CATCA 2021: Full Schedule

9:00am MST

Healthy Play: Learning to Play, Playing to Learn!

Healthy Play is about learning to play and playing to learn! We give staff and students simple and FUN techniques to create a more connected and caring school community by empowering students to resolve conflict, practice empathy skills and promote inclusive environments.

Built around the Healthy Play philosophy, this hands-on training not only provides staff with the Healthy Play concepts, but also ways to implement these concepts through amazing physical literacy-based games and activities that can be played in the classroom, gym/open spaces and independently on the playground.

Healthy Play is great for new teachers, Generalists who are required to teach PE (and find that PE isn’t their strong suit), and PE Specialists who are looking for something different!

If we haven't intrigued you yet - a five-year longitudinal study was recently completed that evaluated Healthy Play implementation in 29 different schools in Arizona. The research found that when teachers utilized Healthy Play concepts 3 - 5 times each week, they reported a 70% reduction in acts of aggression, bullying, teasing, and non-cooperative behaviour!

Learn more about how Healthy Play can impact your school community!

Speakers

Jen Goeres

Founder, WordPLAY Consulting Inc.

Jen is the founder of WordPLAY Consulting and works directly within education, recreation and sport organizations to connect, inspire and inform through PLAY! Jen graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Kinesiology (Adapted and Therapeutic Physical Activity) and... Read More →

Jen Smith

Co-Owner, WordPLAY Consulting Inc.

Jen’s career in recreation began 19 years ago when she became a support worker for adults with disabilities which quickly established a passion for working within the disability community.While still living in Ontario, she developed and facilitated a Youth Leadership Training program... Read More →

Healthy Play Workbook pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
CATCA Virtual Room 061

Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K) | Physical Education (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K)

9:00am MST

Inspiring Difference Maker's Together

Rick Hansen Foundation School Program offers FREE educational resources for youth in kindergarten to grade twelve, developed by educators for educators. In both English and French, ready-made lesson plans that incorporate Universal Design principles and are connected to provincial curriculum and educational priorities across Canada. We believe that by encouraging youth to take action on issues that matter to them, they can become leaders in creating an accessible, inclusive world.

Speakers

Anne-Marie Dolinar

Rick Hansen Foundation School Program

Anne-Marie Dolinar Anne-Marie began her career as a Registered Dietitian where she educated clients about nutrition, delivered food literacy programming in schools, and instructed dietetics courses at the post-secondary level. After sustaining a spinal cord injury, the need for improved... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
CATCA Virtual Room 067

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K)

9:00am MST

Creating Calm in your Classroom with Sound *PRE-RECORDED*

It’s scientifically proven that sound has a huge impact on the body and mind. In this interactive session learn how some sounds hurt, while other sounds heal. Discover ways to use sound to bring peace and calm into your classroom to facilitate better learning.

Speakers

Tina Thrussel

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc

Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for 16+ years. Her light-hearted energy and contagious enthusiasm have contributed to her reputation as The Feel Good Lady. This deep lover of life has inspired thousands of people over the... Read More →

Chakra Toning Chart pdf

Create Calm with Sound MASTER handout pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Special Education (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

10:45am MST

“But What Are We Going To Do?”: Ensuring Effective Collaborative Team Meetings *PRE-RECORDED*

Collaborative team meetings, focusing on the emerging needs of students, are at the heart of a school’s Collaborative Response. But how do we ensure that these team meetings are purposeful, efficient and truly moving towards collective action for students? In this session, Kurtis will break down best practices to consider when engaging in collaborative team meetings, as well as share multiple school samples and artifacts. This session is intended for schools already refining the tenets of Collaborative Response or interested in learning more about the school-wide framework.

Speakers

Kurtis Hewson

Lead Learner/Co-Founder, Jigsaw Learning

Kurtis Hewson has been an award-winning teacher, vice-principal, and principal, as well as taught at the post-secondary level. With over a decade of experience as an administrator, Kurtis has championed the call for collaborative structures in schools to ensure success for all students... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

10:45am MST

Teaching for Play when Kids Are Learning At Home

As an educational psychologist devoted to fostering biologically respectful development for children, I am concerned that we might stop playing during COVID. I would like to encourage and more importantly show you how you can teach and invite kids and parents to play if they are stuck at home. This will be practical. You will have some things you can try on Monday.

Speakers

Vincent Mireau

Teacher & Counselling Psychologist

Vince Mireau is a clinical/educational psychologist working in the greater Whitecourt, Alberta region. His expertise is in creatively meeting the complex needs of children using play and biologically respectful approaches. He started his teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 10:45am - 1:45pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 070

Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

12:30pm MST

Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Schools

School staff are increasingly challenged to support individuals with all levels of anxiety and related behaviours. This workshop will provide information about the most common anxiety disorders, examine how these disorders impact people, and provide participants with strategies to help support those affected cope and manage.

Speakers

Joanne Papdopoulos

Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers Association

John Williamson

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association

John Williamson, PhD, is a K – 12 Coordinating Teacher of Diverse Learning Services, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Education, spoken word and “page” poet, and ATA Association Instructor. His award-winning PhD Dissertation, The Case of the Appearing / Disappearing Slow Learner... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

12:30pm MST

Envisioning Collaborative Response: Supporting ALL students

It is virtually impossible for a teacher to know how to successfully provide instruction and support for all students in diverse, inclusive contemporary classrooms. Come learn about Collaborative Response, a mindset for educational organizations that values collaborative, action focused responses, data-informed discussions, and timely intervention to ensure all students can experience success. Come learn how school administration and inclusive learning support leadership teams establish school-wide structures to ensure support for every student in our schools and across our districts. Numerous Alberta school and district examples, as well as access to a myriad of resources will be provided.

Speakers

Kurtis Hewson

Lead Learner/Co-Founder, Jigsaw Learning

Thursday February 18, 2021 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 072

School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K)

9:00am MST

How did we get here? Understanding the basics of anti-racism

How have we arrived at this moment of reckoning in with race and racism in our schools and what should we do now? This session will include a brief introduction to critical social justice pedagogy and critical race theory which will help teachers and school leaders begin to understand how to engage constructively in anti-racist pedagogy with direct application for their classrooms and schools. Antiracism resources and upcoming events available through the ATA will be shared.

Speakers

Dr. Farha Shariff (she/her)

Senior Advisor to the Dean, EDID Initiatives, Interim Director Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development, University of Alberta PhD

Dr. Farha Shariff, Ph.D @drfarha077 Intersectional Anti-Oppression educator, Senior Advisor of EDID Initiatives, EDID Advisor to the Dean, Interim Director Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development, Faculty of Education, University of AlbertaDaughter to immigrant... Read More →

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Dan Grassick (they/them) is Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Virtual (Zoom)

10:45am MST

Test Anxiety Protocol

If you students are panicky and dysfunctional when a test is placed on their desk, their brain is likely working properly for a cage wrestling match. Let's learn a 5-step process for reducing excessive test anxiety that starts way before the test. Heads up: It involves fun.

Speakers

Vincent Mireau

Teacher & Counselling Psychologist

Friday February 19, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 065

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

10:45am MST

My Life as a Student with ADHD

When I was a young child in elementary school there wasn't such a thing as ADHD, but I definitely struggled with it. I was officially diagnosed in my fifties. I always thought I was dumb until I ended up in education. As a teacher for the past 34 years, I’ve always tried to teach the way I like to learn: with lessons that are high interest, fun, active and engaging. Come learn tips and strategies for engaging kinesthetic learners with poor executive functioning. Actually, these ideas help all learners.

Speakers

Danny Bateman

Dan is currently an instructor at Concordia University of Edmonton in the Faculty of Education. As an experienced and esteemed public speaker, he delivers teaching strategies and inspiration using entertaining experiences and actionable content. He has delivered hundreds of successful... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 074

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Special Education (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

12:30pm MST

Attendance, Indigeneity, and Cultural Anxiety*THIS SESSION IS CANCELLED*

THIS SESSION GOT CANCELLED DUE TO THE PRESENTER GETTING ILL
PLEASE EMAIL: catcaprogramchair@gmail.com for the presentation slides and study. YOU CAN CONTACT THE PRESENTER BY REACHING OUT TO THE FOLLOWING EMAIL ADDRESS:tfowler@ucalgary.ca

This session will share information from research completed to unravel barriers to attendance experienced by First Nations students living on reserve and attending an off-reserve school. Measures put in place to support students and families by the Attendance Innovation Campaign at Rocky View Schools were not meeting the needs of this specific community. Research conducted by the University of Calgary examined these barriers faced by families and what was revealed was a sense of anxiety experienced by both families and school staff. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the new TQS/LQS, have offered direction for schools to be more inclusive to First Nations students, however, there remains a divide that is built on historical distrust as well as misrecognition of the barriers students face. In this session, we will share data from the study as well as offer participants tools to engage in professional development that participants can take with them to their schools to address cultural anxiety.

Speakers

Teresa Anne Fowler

Dr. Teresa Anne Fowler is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary.

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 069

Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

12:30pm MST

Ici, tout le monde est le bienvenu-enseigner dans une classe interculturelle

Cet atelier explore le concept de la compétence culturelle grâce auquel vous apprendrez à reconnaitre croyances, attitudes, politiques, structures et pratiques d’enseignement qui permettent aux écoles interculturelles de bien fonctionner. Les participants développeront des capacités qui les amèneront à prendre davantage conscience des dynamiques inhérentes aux interactions interculturelles.

Speakers

Valerie Fuchshuber

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association

Val is an Association Instructor and is a teacher with the Calgary Board of Education at Georges P. Vanier School.

Megan Sénéchal

French Program Coordinator, Edmonton Public School Board

Dr. Megan Sénéchal is the French Program Coordinator for Edmonton Public School Board in Edmonton. Her research interests include language education, Universal Design for Learning, and change management.

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)

French & International Languages (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

12:30pm MST

Eradicate Apathy!

Practical Principles for Engaging Students

Once the cause and effect principles of effective practice are understood we know how to engage students. This workshop will provide teachers with instructional tools and learning strategies designed to engage students. Learn practical strategies and effective approaches that will help struggling and reluctant students to be more productive. While many of the strategies come from the field of inclusive education, they can be used with all students.

Speakers

Danny Bateman

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 074

Special Education (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

12:30pm MST

Communication strategies – Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in our everyday lives

From the dawn of human evolution, communication has been the essential skill that helped the human race evolve. Unfortunately, throughout our history, instead of open and honest communication, humanity’s focus has been on the struggle for power and control that has led to communication breakdown, that ultimately has led to global conflict, racism, xenophobia and bigotry.

In this session, you will explore how proper communication strategies will help you defuse tense situations in the workplace and in the classroom. Using examples from her professional and personal life, Maria will provide you with tools that will transform the theoretical and scientific nature of emotional intelligence (EQ) into practical tools to be used personally and professionally.

At anytime you would like to communicate with Maria, you can at the following email:mdmillar@telus.net

Speakers

Maria (MD) Millar

MD Millar Publishing

A retired teacher, with over 25 years of teaching experience in public schools, settlement agencies and for international students, Maria is an experienced instructor, facilitator and trainer, who has been providing professional development and training sessions to organisations like... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 055

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

12:30pm MST

Drama in the Classroom

This will be a fun, hands-on workshop so be prepared to play!
Using theatre games, speech exercises, movement and text, this hands-on workshop will focus on implementing drama activities into your classroom to enhance Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and more.
This session will address the cognitive and social benefits in incorporating drama into your lessons and will spark lots of creative ideas for your classroom.

Speakers

Tracy Carroll

Tracy Carroll is a director, dramaturg, teacher and producer in Edmonton, and is the Interim Managing Director at Catalyst Theatre.She has held leadership positions at theatres in the region including Co-Artistic Director at Concrete Theatre, Artistic Associate for Alberta Playwrights... Read More →

Ext DramaClass Poster 2021 summer pdf

Concrete Theatre 2021 Info pdf

Drama in the classroom handout:21 long pdf

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 057

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

2:15pm MST

Managing Perfectionism with Fun

Perfectionism is not the monster we think it is, but it certainly needs some training and management to be useful in life. This session is for practically helping the young learners who melt down when their grand dreams of perfection are dashed by the cold harsh truth of reality. (i.e.. 7 year old smashes Mother's Day craft because it was only 87% how they imagined it)

Speakers

Vincent Mireau

Teacher & Counselling Psychologist

Friday February 19, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 065

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)