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In the Loop – June 8, 2023

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

June is National Indigenous History Month and Wednesday June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Please find some resources that may be helpful below. 

Books
Decolonizing Education: Nourishing the Learning Spirit
Protecting Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage: A Global Challenge
Visioning a Mi’kmaw Humanities, Indigenizing the Academy
Reclaiming Indigenous Voice and Vision
First Nations Education in Canada: The Circle Unfolds
Living Treaties: Narrating Mi’kmaw Treaty Relations

Article
Nourishing the Learning Spirit

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To see our full calendar of offerings, visit
www.thinklangley.com

Read. Speak. Champion Virtual Author Series: Liselle Sambury – Blood Like Magic | On-Demand Learning Feature
How do we access the best parts of ourselves? How do we access the best parts of others? In this fourth and final session with the incomparable Jody, we are taken on a journey where we are challenged to be introspective. When we access the best parts of ourselves, we can give our best to ourselves, and those around us. We can bring out the best in others.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Decolonizing Assessment Series Presents: Sarah Leah Hindy discussing Indigenous Ways of Assessing | CAfLN | June 13, 2023 | Register
Sara Leah Hindy is a Mi’kmaw mother, analyst, educator and lifelong learner from Elmastukwek, Ktaqmkuk (Bay of Islands, Newfoundland). Sara Leah holds two degrees from Memorial University, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, and is currently working on her Master of Education. Although her career path began in the classroom, it has led her to community and to Land to bridge her understanding of education and Indigenous identity. Her current work focuses on providing Indigenous cultural awareness and a decolonized, Indigenized lens in research. In Indigenous Ways of Assessing, Sara Leah will share personal experiences and insights on Indigenous education as it relates to educational policy, curricula and practices. Register before June 12. Members Free or Non-Members: $20.

CASSA (Canadian Association of School System Administrators) Conference  | Register
Registration is open for the 2023 CASSA-ACGCS Conference Leadership – Coast to Coast to Coast. To be held in Victoria, BC, from July 5 to 7, the annual conference features keynote addresses by Chief Cadmus Delorme, Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii), and Andrew Stobo Sniderman, along with several break-out sessions and group activities. Each registrant will receive a free copy of the award-winning “Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation.” There will also be 14 presentations from across Canada from senior leaders.  Descriptions can be seen on the Conference Agenda.

SFU Graduate Diploma in Education (GDE) Fall 2023 French Programs | More info
This Fall 2023, SFU is offering a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Professional Studies in Education (GDE) Programs. They are designed in collaboration with BC school districts for educators whose primary focus is school-based practice. It provides educators with an extended professional learning opportunity focusing on inquiry and professional questions of interest. These theme-based specialized programs are experiential and participatory and focus on educational practice within school-based settings. They allow educators to “live the work” in a collaborative learning community, with the support of colleagues, mentors, and instructors. Completion of the two-year diploma allows teachers to upgrade their TQS category. This Fall 2023 the Program Offerings is Inclusion, Interaction, and Connection in the French classroom – (online). Please see the flyer in French here and English here.

4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning | More info & Register
This professional learning opportunity runs from October, 2023 until June, 2024. Early Bird Registration is open until June 30. Cost $100 and includes:

  • 10 Reconciliation Education Learning Modules (~30 mins of learning/month)
  • 10 Opportunities to Gather Virtually with Indigenous Presenters (see list below)
  • A Certificate of Completion issued by the First Nations University of Canada
  • $25 towards excellent Indigenous Learning Resources

Presenters: Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, Dr. Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, Kevin Lamoureux, Smokii Sumac, Dr. Christopher Horsethief, Joe and Sophie Pierre, Jenna Jasek, Bonnie Harvey, Ariana Roundpoint, Doug Anderson
Group Registration: We can offer 10% off for groups of 10 or more using this discount code at checkout: 4seasons10 Groups can register online through our regular registration process, or  submit this spreadsheet or a Purchase Order to info@outdoorlearningstore.com. Please include First Name, Last Name and Email of each registrant.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Summer Camps in Langley at Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association | More info
Along with the Township of Langley, Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association is putting on Summer Camps for children in the community. These Summer Camps will help support the wonderful therapeutic horses year-round. Children and youth of Langley are invited to come and experience lots of fun on 27 acres of serene farmland, including a private forest (old growth and stream) and gentle well-trained horses and ponies for anyone to learn on. They offer an affordable experience in an established, safe, and inclusive environment. Experiences include farming, stable management, time with horses, an incredible forest and just having fun together. Find a registration form here.

National Indigenous Peoples Day livestream | June 14, 2023 | More info
National Indigenous Peoples Day is coming up, and your class is invited to join in on June 14, 2023.
During the livestream, students will learn how incorporating Indigenous perspectives can help us protect the environment, understand the concept and importance of two-eyed seeing, hear from Tina Donald, Fisheries and Contract Manager of Simpcw First Nation and Councilor for Tk’wenem7i’ple7. This event is online via Zoom and is intended for grades 4 to 7 students, however other grade levels are welcome to take part.

LEARNING RESOURCES

UFLI Phonics Program | Videos from Sandi Osborne at North Otter
The videos below have been recorded and are being shared courtesy of Instructional Services and ELL. We would like to offer you a glimpse into one of the phonics programs that has been vetted by IS and ELL. Sandi Osborne from North Otter graciously offered for us to come in and view and record. She has also opened her classroom up along with her grade 1 teaching colleague Leanne Tocol as they learn and share this new program. Thank you so much to these 2 wonderful teachers that have shared their experience so that other teachers are able to see what it is all about. They use this program along with small group instruction with decodable books to build targeted skills, and also integrate levelled books in as needed for exposure to reading beyond the controlled vocabulary. In the “activities” video, you will see the class engaged in a variety of literacy opportunities that help them to practice the skills learned and apply them to various reading, writing and oral language activities.
UFLI Day 1:
https://vimeo.com/834121855/904eaa14d0?share=copy
UFLI Day 2:
https://vimeo.com/834122271/87718e030a?share=copy
UFLI Student Activities:
https://vimeo.com/834122660/a4fb2541d3?share=copy

In the Loop – June 1, 2023

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

National Indigenous History Month | Indigenous History is Canada’s History
June is National Indigenous History Month. It is a time for all Canadians to reflect on the history of this nation, and the first peoples who helped to shape it. This is an important month for Canadians to honour and celebrate the heritage and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Curio continues to be a fabulous resource for educators to find videos and resources to support this learning in classrooms and is free to access for all educators in our district. Check out two of their latest video resources below:
Treaties with Indigenous peoples in Canada, explained | Elementary Ages 8-11 | Log in to Curio to view
The practice of making treaties between Indigenous peoples stretches back before European settlers even arrived in North America. CBC Kids News explains.

How to Talk About Indigenous People | Elementary Ages 8-11 and Secondary | Log in to Curio to view
Ever wonder how to use the proper terms when referring to Indigenous peoples? Inuk journalist Ossie Michelin leads us through this friendly how-to guide.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To see our full calendar of offerings, visit
www.thinklangley.com

Read. Speak. Champion Virtual Author Series: Liselle Sambury – Blood Like Magic | On-Demand Learning Feature
How do we access the best parts of ourselves? How do we access the best parts of others? In this fourth and final session with the incomparable Jody, we are taken on a journey where we are challenged to be introspective. When we access the best parts of ourselves, we can give our best to ourselves, and those around us. We can bring out the best in others.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

YMHC School Phobia Certificate Training Course | Jun 21-Jul 26, 2023 | More info
Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC) proudly presents the School Phobia Training Course, a thorough 12-hour program specifically designed to equip educators and mental health professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to support students struggling with school phobia, avoidance, and absence. School phobia is a mental health disability that affects numerous young individuals in schools across Canada. This course emphasizes the vital need to establish mental wellness protective factors, tailor educational models to suit individual needs, and implement proactive and preventative measures to assist young people with school phobia disabilities.

BC Summer Institute 2023 | Partnership for Inclusive Learning | Register
Please join us at the highly anticipated BC Summer Institute 2023 from August 21st to 23rd, 2023. Partnerships for Inclusive Learning is a summer hybrid conference to provide a robust learning environment.  Come together to hear and learn from our faculty, who have extensive experience in Inclusive Learning, and who champion diverse and innovative approaches to facilitating inclusive school environments.

English First Peoples 10-12 Virtual Session | Aug 25, 2023 | Register
English First Peoples (EFP) Grades 10-12 courses offer BC students of all backgrounds the opportunity to explore, and learn from, dynamic written, visual, oral, and digital First Peoples literature. The FNESC/FNSA EFP 10-12 Teacher Resource Guide supports educators to bring quality, authentic First Peoples resources into BC EFP 10-12 classrooms.
In this full-day VIRTUAL workshop, participants explore the FNESC/FNSA EFP 10-12 Teacher Resource Guide through a combination of large group presentation and small group activities in interactive break-out rooms to collaboratively explore units, discuss implementation of lessons, and network with other educators. English First Peoples 10-12 courses are also one of the options for the Indigenous-focused course graduation requirement in BC.

Learning First Peoples Summer Institute |Aug 28-30, 2023 | Richmond
The Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel | More info
The Learning First Peoples Summer Institute, coordinated by the First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association, is designed to support educators to bring quality, authentic First Peoples teaching and learning into BC classrooms. The sessions will introduce resources that focus on themes, issues, and topics of importance to First Peoples learning and informed by the First Peoples Principles of Learning. These sessions will also support implementation of the new Indigenous-focused graduation requirement, which is coming into effect September 2023.
At each session, participants will receive a printed copy of the teacher resource guide, collaboratively explore its units, discuss implementation of the lessons/activities, and participate in collegial discussions with other educators. Sessions can be selected individually. Event flyer is attached for sharing.

Walking Together – Two-Eyed Seeing | Register
Join this free webinar hosted by our friends at the Outdoor Learning Store. You’ll hear from Elder Albert D. Marshall, from the Moose Clan of the Mi’kmaw nation, Eskasoni First Nation in Unama’ki-Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, along with professor and researcher Louise Zimanyi, who co-wrote the picture book “Walking Together.” This powerful story introduces the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing, honoring the strengths of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing for the benefit of all.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

DigiCamp: Summer 2023 | Online Coding Camps for Girls | Ages 8-13 | More info
Have a daughter, niece or sister who is curious about coding? As part of DigiBC’s ongoing commitment to education for youth, we have partnered with UTG Academy and IUGO Mobile Entertainment again to create an online video game development focused coding camp for girls that will be held over the summer. This incredible opportunity is open to 8-13 year olds and is suitable for a wide range of novice and beginner coders (no previous experience is necessary). Additionally, a unique and new curriculum is implemented each summer to build a camp experience that accommodates the skills and creative goals for every participant’s project ideas. Offered various dates for one week sessions: Jul 10-14, Jul 24-28, Aug 14-18, Aug 28-Sep 1.

DigiBC: Summer 2023 | Bootcamp for High School Students | Ages 15-18 | More info 
Are you looking for a unique and creative technology-focused summer camp for your teenager? The Centre for Digital Media’s Summer Bootcamps are two-week intensive camps designed for high school students (15-18 years old) with artistic or technical interests who want to explore educational and career opportunities in video game design or immersive technologies. Jul 31-Aug 11 with three options 1. Game Design Bootcamp 2. 3D Asset Creation Bootcamp 3. Extended Reality (XR) Bootcamp.

VARC School Presentation: Amazing Adaptations | Grade K – 4 | Register
In this interactive session with the Vancouver Avian Research Centre Society students will unravel the mysteries behind the incredible adaptations that birds possess. Students will discover the wondrous secrets of their beaks and feet, and delve into the fascinating stories they reveal about these marvellous creatures’ habitats and feeding habits. Length: 1 hour ($50) over Zoom.

Music for Critters | More info
The non-profit Open Strum is doing a project with schools across Canada to help animals and the environment. Three schools will win $500 for musical instruments from Long & McQuade. Schools can participate at any time from September 2023 until April 30, 2024.
Students participate by bringing donations to help animal rescues, animal shelters, animal sanctuaries or environmental non-profits. Students choose which non-profit they want to support. Any teacher, from kindergarten to grade 12, can start this project with their class. It can be one class or several classes that participate. The school will then be entered to win one of the $500 prizes.
There is no cost to participate. Please contact Michel at info@openstrum.com to get a participation form. Deadline is May 3, 2024.

In the Loop – May 25, 2023

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience | More info
This multimodal curriculum-aligned learning experience for Grades K – 12 aims to educate and inspire youth by amplifying the remarkable stories of the Indigenous sport heroes inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

First Nations Pedagogy Online |  More info
8 Key Issues for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.”  Bob Joseph, opens the series through a six-minute video framing the issues as complex, inexorably intertwined, and rooted in the Indian Act and colonialism. An informative and historical account on issues.

Decolonizing Professional Learning | More info
The January 2023 edition of “Education Canada” highlights “Decolonizing Professional Learning”, which will serve to mobilize the knowledge from an August 2022 pan-Canadian convening of researchers at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The special edition, featuring an article written by Dr. Leyton Schnellert and colleagues will include many in-depth articles and engaging podcasts.

Connecting Resilience Truth and Reconciliation | More info
Dynamic Classroom Resource:  A teacher resource to support understanding and activities regarding Truth and Reconciliation. Written by Indigenous authors, including Rain Pierre.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To see our full calendar of offerings, visit
www.thinklangley.com

Accessing the Best Parts with Dr. Jody Carrington | On-Demand Learning Feature
How do we access the best parts of ourselves? How do we access the best parts of others? In this fourth and final session with the incomparable Jody, we are taken on a journey where we are challenged to be introspective. When we access the best parts of ourselves, we can give our best to ourselves, and those around us. We can bring out the best in others.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Explore New Training Opportunity | May 27, 2023 | Register
Did you know the changing demographics affect the way we teach today and tomorrow? We have an exciting and educational opportunity for you and your teachers/staff. Bridge-building experience has been described as a fascinating, educational, and enriching experience.
The day includes a guided visit to a Muslim Mosque, Sikh Temple, and a Hindu Temple. Registration is $99 per person including a training tour certificate.

BC Summer Institute 2023 | Partnership for Inclusive Learning | Register
Please join us at the highly anticipated BC Summer Institute 2023 from August 21st to 23rd, 2023. Partnerships for Inclusive Learning is a summer hybrid conference to provide a robust learning environment.  Come together to hear and learn from our faculty, who have extensive experience in Inclusive Learning, and who champion diverse and innovative approaches to facilitating inclusive school environments.

Indigenous Focused Graduation Requirement Additional Teacher Workshops Offered
The Ministry, in partnership with BCSSA, FNESC, FISA and the First Nations School Authority are offering 2 sessions for teachers, one online and one in person. Jo Chrona and Anne Tenning will be facilitating the workshops below. Please share with your districts as these will fill quickly.
BC First Peoples 12 Workshop:  Friday June 9, Richmond – Facilitator: Anne Tenning  View the Flyer and Registration details.
Virtual BC First Peoples 10-12 Workshop:  Saturday June 17 – Facilitator: Jo Chrona  View the Flyer and Registration details.

Sound Walls In Your Classroom: The Pathway to Reading Fluency | Tools 4 Teaching by Dr Mary Dahlgren | Register
Are you looking for more information on how to use a sound wall in your classroom? Here is a new webinar from the original Sound Wall guru from Tools 4 Teaching Dr. Mary Dahlgren. The webinar is in a different time zone but if you sign up you will get a recording that you can watch on your own time. Remember, we have a sound wall available in the print shop and posters for smaller spaces available through Walnut Grove Print Shop. Find the order form in files.

4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning initiative | More info
Early bird registration is now open for 2023-2024. This initiative offers an extension and expansion on the pilot from 2022-23. It will run from October 2023 – June, 2024, and features some of the most inspiring and powerful Indigenous presenters from across Turtle Island.

Learning from the Land | More info
For those who are in process of completing this year’s learning, there will be a new season of learning for the 2023-2024 school year: Learning from the Land. Early bird registration is now open for this as well!

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Let’s plan for dance 2023-2024 | The SoundKreations Group | More Info
For the 2023-2024 School Year we will be offering FRESH content through our four main dance programs: Hip-Hop, CubaNYC, DANCEPL3Y, and DanceCOMBO.
Four Main Program Outcomes:
Process Focused Program (No Performance)
In-Class Performance (Students perform in-class during their final dance session)
Daytime Performance Program (School-wide performance. Parents are welcome!)
Evening Performance Program (School-wide Formal Evening Performance – Parents welcome). 

Build a Biz Educator Package | Grade 2-8 Teachers in BC | More info
Are you looking to bring Future Ready Programs, Tools, and Resources to your classroom in areas such as entrepreneurship, public speaking, digital literacy & more? If so, your school is probably eligible to receive the Build a Biz Kids Educator Package ($2,000 value) at no cost to you! Get digital and printed tools and resources designed to elevate 70+ soft skills that will help you reach BC Curriculum requirements!

Farm to School BC | School Garden Mentorship Program | | More info
Farm to School BC is offering a free mentorship program for K-12 educators in the initial stages of creating a school garden or revitalizing an existing garden. This mentorship program will provide valuable skills for school-based coordination that supports both the development of a robust school garden community and tips for garden maintenance.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Coast Metro Elementary (K to 7) Math Framework Resource Website | More info
The Coast Metro Consortium, in conjunction with the Lower Mainland Math Consortium (LMMC), has created an amazing Math Framework Resource website for Elementary teachers K to 7.  The Framework focuses on Number and Number Operations and outlines key concepts for each grade.  Within each key concept, there are learning stories, foundations, progressions, a sample week at a glance, as well as assessment and resource suggestions.  The website also includes math games, Indigenous connections, assessment tools, instructional routines and children’s literature.  To learn more about the website and how to access it for free, please check out the video recording of the website launch at the “More Info” link in the title.

How to Help Students Resist Their Phones and Develop Better Digital Habits | More info
This is an excellent Professional Learning article from Edutopia which provides some ideas and strategies for educators to help students manage their addiction to their phones and develop better digital habits.  Well worth a read!

Connecting Resilience Truth and Reconciliation | Dynamic Classroom Resource | More info
A teacher resource to support understanding and activities regarding Truth and Reconciliation. Written by Indigenous authors, including Rain Pierre.

French Indigenous Resources | Strong Nations Publishing
Currently available are Collection Lecteurs Forts, Collection Histoires fortes, Collection Des montagnes à la mer, Les six cèdres, and Collection Corbeau. Also available: card games and posters.

SPECIAL EVENT

Spa Night | June 8 | More info
As we approach the end of this very busy school year, please take the opportunity to enjoy an inexpensive evening out while also supporting a local business who supports the School District by taking on students through our District Work Experience Program.  Please see the flyer for more details.

Instructional Services | #Think35

4875 222 Street, Langley
BC, V3A 3Z7
Phone: 6045347891