Should you require additional information please send an email to cpc-events@bell.net
Thank you to our Sponsors
Ms. Yolande James was born in Montreal. She pursued her studies at the Université de Montreal in Civil Law and in Common Law at Queen’s University. She's also a member of the Barreau du Québec. In 2004, Ms. James was elected as Member of the National Assembly representing the riding of Nelligan, thus becoming the youngest member of the Quebec National Assembly. Following her re-election in 2007, she was nominated Minister of Immigration and her latest position is the Minister of Families.
Ms. James will convey to us the every changing meaning of the word family and how the partnership between parent and school can have a positive impact on learning success. She will share her personal experiences such as the support of her parents and how she transformed from student to MNA to Minister at a very young age.
She is the first to recognize the importance of community in student success and a prime example of how much can be accomplished with support and influence of a strong family unit. She has and still holds various positions on community youth organizations in Montreal and is an alumni of Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School.
When not representing her riding at the National Assembly in Quebec City, Ms. James can be found at her riding office in Pierrefonds.
Ministère
Ministère de la Famille et
des Aînés
425, rue Saint-Amable
4e étage
Québec (Québec) G1R 4Z1
Téléphone : 418 643-2181
Télécopieur : 418 643-2640 Ministre.famille@mfa.gouv.qc.ca
Circonscription
15000, boulevard de Pierrefonds
Bureau 302
Pierrefonds (Québec) H9H 5B9
Téléphone : 514-626-1749
Téléphone : 514-626-3782
Each workshop is designed for a certain age group:
A - all
E - elementary (K-6)
E+ - Senior elementary (5-6)
S - secondary (7-11)
Click the title of the workshop for more information
9:15-10:45
Introduction to Brain Gym, Easy & Fun Applications for the Family (A)
[FULL]
Presenter: Cindy Boiteau & Lori-Lynn Brigden
This presentation will give each participant the opportunity to learn what
Brain Gym is. This is a learning-readiness modality that can so easily bring
more balance and joy to the lives of those it touches!
Developed by Paul & Gail Dennison, brain gym is a series of educational &
kinesthetic based exercises that draws out the learner’s in-born intelligence &
potential.Practice of these exercises has many benefits that give the learner
(parent & child/teen) the sense of greater ease in areas of life such as the
social, physical, emotional, academic, and/or personal development realms.Dress
comfortably & bring your water bottle as we will move & learn together.
Cindy Boiteau, a teacher with a bachelor’s degree in education, is a Certified
Brain Gym® consultant and a Yoga instructor.During the last six years, she has
taught language support and the dramatic arts by introducing Brain Gym, Yoga and
breathing techniques into her practice. In 2010 she committed herself full-time
in the pursuit of her heartfelt passion and created Éducayoga, a pedagogical
method that facilitates learning. Cindy Boiteau recently founded Neuro Gym Tonik,
with the goal of promoting the discovery of these methods, most particularly to
teachers, educators and parents.
Lori-Lynn Brigden:I have a D.E.C. in Special Care Counseling from Vanier
College, combined with a B.A. in Human Relations Science from Concordia
University. For several years now, I have had the joy of observing and
experiencing the global benefits of the Brain Gym movements and "balances" in
daily life. It is also important to me to share the story of my own healing from
clinical depression and debilitating chronic pain of fibromyalgia through the
regular implementation of Brain Gym movements and principles.
Making Sense of Post-Education and Training Options:How Can Parents Help?
(S)
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Presenter: Veronique Sylvain, Jewel Perlin, Stephanie Miller & Karen Nesbitt.
“Making the right choice” causes many families considerable stress in the final
year of high school. Guidance counsellors will clarify options, from adult
education to university, available to students when they leave high school.
Facilitators will coach parents on how to ensure students are directed towards
good choices that result in satisfaction,success and ultimately self-sufficiency.This
workshop is suitable for parents of students in Secondary III through V.
Veronique Sylvain, Jewel Perlin, Stephanie Miller & Karen Nesbitt are guidance
counsellors in various LBPSB high schools.
Don’t Laugh at Me – Creating Caring Citizens of Tomorrow (A)
[1 spaces left]
Presenter: Mary Anne Fyckes
The goal of Don’t Laugh at Me is to support parents in creating a caring,
compassionate, and cooperative atmosphere in the home environment. Since
children learn by doing, this program focuses on giving children the experience
of learning in a caring community characterized by:
• healthy expression of feelings.
• caring, compassion, and cooperation.
• creative resolution of conflicts.
• appreciation of differences.
Don’t Laugh at Me addresses issues of the heart, as well as the mind. Through
song, CD, andvideo, the project harnesses the power of music and art to
transform, inspire, and build skills inchildren. The activities in this program
are designed to raise awareness, explore feelings, connectchildren to their
inner selves and to one another, provide important tools for you as a parent or
teacher,fulfill curriculum standards, and build essential skills. Additionally,
these activities will help youto empower your children to become important
catalysts for change in your home, school andcommunity, so that the circle of
caring widens and an increasing number of children can share in the experience
of a caring community.
Mary Anne Fyckes is a Community and Spiritual Care Animator at Lester B.
Pearson. She works in schools in the LaSalle-Verdun areas.
Putting an End to Power Struggles.. Parenting with Love & Limits (A)
[FULL]
Presenter: Mona Segal
Parenting children in the 21st century is a great challenge… So much to do, so
little time… Some days, or even weeks, it may seem that power struggles are a
way of life.
Do you find yourself lecturing, negotiating, or bribing your children to do
their homework, go to bed on time, or get ready for school in the morning? Come
join us to hear more about tools, tips, and strategies you can use to end power
struggles successfully.
Through their company DMFamily & School services, Deb Kellman (M.Ed.) and Mona
Segal (M.S.W.,M.Ed.),offer support to families and youth of all ages, as well as
provide support to school teams. DM offers individual, couple and family
therapy, groups in the community for youth, parenting programs, in-school
programs for students, consulting services, and professional development
workshops to teachers, support staff, and parents.
Online Safety & Security - The Parent's Role (A)
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Presenter: Mike Salkovic
Get informed and receive practical tips on what you can do to help your child
use the internet safely. This workshop is an encore performance for those given
last fall by volunteer parents at several schools. Suggestions and concerns from
parents have been incorporated in the presentation.Cyber-bullying, privacy on
facebook and digital footprints are a few topics that will be discussed.
Mike Salkovic is a parent and Chair of Governing Board of Pierrefonds
Comprehensive High School.
Creating Young Readers:How to make sure that your children become better readers (E)
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Presenter: Arlene Scott & Therese Foliot
In this session, consultants will share reading strategies that you can use to
help your children decode text, improve fluency and comprehension. Knowing and
using these strategies can make all the difference in a child’s literacy
learning.
Arlene Scott has been the Elementary English Language Arts Consultant for
the Lester B. Pearson School Board for the past five years. Prior to consulting
she was a classroom teacher for the Lakeshore and Lester B. Pearson School
Boards.
Thérèse Foliot has been the Elementary French as a Second Language
consultant for the Lester B. Pearson School Board for the past three years.
Prior to consulting, she was a classroom teacher at both primary and secondary
levelsfor the Lakeshore and Lester B. Pearson School Boards.
As parents, we know all too well that drugs are “out there.” How can we guide
our children and teens as they face decisions about drugs, alcohol and other
risky behaviours? How can we best respond if we have concerns with the choices
they are making? Presenters will provide a brief overview of the current reality
with regard to teen involvement with highrisk behaviours, as well as provide
practical tips and guidelines to support parents in their prevention efforts.
Presenters will also discuss creative initiatives that aim to increase awareness
among parents as well as information on available resources. Each participant
will receive a copy of “KIDS and Drugs: A parent’s guide to prevention” (RCMP &
AADAC).
Josee Mensales is police officer of the SPVM. Jean Duckett is the Youth Outreach Consultant at LBPSB. Viviane Briand is a consultant in Addictions Prevention and Health
Promotion at LBPSB.
Organization and Study Skills (E+)(S)
[FULL]
Presenter: Sharon Klar
This workshop will offer simple and practical strategies to help parents support
their child’s learning at home. The presenter will give parents a better
understanding of various learning strategies, introduce them to a variety of
organizational skills and methods, and recommend time management skills that can
be shared and utilized with their child.
Sharon Klar, M.Ed., is the Academic Program Coordinator for Bartimaeus,
Quebec. For the last 10 years, she has been teaching study methods, homework
skills, and easing the transition to high school for thousands of students
across Quebec. Prior to joining Bartimaeus, Sharon spent 4 years as a resource
teacher. She has presented at numerous local conferences, has been quoted in the
QFHSA Home and School News, Montreal Families magazine, and has been a guest on
CJAD
At-Risk Behaviours in Boys (E+)(S)
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Presenter:
At-risk behaviours are at the forefront of parents' concerns.
Join us for a heart to heart discussion around where young people are coming from
(and where they are going), with regards to juvenile delinquency, gang culture and hypersexualization.
Danièle Lori has worked with at-risk youth for 15 years both locally and abroad, and
provides professional development training in gang prevention / intervention, sexual exploitation,
and sexuality education. She also teaches at McGill University, coordinates the Student Success
program, and acts as a consultant for school boards, community organizations and policy-makers.
She can be reached at: Daniele.Lori@McGill.ca.
11:00-12:30
Connected to LEARNing: How e-learning is changing the world
(A)
[FULL]
Presenter: Michael Canuel
LEARN offers students across the province the opportunity to take online classes
everyday, as well as to attend homework support groups and tutorials four nights
a week. This is done using cutting-edge technology which will be demonstrated
during the workshop. Those attending the workshop will have the opportunity to
see how web-conferencing is done and to become aware of the countless resources
LEARN makes accessible to the community, all atno cost to the user. LEARN is a
recognized leader in the field of e-learning and one of Canada’s premier
providers of educational resources at the K-12 level.
Michael Canuel: Having taught English at the high school level for 12
years, he moved into the business world for over twenty years and finally
returned to his true vocation in education. For the last 7 years, Michael has
served as CEO of LEARN while, at the same time, pursued his doctorate in
educational leadership and e-learning. He is a frequent speaker at international
conferences on the subject of e-learning and methodologies, areas of interest
for which he is quite passionate.
21st Century Families (E+)
(S)
[FULL]
Presenter: Susan Layne
The 5 W’s of parenting: Who are the teenagers of the 21st century? What are the
dynamics of a 21 century family? What’s normal teenage behaviour? When do I, as
a parent, say, “No”that stays no? When do I say “yes?” Where are my teens
hanging out with their friends? Where are they meeting their friends? Why do
rules and punishments fail?
Susan Layne, M.S.W., has been a member of the Amcal Family Services team
for the past ten years. During those years, she has been the Coordinator of
Family Work Services as well as the Coordinator and Animator of School-Based
Services, providing social skills and anger management skills to students of
schools in the LBPSB. She has also worked with families as a family worker,
providing parenting skills and counseling to families who are experiencing
varying life-cycle challenges. She has attended many workshops throughout the
years, including working with teen boys and girls in crisis, and the changing
social landscape and how it affects the emotional well-being of teens. Ms. Layne
uses her clinical knowledge of family systems, along with humour and anecdotal
examples to help families identify and overcome the difficulties that they are
facing. She is presently the Animator of the Parenting Group at Amcal, as well
as The Director of Student Growth and Parent Relations at Centennial Academy.
Autism: Your Homework! (E)
[9 spaces left]
Presenter: Katie Cohene
This workshop explores best practices for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the
school setting and how they can be successfully translated to the home. A more
detailed look at visual supports, building social skills, and using positive
behaviour supports as well as communication between home and school will be
explored.
Katie Cohene is an LBPSBconsultant for Special Needs and is a member of
the Autism Spectrum Disorders Team. Prior to joining Student Services, she was a
classroom and resource teacher. She is presently completing her doctorate at
McGill University.
Differentiate Mathematics to Help Students Succeed
(S)
[FULL]
Presenter: Terry Lin
This presentation will give a brief overview of the importance of
differentiation and how teachers are differentiating their instruction in the
secondary mathematics classroom. Tips and strategies will be providedon how to
support the students at home with their mathematical learning.
Terry Lin is currently the secondary mathematics consultant at LBPSB and
a Ph.D. student at McGill University. Her studies are focused on secondary
mathematics teachers’ professional learning and exploring collaborative learning
activities to support teachers’ professional development.
Transition to High School
(E+)
[FULL]
Presenter: John Leblanc
In this session we will be discussing the issues concerning the transition to
high school. Emphasis will be on general academic concerns as well as
resource/support services available.
John Leblanc is the Secondary English Language Arts, Literacy, Music, and
Drama consultant for LBPSB. He has been a high school English and Math teacher
for 11 years, teaching mostly Grade 7 students at Lachine Community
Comprehensive High School. He is currently working on his M.A. at McGill
University in Educational Leadership with a focus on personality theory and
leadership teams. He is also a board game enthusiast!
Working Together to Help Children and Adolescents Cope with Stress
(A)
As adults we know all too well just how stressful life can be. We may not always
be aware, however, that children and teens also experience stress. Academic and
social demands at school, pressures at home and getting along with siblings and
friends can present special challenges for them.
How much stress is normal? Is it too much? Is my child suffering? What can I do?
This presentation will help parents answer some of these questions. The
presentation aims to help parents:
• Recognize the ways in which stress is experienced by children and adolescents
and how to model and teach effective ways of coping.
• Identify warning signs that a child may be feeling overwhelmed and is having
difficulty coping.
• Learn hands-on strategies to help children develop life long stress management
skills.
• Explore ways in which to effectively work with the school community to support
and enhance your child’s mental health.
Dr. Elana Bloom is a psychologist with LBPSB. She is also the Coordinator
of the Center of Excellence for Mental Health, a provincial resourcemanaged by
LBPSB. Rita McDonough is the Coordinator of Family School Support Treatment Team
at LBPSB. She is also a member of the Center of Excellence for Mental Health
team. Dr. Gerry Weintraub, a psychologist with LBPSB, is also a member of the
Center of Excellence for Mental Health.
A ROAD TO VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
(S)
[9 spaces left]
Presenter: Safak Eran-Tasker,
What does success look like? Sometimes it wears a suit and carries a briefcase;
sometimes it wears a hard hat and overalls and carries a wrench. Success is
personal; so is the journey leading to it.
Discover vocational training that spells success for many talented young people,
and supplies a wealth of much needed skills for our economy.
If you are worried about your child moving into adult education sector, at LBPSB
he/she is not alone during this crucial time. Wanting to ensure that no one is
left behind or misguided, the Transitions team ensures a smooth journey for our
students.
Presenter: Safak Eran-Tasker, responsible LBPSB SARCA (Services d’accueil, de
référence, de conseil et d’accompagnement). Her main responsibility is to reach
those without a first diploma, and inform and support students returning to
education.
Exploring Sexuality Realities of Today’s Youth
(A)
[FULL]
Presenter: Melinda Atkinson
Because sexuality plays such a large role in the health, emotional, and overall
well being of our children, it is important to understand and be comfortable
addressing it. Participants will learn “the real truth” about and current trends
relating to teens and sex, discover why it is important to stay informed and
keep communication open and will discover creative ways to discuss sexuality
with their child and offer support around this sensitive part of their
development.
As diversity in sexual orientation and gender-expression becomes increasingly
more visible, this workshop will help to demystify the gender and sexuality
variances of today’s youth culture. Parents will learn current terminology,
acquire factual and statistical information, and be better equipped to address
the “sexuality realities” of today’s teens.
Melinda Atkinson is a Service Coordinator and Workshop Facilitator for
Bartimaeus, Québec. As a former board member of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight
Education Network (GLSEN), Melinda has organized conferences and conducted
workshops on sexual diversity and inclusion for students, teachers, parents, and
professional groups. Before joining Bartimaeus, Melinda spent 2 years as the
Coordinator for Community Service Programs at the University of Vermont. Melinda
obtained her B.A. in Communications from the University of Cincinnati.
At-Risk Behaviours in Girls (E+)(S)
[FULL]
Presenter:
At-risk behaviours are at the forefront of parents' concerns.
Join us for a heart to heart discussion around where young people are coming from
(and where they are going), with regards to juvenile delinquency, gang culture and hypersexualization.
Danièle Lori has worked with at-risk youth for 15 years both locally and abroad, and
provides professional development training in gang prevention / intervention, sexual exploitation,
and sexuality education. She also teaches at McGill University, coordinates the Student Success
program, and acts as a consultant for school boards, community organizations and policy-makers.
She can be reached at: Daniele.Lori@McGill.ca.
12:30 – 1:45 LUNCH
1:45-3:15
Robotics: a new way to learn!
(E)
[5 spaces left]
Presenter: Sophie Lussier
How many robots have you had the chance to meet? This is your chance to
understand the makings of a robot and put that knowledge to use. This is a
hands-on workshop for curious and creative parents who may want to surprise
their children with their tech-saviness.
Sophie Lussier, "orthopédagogue" has worked at both elementary and high
schools. She is with the LBPSB for her second year as a consultant. After
working for 10 years in the French Immersion program in Halifax, she is bringing
new ideas to integrate the different subjects to meet all learners' needs.
Living Literacy
(E)
[12 spaces left]
Presenter: Linda Schwartz
This discussion will look at the vital role parents play in creating
environments and daily activities that foster a lifelong positive relationship
with reading and writing. From the earliest “reading” of the logos for
“MacDonald’s” and “Maxi’s,” through sharing books and excitement around new
words and having our little explorers “discover” us reading and writing for
pleasure, we will look at developmental expectations and playful, gentle
nurturing of emerging knowledge and skills.
Linda Schwartz is a Speech/Language Pathologist at LBPSB.
Everything Your Child Needs to Know About Making and Keeping Friends
(E)
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Presenter: Deb Kellman & Mona Segal
Making and keeping friends are keys skills for all children. When children are
more socially competent, they are more easily able to be empathetic towards
others, problem solve, cooperate, work together in a team, and learn to manage
their emotions when things don’t go the way they had hoped. These essential life
skills help students be successful in the classroom, on the playground, and at
home! This interactive workshop will cover strategies parents can use to support
their children in becoming more socially and emotionally competent.
Through their company, DM Family & School Services,Deb Kellman (M.Ed.) and Mona
Segal (M.S.W M.Ed.) offer support tofamily and youth of all ages, as well as
provide support to school teams. DM offers individual, couple and family
therapy, groups in the community for youth, parenting programs, in-school
programs for students, consulting services, and professional development
workshops to teachers, support staff, and parents.
It’s 7 p.m., and you hear: “Mum, Dad, I need information, now!”
(A)
[10 spaces left]
Presenter: Suzanne Nesbitt
Have you lived through this before? Would you know where to look? Where can you
find reliable information? What are the good websites in the wilds of the
internet?
You may be surprised to find out there is a wealth of resources on the LBPSB
Portal. For resources and links in English and en Français, this just might be
the hands-on workshop for you.
Suzanne Nesbitt has been in education in Montreal and Quebec City. She
has worked as a teacher in elementary and secondary, in rural and inner-city
schools. She has been an educational consultant for the past 6 years. Her
dossiers include Libraries, Visual Arts and cultural programs.
Who Are Our Children Really?
(A)
[FULL]
Presenter: Maria de Souza, Spiritual Animator
This introductory interactive workshop based on the Virtues ProjectTM will help
parents:
• become mindful of the way they communicate with their children
• listen to their children with compassionate curiosity
• guide and support them so that they find clarity and discover their own
solutions that promote healing and growth
• set boundaries based on respect and justice
• create a climate of peace, cooperation and safety in the home
• recognize virtues in their daily challenges and become lifelong learners open
to the lessons of character
• sustain their vision by purposefully integrating virtues into their activities
Maria de Souza is a Community and Spiritual Care Animator at LBPSB who is
also a Certified Virtues ProjectTM Master Facilitator. She has been implementing
this program in LBPSB schools since 1999 and has developed school programs
related to Peer Mediation, Leadership and Character Development.
Attachment Theory and Parenting in Real Life!
(A)
[FULL]
Presenter: Lindsay Chipman & Sarah Brodie
This presentation will be a dialogue between presenters and the audience on some
of the topics that come up the most frequently for children who are still
developing self-regulation (all children! and parents too!). Topics include: how
to pick your battles; why correcting behaviour three out of four times is worse
than none at all; how not to negotiate with your kids; creating the
circumstances where children ‘want to be good’ at home and school…and more!
The presenters Lindsay and Sarah work with LBPSB’s Reach program, a
classroom-based program for cycle one elementary students who lack emotional
self-regulation. Part of the program is that parents work together with family
consultants to create for consistent limit setting between home and school. Both
Lindsay and Sarah have become new parents during their work as family
consultants with the Student Services Department at LBPSB.
Citizenship 2.0
(A)
[16 spaces left]
Presenter: Meagan Kearney
Examine web 2.0 strategies that can support your children’s academic
experience. These tools will engage their learning, increase academic
performance and creativity and allow their individual needs to be met. But, how
can we teachkids to be responsible when they use technology and these tools? We
will look at the Digital Citizenship Program (DCP)and how it provides them with
the guidelines and strategies to make their experience with technology and web
2.0 tools a safe and productive one.
Meagan Kearney is an educational consultant with the Lester B. Pearson
School Board for the Digital Citizenship Program.She is currently working with
teachers on how to integrate the DCP into their teaching practice as well as on
developing resources for the DCP. She has a Bachelor of Education and hasworked
as a classroom teacher, both in high school and elementary school. She has a
Master’s degree from Concordia University in Educational Technology.
Alternative Success
(S)
[14 spaces left]
Presenter: Peter Gilson & Alexandra Welik
In this session we will be discussing alternative pathways for High School
students – WOTP, Projet Particulier and Work Study.
Alexandra Welik, a teacher at Westwood High School Senior Campus will be
sharing her teaching experiences in the Semi-Skilled Program.
Peter Gilson is presently an educational consultant responsible for the
implementation of WOTP and Projet Particulier. He taught at both the elementary
and high school levels and has been an administrator, special education
consultant, math consultant and science consultant.
School Success with Disabilities
(S)
[13 spaces left]
Presenter: Arthur Olivenstein
This presentation is a slightly humourous look at the world of a dysphasic
learning-disabled student and what the major figures in his life (parents,
teachers, administrators, and fellow students) need to do to make his learning
experience more relevant and successful. The talk includes the presenter’s own
experiences coupled with some of the strategies he used to help become a
successful student and person.
Arthur Olivenstein is a 17 year old student at Vanier College who was
born on the day the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup. He was diagnosed with
moderate to severe dysphasia at the age of 4 and started speech therapy right
after that. Dysphasia is a learning disability which affects the manner in which
one acquires and utilizes oral language, thus makes learning in a traditional
way quite difficult.
1:00-4:00
It's So Hard to Be Your Friend (E+)(S)
[7 spaces left]
Presenter: Nathalie Constant & Maureen Hunt
Making and keeping friends are part of the unspoken curriculum in our schools.
For some, this is an effortless task. For others, this is one of the major
obstacles students may face. In his film, Richard Lavoie, a noted educator,
presents valuable information on the process of friendship development. This
information will enable parents and educators to provide support, encouragement
and education on the specific skills that would be beneficial for our children
to face social expectations.
The video, “It’s So Hard to Be Your Friend,” featuring Richard Lavoie, will be
presented, followed with a discussion on how we can share this knowledge with
our children.
Nathalie Constant and Maureen Hunt are professionals affiliated with the Family
and School Support and Treatment Team (FSSTT) of the LBPSB. They assist schools
in supporting children with social, emotional and behavioural challenges.
Registration Closed
Pearson Electrotechnology Centre is located at 5000 Rene-Huguet, Lachine, QC - Carpooling is
strongly recommended
Parking is located in the back of the building which is
accessible by Victoria St.
From West:
Take Autoroute 20 to exit #58, 55e Avenue
Turn right on 55th Avenue
Turn left on Victoria follow the signs to CPC Parent Conference
From East:
Take Autoroute 20 to exit #58, 55e Avenue
Turn left on 55th Avenue
Turn left on Victoria follow the signs to CPC Parent Conference
Click the title of the workshop for more information
