CONFERENCE BROCHURE
TAPESTRY 2012
Friday, February 17
Esquimalt Secondary
847 Colville Road
Victoria, BC
PRESENTED BY
CONFERENCE AGENDA
8:00 Registration Opens
8:30 – 9:45 Networking Hot Breakfast &
Educational Resources
Greater Victoria Teachers’ 10:00 – 11:45 Morning Session
Association 11:45 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 2:30 Afternoon Session
REGISTRATION
Tri-District Teachers and CUPE $50.00
TTOCs & Student Teachers $30.00
Out-of-District Teachers & Educators $65.00
CONFERENCE WEBSITE
Registration Questions http://tapestryconference.weebly.com
Contact Sue
sooketeachers@shaw.ca
REGISTRATION WEBSITE – ACTIVE DEC. 5, 2011
Conference Questions https://www.onlineregistrations.ca/tapestry/
Contact Patricia
patricia@gvta.net Register early to avoid disappointment!
Low enrolling workshops are subject to cancellation.
BROCHURE NOTATIONS
Morning workshops are designated by the letter A#, afternoon workshop are designated
by the letter B# and all day workshop are designated by the letter C#. Please select one
morning and one afternoon workshop, OR one all day workshop.
MORNING WORKSHOPS (10:00 – 11:45)
(A1) THE MAGICAL TEENAGE BRAIN (GR. 6-12)
Presenter: Gary Anaka
Bio: Gary Anaka is the top Brain-Based Learning facilitator in BC today. He is a Learning
Assistance Specialist with over 32 years of high school teaching experience. He has presented
to thousands of teachers and support staff in over 45 BC School Districts since 1997. The scope
of his work can be viewed at www.braincoach.ca
Summary: Today’s schools are full of teenagers struggling with learning challenges, boredom
and stress. Many forces detract from the brain’s ability to learn. Find out how the teenage brain
thinks and learns. Gain some valuable, practical, cost-free, no-effort strategies to boost teaching
effectiveness in the classroom.
(A2) F.Y.R.E. (FORCE YOUTH RESOURCE AND EDUCATION) GROUP (K-12)
Presenter: Jonathan Berry, Lisa Hansen, Dane Hansen and Brooke Hansen.
Bio: Jonathan has run the Pathfinder program at Spectrum for 6 years. The program provides an
alternate classroom for students with learning disabilities and mental health issues. Jonathan’s
background includes: foster parent, group home manager, youth worker, teacher at psychiatric
hospital, and teacher at an alternate education high school. Jonathan has a M.Ed. in Curriculum
with a focus on Alternate Education.
Lisa Hansen is a mother of two children who both have ADHD and Learning Disabilities. She has
worked for the F.O.R.C.E. (Families Organized for Recognition and Care Equality - a society for
kids’ mental health) for 6 years and has been the Parent Liaison for the Friends for Life Program
for 5 years. Lisa has also been involved in The Invisible Disabilities Parent Support Group, the
Family Partners Committee and the Progressive Recovery Group.
Dane Hansen graduated in May 2009 and completed his Secondary School Apprenticeship in
Carpentry. He received the Secondary School Apprenticeship Scholarship from the Industry
Training Authority for sustained and exceptional work as an apprentice and is on his way to
completing his Red Seal Certification. He was in Air Cadets for 5 years and plans on becoming a
pilot. Dane volunteers at the F.O.R.C.E. and volunteered for one year on the City of Victoria
Youth Council.
Brooke Hansen graduated in May 2011 and completed the Outdoor Recreation Career Prep
Program. Brooke is currently working towards her Lifeguard Certificate. After travelling, Brooke
plans on completing the diploma course Exercise and Wellness and work for recreation centres.
Brooke also volunteers at the F.O.R.C.E. and spent one year on the City of Victoria Youth
Council.
Summary: In March 2009, fifteen youth, who had a variety of mental health challenges, came
together to discuss what a youth/peer education group would look like and came up with goals to
work on and achieve. They decided they wanted to talk about what worked for them in school and
to share what they found helpful. They call themselves F.Y.R.E. (F.O.R.C.E. Youth Resource and
Education Group). This sessions will bring together some of these youth, a parent of two of the
youths and a teacher who taught some of the youths. The intent is to share what they found
helpful and how it supported their mental health challenges. The teacher will share some tools his
school uses to support students with learning disabilities. www.forcesociety.com
(A3) COMPOSTING WITH KIDS (K-6)
Presenter: Nashira Birch
Bio: Nashira Birch is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Greater Victoria Compost
Education Centre. She has her BA in Child and Youth Care and has spent 15 years working with
children and youth. She has also worked in landscaping and organic farming. The Greater
Victoria Compost Education Centre provides education and resources to the public and to
schools on composting, soil, organic food gardening, and climate change.
Summary: This session will be an interactive exploration of compost education in the classroom,
both with and without a compost. It will include a crash course in composting how-to, composting
in the classroom, and options for school-wide composting. We will also look at how composting
can be incorporated into the curriculum, resources for teachers, and ways to engage students.
(A4) AN INTRO TO STORYOGA™ & SOME OF IT’S PLAYFUL ELEMENTS (K-2)
Presenter: Vanessa Braun
Bio: Vanessa Braun is an Early Childhood Educator and Certified Yoga Instructor. She is also the
founder and instructor of Storyoga™ - a self-designed program that fuses together children’s
literature with the joyous movement of yoga. Vanessa has been working with children for over
seven years and continues to be inspired by their free spirit, creativity, and sense of wonder.
Summary: Gain the knowledge and tools you need to bring Storyoga™ into your classroom!
During this interactive workshop presentation, participants will explore: what Storyoga™ is, the
benefits for children, the six key elements and Vanessa’s top 10 Storyoga™ books.
Special Notes: Participants receive a comprehensive workshop handout. Please bring a yoga
mat if you have one. Resource materials will be available for purchase (cash or cheque only).
(A5) TEACHING THE DYSLEXIC AND RIGHT BRAINED STUDENT (K-12)
Presenter: Karen Hope-deGraaf and Howard deGraaf
Bio: Karen Hope-deGraaf is an adult Dyslexic with 3 grown Dyslexic children. She spent the past
30 years researching Dyslexia and creating her own teaching methods. These methods are
appropriate for Dyslexic and Right Brained students of all ages.
Summary: Includes the following: description of dyslexia and how it relates to right brained and
left brained learning styles, checklist of a dyslexic student’s’ specific learning style and
appropriate accommodations, strategies for dyslexic students, software that helps to teach
literacy skills and a simple to use screening tool to determine if dyslexia is the learning issue.
(A6) DISCOVERING THE PACIFIC: USING REAL TIME DATA TO ENGAGE STUDENTS IN
MARINE SCIENCE (GR. 6-12)
Presenter: Natasha Ewing
Bio: Natasha Ewing grew up in the East Kootenays, but realized her passion for the ocean during
summer vacations to the West Coast. To pursue her dreams of becoming an advocate for ocean
health, education and research, Natasha earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Biology and Ocean
Sciences from the University of Victoria. Combining her passions for education and the marine
ecosystem, she now develops educational programs for Ocean Networks Canada, an underwater
observatory supporting a new generation of coastal and deep-sea research.
Summary: Dive into the depths of the Pacific Ocean to explore the sights, sounds and properties
of the big blue. Ocean Networks Canada operates an innovative underwater observatory that
enables transformative ocean research and technology development through a system like no
other in the world. Expand your knowledge of marine health, conservation, energy resources, and
natural hazards. Learn how to bring the marine ecosystem into your classroom and create
engaging and experiential lessons through the use of real-time data.
(A7) SCIENCE OLD! SCIENCE NEW! PLO CONNECTIONS TOO! (K-8)
Presenter: Brian Herrin
Bio: Brian Herrin is a retired elementary school teacher who loves to share science ideas and
strategies that demand engagement by students. His workshops are hands-on and come with
some equipment and a comprehensive handout. His aim is to have you go away with something
to do with your students on Monday morning that will definitely create some oohs and aahs.
Summary: You will engage in science using simple materials that are easily obtained. Physical
science principles will be explained with some equipment to take away as well as some seeds
and plant material that you may find useful in your springtime classroom. You will definitely learn
by doing as you actually experience what your class will do and gain clear understandings of
what is happening. Strategies and surprise activities will be featured throughout.
(A8) A NEW RHYTHM AT SCHOOL (K-5)
Presenter: Matthew Hodgins
Bio: Matthew Hodgins is a Canadian Percussionist who, for 15 years, taught and performed in
London, Bristol, and the South West Counties of England. Highlights for Hodgins include:
education at London University, Glastonbury Festival 2004 & 2005, Border Trio (2005-2010), and
over 500 UK drumming students. Matthew is now offering his years of experience encapsulated
into Djembe Drumming Workshops. For more information view www.drumming-solutions.com
Summary: Djembe drumming needs no introduction. Logistics and knowledge, however, may
hamper the success of group drumming in school – until now! Hodgins says “Djembe is a sound
canvas for children, and if you appreciate drumming music – you can pursue Djembe rhythms in
class”. View the interactive demo at: www.drumming-solutions/DVD. In line with B.C. prescribed
learning outcomes, Hodgins’ workshop will explore drumming cultures and traditions for their
relevancy and will share and promote ideas which can be developed within a lesson plan.
Hodgins will demonstrate key practical methods on the drum and he guarantees to impart
worthwhile ideas for professionals to develop. He also expects to share ‘facts & figures’ with
those who want a whole class set of drums.
(A9) EVERYTHING GOOGLE…WELL ALMOST (GR. 6-12)
Presenter: Barry Janzen
Bio: Barry Janzen has been a teacher in the Greater Victoria School District for over 20 years
st
and was the 2011 Western Canada recipient of the MindShare Learning 21 Century classroom
video challenge. Barry has delivered professional development workshops in the area of
technology and curriculum integration within his school (Mount Douglas Secondary) and the
district for the past 4 years.
Summary: This hands-on workshop will take participants through the process of creating and
using Google docs, maps, and calendars focusing on the practical application of these tools in the
classroom. Participants will explore the many uses of Google in the classroom and how to utilize
these tools for student engagement, collaboration, and presentation of work. Teachers will learn
how to create and manage students’ accounts, observe student progress, and provide feedback
directly on student documents.
(A10) WHAT'S NEW AND WONDERFUL IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE FOR GRADES K - 3
Presenter: Tricia Kearns
Bio: Tricia is an enthusiastic and dynamic presenter who has devoted her professional life to
children and books. As a teacher, school librarian, manager of The Children's Bookshop, and
outstanding consultant to schools, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the best children's
books and how to use them in the classroom. Tricia has a Master's Degree in Library Science,
worked as Teacher Librarian for 15 years in Honduras, Spain and California, and spent five years
in New York City working in children's publishing.
Summary: Outstanding children's books can be powerful teaching tools. This workshop will
present the latest and greatest new books and creative ways you can use them as springboards
to enhance your teaching and engage your students. All books will be available for purchase on
site in vendor area with a 15% discount.
(A11) ADDING SOME PIZAZZ TO YOUR P.E. PROGRAM! (GR. 4-7)
Presenter: Allison Leppard
Bio: Allison is a Grade 6 teacher at Journey Middle School in Sooke. She has a passion for P.E.
and Dance. She has taught K-7 P.E. and has had the opportunity to work on the district
committee for developing the P.E. and Dance Curriculums and Teacher Resources for K-7.
Summary: Looking for some innovative ideas to add a little pizzazz to your P.E. class? Come
learn some activities that you can use on Monday! We will have fun exploring dance, simple
gymnastics and other innovative activities that can be creative, cooperative and fun! Please wear
comfortable clothing and footwear to participate.
(A12) MEDITATION: FIVE MINUTES IN A CHAIR (K-12)
Presenter: Neil Mckinlay
Bio: Neil is a Victoria-based meditation teacher. Working under the direction of Reggie Ray, he
offers classes that help others realize the most of their lives. This same inspiration informs his
work as a personal coach and intuitive healer/guide. More information at www.neilmckinlay.com
Summary: Meditation is a great way to address the stress in our lives, but many of us are
overwhelmed at the thought of adding “one more thing” to already busy schedules. “Five Minutes
in a Chair” is designed with this situation in mind. In this workshop, participants are introduced to
a practice that can be done almost anywhere. Providing the tools and perspectives necessary to
begin meditating today, this event offers us a way to relax and rejuvenate.
(A13) CRAAP DETECTION: EVALUATING WEBSITES THE FUN AND MEMORABLE WAY
(GR. 6-12)
Presenter: Darinka Popovic
Bio: Darinka Popovic earned her Masters from the University of Alberta in Teacher-Librarianship.
Darinka has taught grades K-8 and has spent the past 12 years as teacher librarian.
Summary: Your eyes do not deceive you! I did use the “word”. Students need a memorable
method to attract them to learn about quality websites. The C.R.A.A.P method provides a unique
way of remembering how to determine if a website is just right. We will explore the tool and look
at a number of websites that will make this task much more interesting.
(A14) AN ONLINE INDEPENDENT NOVEL STUDY FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
TEACHERS (ENGLISH AND FRENCH)
Presenter: Rebecca Steele and Hélène Bérubé
Bio: Hélène Bérubé teaches Français Langue at the secondary level at The Link. Hélène has
participated in various global online conferences, follows numerous educational blogs and is
actively using Twitter to find new ways to teach French Immersion. Rebecca Steele teaches
secondary English at The Link at the SJ Willis Education Centre. She has been a distributed
learning teacher for 6 years and is a Blackboard Administrator for SD61. Rebecca graduated with
her Masters of Arts in Learning and Technology at Royal Roads University in 2009 .
Summary: This session will introduce an independent novel study, housed within Blackboard, a
learning management system available to all teachers and students in SD61. Participants will be
given a guided tour of the unit from the students’ perspective. The unit allows teachers to
introduce/use Audacity, Glogster, video clips, and word processing. Blackboard is the ‘tool box’; it
allows teachers to organize and contain the unit by housing documents, links, video clips,
discussion boards, blogs, etc. It is password protected and can act as a virtual classroom. This is
ideal for independent learning. Interested teachers will have the opportunity to have a copy of the
unit and arrangements will be made for assistance to personalize for his or her own classroom.
The workshop is delivered in English and the novel unit is available in both English and French
for teachers of both languages.
(A15) CREATING YOUR OWN WEBSITE USING WEEBLY OR SCHOOLNOTES (K-12)
Presenter: Keely Thornton and Mark Brown
th
Bio: Keely Thornton is in her 5 year as a Teacher-Librarian and has found her calling working
within school libraries. Her long term goal is to create readers out of every single one of her
students and to lure them into the library on a daily basis. Mark Brown teaches Grade 6. While
having always been a believer in “the simplest solution is the best solution” he does have a
SmartBoard in his classroom. His post-degree work was on the subject of integrating technology
into the classroom. An avid outdoorsman, he plays with things you can't plug into a power supply.
Summary: Have you ever been curious about creating a website for your classroom, school
library, or personal life? Have you ever wanted to reach out and connect to those around you
using simple technology? Have you ever wished that there was a place for parents to check on
their child’s homework assignments? Join us for an introduction class on creating your own
website using the free hosting site Weebly or SchoolNotes. We will help you set up the account
and show you the highlights of these easy to use and fun web tools.
(A16) INTRODUCTION TO WORDS THEIR WAY (K-5)
Presenter: Carolyn Vincent
Bio: Carolyn Vincent is a primary teacher with a mosaic of teaching experiences to draw on.
Recently, she spent 6 years as a Literacy Coordinator in the Sooke district. Seven years ago she
introduced Words Their Way to Tapestry and has continued to be a fan of this effective method of
teaching spelling. She has had the honour of meeting and learning directly from the Words Their
Way team at a conference.
Summary: Words Their Way is a developmental spelling program that can be used on its own or
in conjunction with your own words/spelling programs. Part of the WTW magic is the efficient
assessment that allows you to immediately find out where your students are in terms of hearing
and seeing the patterns. (And, oh yes, there are the many exceptions!) WTW is a brain friendly
method of learning the intricacies of our language and it is all done with sorting and noticing.
(A17) CREATING INTERACTIVE STAND-ALONE QUIZZES USING QUIZSCRIPT (K-12)
Presenter: Bill Wadge and Christine Wadge
Bio: Bill and Christine Wadge teach Computer Science and French respectively at UVIC. Bill has
a BA from UBC and PhD from UC Berkeley (both in mathematics) while Christine has a BA
(French/History) from U Warwick, UK. Both have a longtime interest in language and technology.
Summary: Quizscript is a simple mini-markup notation that allows non-expert users to quickly
and easily create stand-alone interactive quizzes. Writing quizzes involves little more than adding
special punctuation to ordinary text and entering it in the Quizscript web page. Pressing the
submit button returns an interactive quiz that can be saved and distributed as an ordinary html
file. Quizscript supports multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions as well as popup hints.
Animation is done through JavaScript so quizzes can be taken on any modern browser – no
special software to install. At http://web.uvic.ca/~cwadge/quizzes/ you can find a large collection
of French grammar/vocabulary exercises created by C. Wadge with Quizscript.
(A18) THE FORGOTTEN STORY OF CANADA’S HOME CHILDREN (K-7)
Presenter: Beryl Young
Bio: Beryl Young is the author of three award-winning children’s fiction and non-fiction books
including Wishing Star Summer Follow the Elephant and Charlie: a Home Child’s Life in Canada.
Beryl lives in Vancouver and is a popular speaker in classrooms and conventions across the
country. See her website at www.berylyoung.com
Summary: In a lively presentation based on her book Charlie: a Home Child’s Life in Canada,
Beryl Young tells the little-known story of our history of 100,000 child immigrants sent to Canada
from Britain between 1840 and 1940. Largely unsupervised, these children, some as young as
four years old, were sent from institutions like Dr. Barnardo’s and were put to work on Canadian
farms. Beryl tells the story of her own father who came to Canada at thirteen and made a
successful life here. This moving presentation uses photographs and archival materials to inspire
classroom activities in family history, immigration and citizen studies
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS (12:45 – 2:30)
(B1) BRAIN HEALTH AND VITALITY - YOUR FUTURE (K-12)
Presenter: Gary Anaka
Bio: Bio: Gary Anaka is the top Brain-Based Learning facilitator in BC today. He is a Learning
Assistance Specialist with over 32 years of high school teaching experience. He has presented
to thousands of teachers and support staff in over 45 BC School Districts since 1997. The scope
of his work can be viewed at www.braincoach.ca
Summary: How can you teach if you don’t have a brain to teach with? Are you experiencing
brain fatigue? Not as sharp as you used to be? Gain the secrets of brain plasticity to give you
strategies for life long brain wellness and quality of life. Discover how to prevent cognitive decline
as you age. This energetic and lively workshop is filled with hope and optimism for your future.
Find how to use it before you lose it!
(B2) HOW TWITTER CAN HELP FRENCH IMMERSION TEACHERS (GR. 6-12)
Presenter: Hélène Bérubé
Bio: Hélène Bérubé teaches Français Langue at the secondary level at The Link. Hélène has
participated in various global online conferences, follows numerous educational blogs and is
actively using Twitter to find new ways to teach French Immersion.
Summary: An introduction to Twitter and how it can be used in education. The participants will be
given a guided tour of my Twitter account which is full of French resources for French Immersion
teachers. We will also look at some other relevant Twitter accounts participants might like to
follow. The participants will have the opportunities to set up their own Twitter accounts to begin
following other teachers or to look at the resources posted in my account.
(B3) USING DRAMA TO TEACH SOCIAL STUDIES IN MULTI-GRADE SETTINGS (GR. 3-5)
Presenter: Abigail Bigam `
Bio: Abigail Bigam is an experienced actor who performed in Fringe festivals across Canada for
several years. Her formal education includes a BFA in Acting, a B.Ed and a MA focusing on the
relationship between Process Drama and the Multiple Intelligences. She has extensive
experience teaching Drama to children and youth. Abigail is currently teaching an active group of
students in a grade 3-4-5 class in a small alternative school in SD61.
Summary: This workshop will provide teachers with hands on experiences and with knowledge of
how to use Drama to teach Social Studies. The lessons provide a way to work with multiple
intelligences in the classroom setting by providing students the opportunity to engage in Drama
activities as one way to show what they are learning. This is a participatory workshop so come
prepared to be active!
(B4) HOW CAN INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS ENHANCE OUR PEDAGOGY AND
SUPPORT STUDENT LEARNING? (K-12)
Presenter: Mary Chiappetta
Bio: Mary is a teacher in the Greater Victoria School District 61. She is a member of the
Learning Initiatives Team that supports sustainable, school-based, collaborative teams engaging
in collective inquiry into teaching and learning.
Summary: This workshop will focus on using the interactive whiteboard as a tool for
communicating information, working collaboratively, and creating ideas. Literacy and numeracy
lesson ideas will be explored using the basic features available on interactive whiteboards.
(B5) TEACHING THE DYSLEXIC AND RIGHT BRAINED STUDENT (K-12)
Presenter: Karen Hope deGraaf and Howard deGraaf
Bio: Karen Hope-deGraaf is an adult Dyslexic with 3 grown Dyslexic children. She spent the past
30 years researching Dyslexia and creating her own teaching methods. These methods are
appropriate for Dyslexic and Right Brained students of all ages.
Summary: This workshop includes the following topics: description of dyslexia and how it relates
to right brained and left brained learning styles, checklist of a dyslexic students’ specific learning
style and appropriate accommodations, teaching strategies for dyslexic students, computer
software that helps to teach literacy skills and a simple-to-use screening tool to determine if
dyslexia is the learning issue.
(B6) BCTF - INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTO ALL CLASSROOMS (K-
12)
Presenter: Lucie Ferrari
Bio: Lucie had a local TV show in the Wisconsin for five years. Her main focus was local organic
farms, grocery stores and cooking as well as local art and politics. She teaches Social Studies,
and Planning 10 in the Delta School District and she is a Social Justice BCTF Associate. Lucie
believes in change for the better, she is trained as a facilitator and she is glad to be sent to
facilitate this wonderful BCTF workshop.
Summary: This workshop is providing teachers an opportunity to think and discuss why
environmental education is relevant to students. They will have hands on activities during the
session and teachers will get out of the workshop with pragmatic ideas of activities to use in the
classroom.
(B7) LAUGH WITH ME…NOT AT ME (GR. 4-6)
Presenter: Grace Gaughan
Bio: Grace Gaughan is a passionate and skilled Certified Laughter Yoga Facilitator, who has
more than 10 years experience in education and life skills coaching. For the last 2 years she has
been leading groups through Laughter Yoga for one time sessions of fun, stress reduction and
team building for organizations.
Summary: Laughter Yoga is a profound and playful system involving deep breathing, stretching,
games, relaxation and much laughter! In children it can address stress reduction, healthy
relations, increased self-confidence, anger management, self-expression and positive group
dynamics, to name a few. It has been transformative to many. When children are laughing
together they are less likely to laugh at each other, which can reduce bullying! Also, it is
possible they will feel more empowered, cohesive and happier as a whole. Come experience this
fun and powerful workshop. Note: Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or
towel to the workshop.
(B8) DISCOVERING NATURE’S CLASSROOM (GR. 7-12)
Presenter: Michael Guindon, Heather Stewart & Jessica King
Bio: Let’s Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable, outreach organization that
supports volunteer educators in teaching science to children and youth. The presenters strive to
deliver exciting hands-on/minds on activities that promote critical-thinking and inspire young
people to become life-long learners of science and social science. The program is dedicated to
showing youth that science is fun, interesting and relevant through exposure in real life contexts.
For more information please visit www.letstalkscience.ca
Summary: This presentation will give educators effective tools for taking their classroom
outdoors. Various practical, hands-on science activities will be demonstrated with a focus on the
biological and environmental sciences. Teachers will develop the skills and knowledge required to
lead fun and engaging activities in the outdoors and will be shown ways to use their surroundings
to educate their students. A large part of this session will be conducted outdoors (weather
permitting). Note: Please wear comfortable clothing.
(B9) SCIENCE OLD! SCIENCE NEW! PLO CONNECTIONS TOO! (K-8)
Presenter: Brian Herrin
Bio: Brian Herrin is a retired elementary school teacher who loves to share science ideas and
strategies that demand engagement by students. His workshops are hands-on and come with
some equipment and a comprehensive handout. His aim is to have you go away with something
to do with your students on Monday morning that will definitely create some oohs and aahs.
Summary: In this workshop you will engage in science experiences using simple materials that
are easily obtained. Physical science principles will be explained with some equipment to take
away as well as some seeds and plant material that you may find useful in your springtime
classroom. You will definitely learn by doing as you actually experience what your class will do
and gain clear understandings of what is happening. Strategies and surprise activities will be
featured throughout.
(B10) A NEW RHYTHM AT SCHOOL (K-5)
Presenter: Matthew Hodgins
Bio: Matthew Hodgins is a Canadian Percussionist who for 15 years taught and performed in
London, Bristol, and the South West Counties of England. Highlights for Hodgins include:
education at London University, Glastonbury Festival 2004 & 2005, Border Trio (2005-2010), and
over 500 UK drumming students. Matthew is now offering his years of experience encapsulated
into Djembe Drumming Workshops. For more information view www.drumming-solutions.com
Summary: Djembe drumming needs no introduction. Logistics and knowledge, however, may
hamper the success of group drumming in school – until now! Hodgins says “Djembe is a sound
canvas for children, and if you appreciate drumming music – you can pursue Djembe rhythms in
class”. View the interactive demo at: www.drumming-solutions/DVD. In line with B.C. prescribed
learning outcomes, Hodgins’ workshop will explore drumming cultures and traditions for their
relevancy and will of course share and promote ideas which can be developed within a lesson
plan. Hodgins will demonstrate key practical methods on the drum and he guarantees to impart
worthwhile ideas for professionals to then develop. He also expects to share ‘facts & figures’ with
those who want a whole class set of drums.
(B11) WHAT'S HOT? BEST NEW BOOKS FOR GRADES 4 - 7
Presenter: Tricia Kearns
Bio: Tricia Kearns is an enthusiastic and dynamic presenter who has devoted her professional
life to children and books. As a teacher, school librarian, manager of The Children's Bookshop,
and outstanding consultant to schools she brings a wealth of knowledge about the best children's
books and how to use them in the classroom. Tricia has a Master's Degree in Library Science,
has worked as Teacher Librarian for 15 years in Honduras, Spain and California, and spent five
years in New York City working in children's publishing.
Summary: From novels to non-fiction and poetry to picture books the best children's books can
capture student's attention and inspire your teaching. This workshop will present what's new and
wonderful for the middle grades. All books will be available for purchase on site in vendor area
with a 15% discount.
(B12) BCTF – UNDERSTANDING AND DEALING WITH DIFFICULT STUDENT BEHAVIOU (K-9)
Presenter: Stephanie Koropatnick
Bio: Stephanie has worked in Vancouver for 20+ years as a Counsellor and Special Education
Teacher, most recently as a Behaviour Strategies Consultant for the district.
Summary: Why do students misbehave? This workshop takes a look at this question through a
lens of Positive Behaviour Support and offers concrete and useable suggestions for strategies to
prevent and respond to classroom misbehaviour.
(B13) BCTF - STAYING WELL TEACHING (K-12)
Presenter: Liz Moore
Bio: Liz is a recently retired middle school teacher from SD 69 Qualicum. She is currently, and
has been for the past 30 years, involved in fitness and wellness in both the public and private
sectors. She is a certified Fitness Fusion and Pilates Instructor. Liz has been facilitating for the
BCTF for 6 years. In her Liz’s own words, “I just love what I do!”
Summary: Teaching is complex. High public expectations, class composition, educational
cutbacks, and increased accountability affect schools, teachers, and students. BCTF surveys
identify increased workload and stress as significant concerns for teachers. This workshop helps
teachers stay well. Setting boundaries around workload, self-care and smart choices, and de-
stressing are key themes. All focus on building shared solutions to both the demands of the work
and the isolation of teaching. Staying well …we already know what we have to do. It’s common
sense really. So why are we here? Our quest is for optimum well-being and quality of life. This
workshop offers a safe, relaxed and enjoyable approach to rediscover ways to be our best, at our
best. Note: Max is 15 participants.
(B14) THE “SWISS ARMY” TEACHER (GR. 6-12)
Presenter: Darinka Popovic
Bio: Darinka Popovic earned her Masters from the University of Alberta in Teacher-Librarianship.
Darinka has experience teaching grades K-8 and has spent the past 12 years as teacher librarian
with SD61.
Summary: The most compact tool in our everyday toolbox is the “swiss army gadget.” Everyone
is aware of the most popular blade on this tool. It’s time to explore the function and use of
additional tools. In this workshop, we are going to explore research tools that are avalialbe at
your fingertips. Explore Learn Now BC for access to web-based tools and our favourites of online
encyclopedias and periodicals, such as EBSCO and World Book.
(B15) STUDY SKILLS: HOW TO TEACH IT AND MAKE IT STICK! (GR. 6-12)
Presenter: Clark Schwab
Bio: Clark Schwab was a Special Education and Resource Support teacher at Oak Bay for 5
years, and has been at Esquimalt High teaching Science and Math for the last 10 years. He has
taught study skills to small and large groups since 2000. He is also the co-coordinator of the
Challenge Program and works with a diverse group of learners, and loves it!
Summary: The words “I studied for the test” are not synonymous with learning anything. Many
students have no idea how to study, or how their minds process information. This interactive
workshop is designed to show teachers some strategies to present learning skills as fun,
informative, humorous and personal. Be a participant in this energetic and entertaining look at the
mind and how to make studying effective.
(B16) BCTF – GLOBAL EDUCATION: CREATING CULTURES OF PEACE (K-12)
Presenter: Greg Van Vugt
Bio: Greg Van Vugt teaches Social Justice 12 and Special Education in Surrey. He is the Vice-
President of the Peace and Global Educators (PAGE) Provincial PSA.
Summary: With ever increasing violence in our schools, communities and media desensitizing
our youth, what can we do as teachers to create cultures of peace? This interactive workshop
provided resources for teachers and their students to create peaceful learning communities.
Activities will incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and discuss
the effects of war and violence on children and youth, including child soldiering. Examples
highlighting the “transforming war toys to peace art” process will be shared as a model to build
cultures of peace for children and youth.
(B17) OLD CEMETERIES SOCIETY OF VICTORIA - HERITAGE CEMETERIES AS A
TEACHING RESOURCE (GR. 4-12)
Presenter: Yvonne Van Ruskenveld
Bio: Yvonne Van Ruskenveld has been a member of the Old Cemeteries Society since 1990. Her
role as a tour leader gives her the opportunity to bring history to life through the lives of former
residents. Her special interests are women’s history, the gold rushes and the First World War. In
her other life, she is a professional editor and writer specializing in K–12 educational resources.
Summary: The Old Cemeteries Society offers students a unique way to learn about history,
folklore and culture through guided walking history tours at Ross Bay Cemetery. Our guides
weave the threads of individual lives into a broad tapestry of the history and culture represented
in this beautiful heritage site. Our school group tours provide information, inspiration, and
enrichment for classes in Social Studies, Art, Drama, and English Language Arts. Popular tour
topics include: BC history (Sir James Douglas, Amor de Cosmos, Billy Barker, Emily Carr, etc.),
gold rush (focusing mainly on the Fraser River and Caribou gold rushes), women's history, Emily
Carr, and Remembrance Day. www.oldcem.bc.ca Note: This workshop is held at Ross Bay
Cemetery and starts at 1:00 PM. Participants responsible for transportation. Yvonne will meet
participants at the Starbucks in Fairfield Plaza.
(B18) READ LIKE AN AUTHOR - INTRODUCING THE LANGUAGE OF THE 6 TRAITS
THROUGH THE USE OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE (K-5)
Presenter: Carolyn Vincent
Bio: Carolyn Vincent is a primary teacher with a wide variety of experiences, including the role of
Literacy Coordinator in her district for 6 years. She is now teaching grade 1 in the Sooke district.
She is passionate about teaching reading and writing to young children and enjoys sharing and
learning from her adult colleagues.
Summary: This workshop will inspire you and your young writers with the help from the authors
of great children’s literature. You will come away with easy-to-use ideas for stretching the
imagination of your students in the areas of idea generation, organization, word choice, sentence
fluency, voice and conventions. Children will recognize that they have choices to make as authors
in both fiction and non-fiction.
(B19) SELF-REGULATION AS A LEARNING AND LIFE SKILLS TOOL (K-5)
Presenter: Adele Watson
Bio: Adele Watson’s passion for self-regulated learning grew out of her desire to provide children
with the tools to manage the mounting expectations and stress that they experience. She
graduated with a Bachelors’ of Education from UBC in 2002 and focused on developing self-
regulated learners. Since then, she has enjoyed teaching in both public and private elementary
schools in BC. The adventure of motherhood has allowed her to expand her classroom teaching
to include experiences with private educational tutoring, participation in a co-operative parent-
owned preschool, and holding volunteer positions with her children’s school and soccer club.
Summary: This presentation includes strategies for embedding self-regulation into lesson
planning and classroom management to create a community of self-regulated learners. Students
are empowered and self-regulate their learning when offered choice, control over challenge and
opportunities for self-assessment throughout the day. Participants will be provided with tried and
tested examples of how to create a self-regulated community of learners in their own classrooms
and schools. They will also have an opportunity to formulate and adapt their own strategies. We
will also discuss ideas for facilitating the self-regulation of student's emotions that would allow
students to stay present for learning.
(B20) FOLLOW THE ELEPHANT: AN ADVENTURE QUEST TO INDIA (GR.4-7)
Presenter: Beryl Young
Bio: Beryl Young is the author of three award-winning children’s fiction and non-fiction books
including Wishing Star Summer Follow the Elephant and Charlie: a Home Child’s Life in Canada.
Beryl lives in Vancouver and is a popular speaker in classrooms and conventions across the
country. See her website at www.berylyoung.com
Summary: The story of 13 year old Ben is taken to India by his grandmother to help him deal with
his father’s death and to find her childhood pen-pal. The richness of Indian geography and culture
come to life as Ben leads the quest across the country. Ben becomes fascinated with elephants
and the elephant boy/god Ganesh and his experiences help him cope with his loss. Follow-up
classroom discussions include inter-generational relations, death and the afterlife, world religions,
and Indian geography.
ALL DAY WORKSHOPS
(C1) BUS TOUR AND WALK OF THE LOCAL SONGHEES AND ESQUIMALT TERRITORIES (K-12)
Presenter: Mark Albany and Jim Young
Bio: Mark Albany is from the Songhees Nation and has worked in the Greater Victoria School
District for the last 20 years as a counsellor. He received his Bachelor in Social Work from UVIC
and Master's Degree in Counselling from Gonzaga University. His knowledge of the local area
has been passed from his parents, relatives and Elders. Mark has also worked in the Archeology
Department of the museum.
Summary: The day's event will start after the networking breakfast and we will depart on the bus
from the school. There will be a bag lunch provided and we will be out until ~2:30. We will be
going around Victoria stopping at various locations to see sites which the Songhees and
Esquimalt people utilized.
Special Note: There will be places where we will get out and walk around, hence please make
sure you dress warmly! Wear layers for insulation and protection from wind and rain, including
gloves, touque and scarf if necessary. Bring a thermos of hot drink and a travel mug, as this helps
prevent spilled drinks. Bring good sturdy weather proof footwear. It will be muddy and slippery in
some places.
(C2) 6 + 1 TRAITS OF WRITING – OVERVIEW, ASSESSMENT AND LESSON IDEAS (GR. 4-7)
Presenter: Paula Andrew
Bio: Previous to moving to the beautiful city of Victoria, Paula taught grade 4 and 5 in Winnipeg
where she took an interest in the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing. She attended workshops and
conferences, worked with district writing committees, and assisted teachers in implementing the
model in their classrooms. She is currently a TOC in the Sooke School District and has
continued her work with the Writing Traits by demonstrating lessons in classrooms and assisting
in workshops.
Summary: The workshop will include an overview of the 6 + 1 Writing Traits model, the utilization
of student-friendly and teacher rubrics, lesson ideas on how to teach the traits including the use
of picture books and other literature, and examples of teacher resources.
(C3) “RELAX…LOOK, I'LL BE YOU” (K-12)
Presenter: Barb Hall and Phil Duchene
Bio: Barb Hall is currently in her final year of the Post Degree Professional Education Program at
UVic (Middle School Specialization, BEd'12). She holds an Applied Theatre degree from UVic
(BFA'10), and is known for her in involvement as a producer/director/performer and playwright for
the Student Alternative Theatre Company (SATCo) on campus. Past productions include Grimm
Tales (SATCo'06), The Sex Lives Of Vegetables (SATCo'07), Tales Of The Unexpected
(SATCo'08,'09), and All But One (Journey Middle School '11). As an applied theatre practitioner
and student teacher, she has become very interested in how theatre can be used for the
professional development and reflexivity of educators and for the empowerment of youth.
Phil Duchene has taught Fine Arts for a “biscuit under four decades” in the U.K., the Caribbean
and B.C. He is currently fortunate enough to teach Drama and Drama in Education from K to
Undergraduate levels. He works in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Teacher
Education Program at UVic, the College of the Rockies, Cranbrook, and for SD #62 Sooke at
Lakewood Elementary School. He enjoys all aspects of the craft and harbours a particular regard
for talented improvisers (of any age).
Summary: Aimed at both student teachers and emergent educators, this forum theatre workshop
will create a series of school-based, challenging curricula and management scenarios. With the
help of trained actors from the University of Victoria's Theatre Program, workshop participants will
then explore multiple solutions to these often difficult day-to-day professional problems.
(C4) LEADERSHIP FROM THE HEART (EQUINE EXPERIENCE) (K-12)
Presenter: Michelle Atterby and Vicki Hasler
Bio: Michelle is the director and founder of Spirit Gate Farms. She is a pioneer in equine
experiential learning. Michelle brings and extensive educational and experiential background in
mind/body therapies.
Vicki is a Special Education teacher in the Victoria School District. She works with students in
Grades 9-12 with a variety of learning challenges and designations. She has a personal interest
in equine guided learning that has developed over the past 3 years.
Summary: Authentic Leadership draws on the wisdom of the heart and body rather than the
head. Come out to the farm and experience our leadership program designed for youth ages 11-
19. You will get hands-on time with the horses and a sense of how the program could work for
your students. You will also gain insights into your own leadership during the process. Please
dress for the weather, we will be outside!
Note: This workshop is held at Spirit Gate Farms in West Saanich and starts at 10:30 am.
Participants will have enough time to enjoy the conference breakfast and then head out in their
own transportation to the farm. Maps will be provided. Note: Maximum of 10 participants.
(C5) A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: UNDERSTANDING ASD
AND SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH ASD IN THE CLASSROOM (K-12)
Presenter: Katherine Paxton
Bio: Katherine Paxton is a Canadian Certified Counsellor in private practice, with a specialty in
working with people and families who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental
disability. She is a well-known local speaker on autism and autism spectrum disorders, presenting
an understanding of ASD to practical strategies to support people with ASD and developmental
disabilities at home, at school, or in the workplace. Katherine has written “Counselling People on
the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Manual” as a way to address the lack of helpful information
around supporting the emotional needs of adults and children who have an autism spectrum
disorder. Her book won the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s Counselling
Book of the Year Award for 2010.
Summary: More and more children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are in regular
classrooms, but have learning styles and support needs different from their peers. Learn about
the differences in ASD learning styles and support needs, including some practical strategies for
the classroom to help support the child that has ASD. Some of these strategies may be helpful for
other children in the classroom as well.
(C6) PUT OUT FEWER FIRES AND GAIN MORE TEACHING AND LEARNING TIME BY
HELPING STUDENTS DEVELOP SELF REGULATION (K-12)
Presenter: Colleen Politano
Bio: Colleen Politano is known for sharing a wealth of ideas that are practical and possible.
Participants appreciate her sense of humor and sensible, realistic approach. She is an
experienced teacher and recipient of the National Hilroy Award for outstanding leadership in
curriculum. She presents workshops on a wide variety of topics, including literacy, brain-based
learning, differentiated instruction, multi-age classrooms, self-regulation and authentic
assessment. Colleen is the co-author of 15 professional books for teachers. Her enthusiastic
approach to teaching is contagious and you are sure to leave with a multitude of easy-to-use
ideas to make your life easier and help your students do and be their best.
Summary: We know that helping students develop self-regulation is key to supporting every child
do and be their best but the question is, “What can we do right now?” In this 2-part session,
Colleen will show how you how we can shape our classroom environments to promote greater
student self-regulation. See how incorporating quick, enjoyable activities such as brain gym and
movement can improve behaviour and increase achievement. Learn specific techniques to help
your students build their repertoire of tools to increase their self-regulation so they can manage
their emotions, be more calmly focused and engaged in learning. You will leave with ideas that
you can easily use in your own classroom.
(C7) REEL YOUTH – CLAYMATION (K-12)
Presenter: Mark Vonesch and Erica Kohn
Bio: Mark Vonesch and Erica Kohn are Vancouver based visual artists, film producers, and film
making teachers. Working locally in the Pacific Northwest, and internationally in Nepal, India, &
Vietnam Mark and Erica are passionate about producing and distributing media that strengthens
community and works toward a more just and sustainable world.
Mark & Erica are the Founders and Directors of Reel Youth, a media engagement organization
that designs and facilitates video and animation programs and tours internationally with a festival
of films made and juried by youth 19 years old and younger
Summary: Experience an exploration of stop-motion animation and a journey into the process of
creative collaboration. Working in groups of three to six, you will make short films and learn how
to bring animation into your classroom. This hands-on workshop integrates elements of art,
English, science and social studies while emphasizing creativity. Leave the workshop as a film
maker (your films will go up on YouTube!) and the confidence to engage your students to use
animation as a way of telling stories and speaking up about issues they care about. Watch last
years films here: http://reelyouth.ca/Tapestry2011.html. Note: Maximum of 18 participants.
GENERAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION
Registration is accepted on line using a credit card at https://www.onlineregistrations.ca/tapestry/.
Cheques can be forwarded to Sue at the Sooke Teachers’ Association Office at #201-716
Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC, V9B 2X3 prior to Friday February 10, 2012.
The majority of workshops offered at Tapestry 2012 have a maximum of 25 participants, so
registration runs on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are particularly interested in a
workshop, please register early to avoid disappointment.
Questions regarding registration: Sue at sooketeachers@shaw.ca
Current information about the conference: www.tapestryconference.weebly.com
Questions regarding the conference: patricia@gvta.net
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation of registration must be received prior to Friday February 10, 2012. After this date,
no refunds are allowed, but substitution of attendees is permitted. All cancellations that have
been paid by credit card will be confirmed by email by our online registration company.
Reimbursement of registration paid by cheque will be processed after the conference by Sue
(sooketeachers@shaw.ca) at the Sooke Teachers’ Association office.
EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS & VENDORS
Tapestry 2012 will host a variety of educational displays and vendors. Many vendors are offering
discounts on purchases made at the conference as well as donating door prizes. Please check
the website for a current list of sponsors and vendors at www.tapestryconference.weebly.com