In the Loop – September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Lunch and Learn for Truth and Reconciliation Week | More info
In advance of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers free virtual educational programming for teachers and students grades 1-12, and invites the public to join online sessions from September 23 to September 27, 2024. Online sessions are aimed at an adult audience and can contribute to increasing knowledge about Indigenous history and worldviews. Simultaneous English-French and ASL interpretation will be provided. Please visit Lunch and Learns – Truth and Reconciliation Week for details and registration.

Resources for Truth and Reconciliation
As we continue our journey towards truth and reconciliation, we are pleased to share that our district has a wealth of resources available to support this important work. Our commitment to fostering understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and histories is reflected in the diverse materials we offer. These resources are available to help enhance your understanding and to support your teaching and learning activities. Should you need any assistance in accessing or utilizing these materials, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s teacher librarian.

Digital Resources:

  • SORA: Our digital library platform provides access to a wide range of audiobooks and eBooks that cover various aspects of Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues. You can explore these resources at your convenience.
  • Curio: Curated by CBC and Radio Canada, Curio offers a rich collection of documentaries, news reports, and educational videos that provide valuable insights into Indigenous experiences and perspectives.
  • 4Canoes: This Canadian-created set of digital resources shares stories, traditional knowledge, and experiences of Indigenous communities across Canada and North America in a magazine format.
  • Live It Earth: This bilingual suite focuses on place-based, hybrid learning experiences. It offers hours of programming, informed by Indigenous perspectives and supplemented by instructional supports. Available in both English and French.
  • NFB (National Film Board): A collection of documentaries, animated films, interactive productions, and short films in English and French. The three key themes are environment and sustainability, Indigenous voices and reconciliation, and diversity and inclusion.
  • All digital resources can be found here.

Library Collections:

  • Our school libraries are stocked with numerous books that delve into the themes of truth and reconciliation. These include both fiction and non-fiction titles suitable for all age groups. Be sure to connect with your school’s teacher librarian.
  • Aboriginal Education Library- Can also be found via the tab “Indigenous Resource Library” within Insignia library software. Resources are sent to your school via Interoffice mail on Tuesdays and Thursday.
  • To search your school’s library collection, click here: https://sd35.insigniails.com/library/login

District Learning Commons (DLC):

  • The DLC offers kits designed to support Indigenous education for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
  • Please visit this link for more information about accessing the DLC 

Reconciliation in the Classroom | Curio | Video
CBC Kids News contributors Isabel DeRoy-Olson and Ainara Alleyne chat with Indigenous youth about Orange Shirt Day, reconciliation and how the classroom can be a place for change. Eli Rowe, Ryleigh Todd-Moore and Sophia Smoke offer their perspectives and answer questions from classrooms sharing their ideas, insights and personal experiences.

PROVINCIAL PRO-D DAY FRIDAY OCTOBER 25, 2024

Connecting the Pieces: The Early Years Conference | October 25, 2024 I Register
Connecting the Pieces: Pre-K and Kindergarten Conference is our annual conference dedicated to professional development for kindergarten teachers and early childhood educators.
Our workshop line-up includes local and internationally recognized experts selected to share their innovative and practical ideas for working with young learners. Featured Speaker Raffi!

Educating Students with Down Syndrome Conference | Oct 25, 2024 | More info
The Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society is hosting a conference Embracing Success: Educating Students with Down Syndrome on Friday, October 25th, 2024. This conference explores strategies for supporting students with Down syndrome and other disabilities. There’s a virtual option for attendees who aren’t able to travel to Victoria.

Crosscurrents 2024 Online | Teachers of Inclusive Education BC (TIE-BC) | October 25, 2024 | More info | Register
TIE-BC is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Crosscurrents 2024! They have a wonderful selection of speakers lined up for their 49th annual Crosscurrents Conference taking place online on Friday, October 25th. Their keynote speaker is award-winning and best-selling author, speaker, and consultant, Monique Gray-Smith who is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity, and focus on resilience. They also have a wide variety of breakout sessions on topics relevant to inclusive education such as emotional health in our schools, understanding FASD, the importance of belonging, neurodiversity, trauma-informed classrooms, inclusion for deaf or hard of hearing students, selective mutism, and more. There should be something for everyone who is passionate about inclusion!

BCHSBBA Super Clinic | Oct 25, 2024 | More info
The BC High School Boys Basketball Association will once again be offering their Coaching Super Clinic at St. Thomas More on the Provincial Pro-D Day, Friday October 25.  Join other coaches from around the province for a day of learning the game, whether it’s x and o’s, team culture it doesn’t matter. This is the biggest and best clinic in BC!

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

Read. Speak. Champion Virtual Author Series – Kamloopa: An Indigenous Matriarch Story with Kim Senklip Harvey | On-Demand Learning Feature
As contemporary educators, we have a responsibility to share diverse stories and varied perspectives with our students. To do so, it’s integral that we first listen to and learn from those voices ourselves. Join us as we learn from these diverse Canadian authors!
Join us for a virtual session with Indigenous author & playwright, Kim Senklip Harvey as she discusses her award-winning play, Kamloopa: An Indigenous Matriarch Story. The play tells the story of three Indigenous women on their journey to reclaim Indigenous matriarchal power.

Co-teaching: A Professional Learning Dinner Series | October 9, 2024 – April 8, 2025 I Register
Itinerant teachers, invite a content or classroom teacher to join you, or come on your own, and be a part of this dinner series focused on co-teaching. Learn how to develop professional co-teaching relationships, strategies for teaching in tandem, planning and assessing in a partnership, and more. Each session provides time to work together or work on your professional growth plan. Must register prior to first session.

NEW! Learning in the Primary Years: A Four Part Series | October 10, November 4, December 3 2024, and January 20 2025 I Register
Curious educators are invited to learn and think together about the newly released “Learning in the Primary Years” Ministry document with connections to playful practice. Register for one session or all, just select the appropriate pass during registration. Dinner will be provided to those who attend in person.

Connecting the Pieces: The Early Years Conference | October 25, 2024 I Register
Connecting the Pieces: Pre-K and Kindergarten Conference is our annual conference dedicated to professional development for kindergarten teachers and early childhood educators. Our workshop line-up includes local and internationally recognized experts selected to share their innovative and practical ideas for working with young learners. Featured Speaker Raffi!

NEW! Basic First Aid (New Name for OFA Level 1) | October 25, 2024 I Register
The WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid course is an 8-hour program, including coffee and lunch breaks and is designed to provide life-saving first aid skills to workers in industry. Successful candidates must demonstrate competency in practical skills and achieve 72% or higher on a multiple-choice exam. Certification is valid for three years.

 

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Provincial ADHD Education Day | October 18, 2024 | More info
This year’s ADHD Education Day for parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors, and mental health professionals is taking place exclusively virtual on Friday, October 18th, 2024. Please see the attached flyer for more information and the registration link.

NEW! How to Become a Better Writing Teacher: Supporting Engagement, Composition, and Quality in Students | October 28, 2024, November 25, 2024, January 27, 2025, & February 10, 2025 I Register
Join Matt Glover in this incredible Zoom series hosted by the Provincial Outreach Program for the Early Years.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Fall 2024 High School Economics Field Trips | Closing October 2, 2024 | Fraser Institute | More info
These free one-day field trips are a great way to get students to engage with the economic concepts they learn in class through hands on activities, while also encouraging students to consider how economic concepts are reflected in their own thinking and daily interactions and answer the question “why do economies function as they do?”.

Sample Topics and Questions Covered:

  •  Economic Systems & Opportunity Cost
    What are the trade-offs for each of the economic systems (e.g. Traditional, Market and Mixed)?
  •  Incentives & Marginal Decision-making
    Why do people choose to litter more in public parks than in private parks?  How do governments allocate money?

Student Vote BC | More info | Flyer
Student Vote is a dynamic learning experience designed to empower students with the habits of active and informed citizenship. More than 175,000 students are expected to participate in this province-wide parallel election. Participating schools receive free learning materials to teach about government and democracy, and facilitate research into the parties and candidates. Ballots and ballot boxes are also provided to coordinate Student Vote Day. The learning materials are designed for grades 4 and up and are available in English and French. Register your school today at the link above or call 1-866-488-8775.

Cascade Aerospace Tours: School Visits Fall 2024 | Sample Schedule
Cascade Aerospace is offering tours for a sneak peek at aerospace, trades, engineering and just a whole bunch of different careers in general (all in one giant hangar). So far the following dates are set aside for school tours between 9am – 11am: Oct 17 & 24, Nov 7, 14, 21 & 28, Dec 5.

Bird Presentations for the Classroom | Vancouver Aviation Research Centre | More info | Book Here
Designed to inspire curiosity and support key learning objectives across all grade levels, the newly revised presentations are interactive, educational, and full of fun. Each session is 60 minutes long over Zoom and includes a Q&A, a “wiggle break” for younger grades, and a comprehensive teachers package with crafts, activities, and more.

Mentorship Program for High School Students Interested in Medicine | More info | Sign Up
The Rural Outreach and Mentorship Initiative (ROMI) is a program run through the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada. This program provides mentorship to high school students from rural areas by connecting them with medical students across Canada. Through this mentorship, students can learn about the transition to post-secondary education and careers in medicine. Participants will have 1-on-1 meetings via their preferred platform and can attend larger group sessions covering topics including understanding the application process, life as a medical student and what a career in medicine entails. The program requires a minimum of 2 hours per month and runs until May.

Interactive History Workshops: Worldwide Tour | More info
Live History is a unique performance company that brings history to life through interactive, site-specific productions with a mystery element. They’ve toured museums and historic venues worldwide, creating customized experiences where audiences actively participate in unraveling historical mysteries. Their workshops are designed to integrate seamlessly with the curriculum and cover a wide range of topics. These workshops can be delivered virtually on the platform of choice or in person during their tours in the area. Bookings for their 2025/2026 season are now being accepted. These workshops or theatrical experiences are available in both French and English.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS AND RESOURCES

New Where You Are Podcast Episode | The Role of Schools in Promoting Protective Factors For Students | Listen here
Schools play an important role in promoting protective factors for student mental health and well-being. In this podcast episode, Bryn Askwith and guest co-host Mari Del Casal are joined by guests Silas (a grade 12 student), Nathan (school district Deputy Superintendent) and Hasina (Associate Professor and researcher) to explore what protective factors are, specific ones that can promote youth well-being in schools, strategies for school professionals on how to develop youths’ sense of belonging and supportive relationships with youth in schools. 

Language Matters | Article
Have you read Language Matters: An Introductory Guide for Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use? This essential resource is tailored for education and health professionals who work in school communities, empowering them to spark meaningful conversations, build a shared understanding and enhance practices that support the mental well-being of children and youth.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Orange Shirt Day | Power Smart for Schools | More info
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. On this day, many Canadians wear orange to recognize the impact residential schools have had on Indigenous Peoples and to support reconciliation in Canada. It’s now recognized as a statutory holiday: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. To help recognize Orange Shirt Day in the classroom, Power Smart for Schools has created hands-on crafting activities for K-3 and Grades 4-7 that are easy to follow and encourage students to think about what the day means. Activities are available in English and French.

Veterans Week 2024 | Free Educational Resources | Learning Resources
These free, bilingual remembrance materials are now available in print and online. This includes brand new editions of the Take Time to Remember activity booklet (ages 5-7), as well as the youth newspapers Tales of Animals in War (ages 8-11) and Canada Remembers Times (ages 12-18). New Veteran recognition cards and posters are also back, along with the online Veterans’ Week teacher’s guide. Order your print copies and explore digital materials now on the learning resources page at the link above!

Rolling with ADHD | More info
Are you looking to help your students with ADHD thrive in your classroom and beyond? This resource is for you! In this unique resource library, BC Children’s team of ADHD specialists offer bite-sized insights, ideas, and strategies to help your students with ADHD thrive in the classroom and beyond. This resource is in follow up to the parents and caregiver version of Rolling with ADHD: Practical Strategies for Parenting ADHD.

Back to School Resources for School Communities | More info
As the new school year beings, BC Children’s Health Promotion and Schools team and Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre are dedicated to enhancing the mental health and well-being of school communities. We provide a range of free services, supports and resources tailored for schools. Check out this info sheet on what we offer and how to get in touch!

MYBLUEPRINT 

MyBlueprint 101: September 26, 2024 | More info
Looking for a guided introduction to the basics of Education Planner? Join this webinar to explore the key features of the student account, through an educator’ lens. You’ll learn best practices, have an opportunity to ask questions, and receive resources to confidently use the platform.

Leveraging MyBlueprint for Career Education: October 9, 2024 | More info
Are you teaching a career education course? In this webinar, you’ll discover how to effectively utilize Education Planner to guide your students toward their career goals and maximize your teaching impact. You’ll leave with ready-to-go course packages and an understanding of how the in-platform assessment tools can enhance your careers curriculum and support student success.

TECH TIPS

Tech Talk with Screenagers | Videos | Podcast
Screenagers is a great resource for up to date information and tech tips to help with both teaching youth and also raising your own children in a world filled with technology.  In addition to the Screenagers films that they have produced, Screenagers also offers a Youtube channel with constantly updated videos also help educators and parents as well as a weekly podcast on tech tips for working with youth.

Instructional Services | #Think35

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Phone: 6045347891
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