20 years. She has a passion for teaching mathematics with attention to details.
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
234
  Mathematics

2:00pm MDT

Experiencing Student Struggles with the Number System LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
232
Session Materials
In this session, participants will experience the struggles of students grappling with the number system. By engaging with mathematical operations in an unfamiliar number system, participants will not only gain insights into their students' challenges but also appreciate the unique perspectives that each student brings to learning. This understanding fosters a sesne of unity, enabling teachers to support diverse learning needs and build confidence in mathematics for all students. 
Speakers
avatar for Darin Trufyn

Darin Trufyn

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Darin, part of the Secondary Math team within Edmonton Catholic Schools is passionate about all things spatial. Throughout his 26 years at ECSD, he's loved supporting students and teachers in the age old question, was mathematics invented or discovered?
avatar for Connor Renshaw

Connor Renshaw

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Connor is a secondary Math consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. He has 15 years experience teaching mathematics in grades 5 to 12 within ECSD's French Immersion programs. Connor's passion for education falls in exploring new pedagogical strategies to engage students in the beauty... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
232
  Mathematics

2:00pm MDT

Nurture Relationships and Transform Your Classroom Community LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
307
Are your students dysregulated or anxious? What about you? In order for students and staff to be successful in the classroom, they need to feel safe, cared for, and connected to each other. In fact, a sense of belonging is a key activator of a child's engagement in learning and is a powerful motivator for school engagement and attendance. Learn the evidence behind why relationships are foundational to wellness, student learning, and cultivating a positive classroom environment.  Join this session for facilitated discussion and sharing of strategies that help nurture relationships, support regulation, and promote belonging in the classroom. ** For Wellness Champions and Teachers**
Speakers
avatar for David Knechtel

David Knechtel

Health Promotion Facilitator Healthy Schools, Alberta Health Services
David is a Health Promotion Facilitator with the Healthy Schools team at Alberta Health Services. He partners with school authorities and other stakeholders to implement effective and coordinated initiatives that improve wellbeing in schools using a Comprehensive School Health framework... Read More →
avatar for Rodney Snaterse

Rodney Snaterse

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services
Rod is a Health Promotion Facilitator with the Healthy Schools team at Alberta Health Services. He partners with school authorities and other stakeholders to implement effective and coordinated initiatives that improve wellbeing in schools using a Comprehensive School Health framework... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
307
  PEW

2:00pm MDT

Neurodiversity in Science Classrooms: Planning for All Minds LIMITED
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
231
Session Materials
How can we plan science instruction that embraces neurodiversity and supports all learners? In this session, we will explore what neurodiversity is, why it matters, and how to plan using UDL principles. We will also examine practical AI-powered supports that enhance accessibility and engagement. The session will include real-world examples from classrooms, showcasing how inclusive strategies create richer, more dynamic learning experiences for all students. We will wrap up with an opportunity to try out some of the highlighted supports in a collaborative environment.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Gunderson

Matthew Gunderson

Secondary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Matt Gunderson, a secondary science consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, brings seventeen years of classroom experience to his role. He has taught science across elementary, junior high, and senior high levels, and has served as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
231
  Science

2:00pm MDT

Using Probeware in Secondary Science Labs FILLING
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
169
Want to take your lessons to the next level? Join us for a fun and hands-on session where we’ll show you how to use Vernier and Pasco probeware in your classroom and labs. You’ll learn how to make the data students collect not only meaningful, but also exciting and relevant to the real world. Whether you're new to probeware or already a pro, this session will give you the tools to make science come alive for your students.
Speakers
avatar for Susie Sirman

Susie Sirman

High School Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Susie is one of Edmonton Catholic School Division's Secondary Science Consultant with extensive experience teaching all four disciplines of Science.  She is passionate about getting kids excited about science and helping them to achieve success, particularly if they have struggled... Read More →
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
169
  Science

2:00pm MDT

Insights into the Social Studies 30-1 Diploma Examination with Dwayne Girard FILLING
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
308
High school teachers have an opportunity to refine their approach to preparing students for the Social Studies 30-1 Diploma Examination. Led by Dwayne Girard, this session offers a closer look at Part A: Written Response and Part B: Multiple Choice. While no formula ensures student success, this session will explore the intent behind exam design, aligning assessment with the program of studies and emphasizing ways to foster critical thinking. Participants will gain practical strategies for helping students engage meaningfully with course content. Dwayne is the former Social 30-1 Diploma Exam Manager and currently an Assistant Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the U of A.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Geis

Jason Geis

Secondary Social Studies Consultant (10-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division
Jason is an experienced educator who has taught in all divisions of ECSD. He is deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation, advocating for the acknowledgement and healing of historical injustices. With an interest in history, society, and politics, Jason brings a comprehensive understanding... Read More →
DG
Thursday April 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
308
  Social Studies/Assessment
 
JH/SH: ECSD DWPD Mini Conference April
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Father Michael McCaffery
Gymnasium
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