Fast Report: June 28, 2010 | Vol. 22, No. 21
Printer-friendly versionWeekly information for decision-makers in Education
Inside the Current Edition
OTF Project: “Hearing Every Voice, Seeing Every Face”
Printer-friendly versionA joint Ontario Teachers' Federation-Aboriginal Education Office project has been underway for several months and a key outcome will be the development of resources for teachers in the area of First Nation, Métis and Inuit education. The goal is to build capacity in the school system and engage teachers in the realities of First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, to promote understanding of the context of Canada's Aboriginal peoples and assist teachers to embed First Nation, Métis and Inuit themes, topics and perspectives in their teaching in the classroom.
Three-day Summer Institutes for teachers in July and August will focus on: (a) an overview of learning styles of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, cultural influences on those learning styles and some strategies to use in professional teaching practice to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in Ontario classrooms; (b) practical steps at the classroom level to integrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives into the curriculum. The Summer Institutes will be held in Toronto (July 12-14), Ottawa (July 19-21) and London (August 9-11).
A further outcome of the project will be Hearing Every Voice, Seeing Every Face, a Primer for teachers . A Review Team, involving representatives from First Nation, Métis and Inuit organizations, will be convened to review and provide input into the current working draft of the document and the intent is to have this resource in the hands of teachers in the fall term.
For more information: Susan Cook, Policy & Communications Associate, ext.112; or Webmaster
Media Violence Conference, October 15—16
Printer-friendly versionThe Media Violence Coalition is pleased to present a media violence conference which will be held from October 15 to 16 at the Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel. This conference will feature key leaders in the areas of bullying and violence prevention, safe schools and media literacy who will share their expertise and explore the common elements of these challenges. A variety of violence prevention strategies and programs will be explored and teachers will be provided with resources, such as the recently released Safe@School resource, as well as other practical tools and skills specific to their grade/course/level. As well as keynote speakers, the conference will feature a panel of representatives of police, students, parents, educators and advocates.
Conference speakers include Lt. Colonel David Grossman, a former West Point Psychology professor, Professor of Military Science and former Army Ranger; and Craig Anderson, a Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University. Dr. Charles Tator and former NHL Referee Ron Wicks will present a special session on the promotion of violence in sports.
Online registration will open September 8 through the OTF website (www.otffeo.on.ca).
For more information: June 17 Letter to Colleagues
CMEC Copyright Consortium Pleased with New Federal Copyright Legislation
Printer-friendly versionCMEC Press Release
TORONTO, June 3, 2010 - Ministers of education across Canada responded positively to the tabling of new federal copyright legislation in Ottawa yesterday. The Copyright Consortium of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), supports the copyright legislation because it allows students and educators in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities to have fair and reasonable access to publicly available Internet materials in their educational pursuits.
Quebec unveils proposed language law (Bill 103-QC)
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CBC News
The Quebec government has introduced legislation that would toughen the province's language laws, in response to a Supreme Court of Canada ruling last year.
York Region DSB, QUEST 2010, November 17—19
Printer-friendly versionThe Quest 2010 Conference will be held from November 17 to November 19, 2010 at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel in Richmond Hill. Co-sponsored by York Region DSB and the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, QUEST 2010,"The Quest for Increased Student Achievement: Engaging Learning in the 21st Century," will provide participants with many rich opportunities to explore the current research, theory, and proven practice of world leaders in education reform, and consider strategies for ensuring optimal learning conditions for all students.
Now in its 16th year, the QUEST Conference series has become internationally known for outstanding keynote, panel, and workshop presentations. Up to 1000 presenters and participants from across Ontario and Canada, the United States, England, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, and Finland, from around the globe, unite for the common purpose of improving the achievement of all students.
The contemporary learning landscape is shifting. Find out how colleagues at home and abroad are forging new engagement strategies, stimulating curiosity, and igniting passion with techniques and technologies that promise to expand and reshape the meaning of "learners for life." Confirmed keynotes and panel presenters include:
- Donald Tapscott (Canada)
- Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach (United States)
- Trevor Fletcher (Australia)
- Jesse Hirsch (Canada)
- Andy Hargreaves (United States)
- Michael Fullan (Canada)
- Cheryl Lemke (United States)
- Ben Levin (Canada)
- David Booth (Canada)
- Annie Kidder (Canada)
- Doug Reeves (United States)
The powerful messages and insights of these speakers will be complemented by an outstanding selection of workshops and smaller group forums.
See
Conference Flyer (856.73 KB PDF)
Conference Program (1.74 MB PDF)
For more information: harald.grammenos@yrdsb.edu.on.ca, or visit the York Region DSB website or http://www.leadingedgelearning.ca/q2010/
From OPSBA MEMBERS
Printer-friendly versionHamilton-Wentworth DSB, The Virtual Blackboard, June 21
Student Trustees' New Student Voice Initiative
Trillium Lakelands DSB, National Character Education Conference, November 1 & 2
York Region DSB, QUEST Conference, November 17—19
Conference Flyer
Conference Program
Ministry of Education UPDATE
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2010: SB32, Green Schools Pilot Initiative - Report Back Requirements, June 21
Green Schools Pilot Initiative Module User Guide
Appendix 2 - List of Approved Green Schools Pilot Initiative Projects
Summary of 2010 SB Memoranda (funding policy, financial matters)
Summary of 2010 SB Memoranda (administrative information, clarification on financial matters)
See
B and SB Memoranda (Ministry of Education website)
For more information: Wayne McNally, Director, Finance, ext.104, or Webmaster
MEMORANDA SUMMARY
June
Ontario NEWSROOM
Printer-friendly versionRelease of Interim Curriculum Policy Document On Health And Physical Education, June 29
More Summer Jobs For Youth, June 18
Full-day Kindergarten Coming To 20 More Toronto Schools In 2011, June 15
More Ontario Children In Full-Day Kindergarten, June 15
Ontario Invites Public Input On Financial Literacy In Education, May 12
Helping More Parents Get Involved In Education, May 6
Giving High School Students More Opportunities To Succeed, May 5
Upcoming Events
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Thursday, September 23, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. &
Friday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA Board Room, Toronto
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Friday, September 24, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. &
Saturday, September 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut Street, Toronto
Phone: 416.977.5000; or 1.800.668.6600
OPSBA Rate: $165
Cuf Off Date: August 31
NORTHERN REGION DIRECTORS
Friday, September 24, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
OPSBA Board Room, Toronto
REGIONAL MEETINGS — Saturday, October 2
VIOLENCE IN THE MEDIA Joint Conference with OTF**
October 15—16
Doubletree Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel, 655 Dixon Road, Toronto
Phone: 416.244.1711
** Registration opens September 8 at www.otffeo.on.ca
MUNICIPAL/TRUSTEE ELECTIONS
October 25
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Friday, October 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPSBA Board Room, Toronto
2011 Public Education Symposium
January 27—29, 2011
Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto
Phone: 416.361.1000 or 1.888.627.7175
Details to follow
2011 Labour Relations Symposium
March 31 — April 2, 2011
Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto
Phone: 416.361.1000 or 1.888.627.7175
Details to follow
OPSBA AGM & PROGRAM & CSBA CONGRESS 2011**
** Ontario is hosting the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA) Congress 2011 concurrently with the 2011 Annual General Meeting & Program
July 7—10, 2011
Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
OPSBA rate to follow