| Rapier Wit Inc. | Stage Combat Training | Stage combat workshops use fight choreography to bring the text alive in drama, theatre and English studies. Workshops provide students an overview of safety considerations, physical acting training that embodies dramatic intention, and storytelling though the illusion of unarmed violence. Through partner work, students have an opportunity to practise the exercises and work on short scenes. Schools may choose to tailor the workshop to a specific text or school production.
Notes with partner: not from place of violence (trauma-informed). Check-in to ensure they are following this. They need to create emotional not just physical safety. |
| Spotlights World | Spotlight Dance | Spotlight Dance provides inclusive choreography in a variety of genres for students to participate with a full body workout infused with positive energy and spirit. These dance workshops create a welcoming space for dancers of all levels that include Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Afro, Afro-infused, and Soca. These sessions enhance coordination and movement, not only honing existing skills but also cultivating new physical skills. Suitable: Gr. 7-12
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| Sparx Studio Acting Inc. | Empowered Acting | Sparx Studio Empowered Acting expands upon dramatic arts, health, language and social-emotional learning objectives and integrates it within popular and fun acting activities. Students learn anti-bullying, personal safety skills, positive communication and appreciation and teamwork through acting. A variety of tableu/scenarios are provided for students to play and experiment with the scene, see different perspectives and practice responses all within a structured and play-based learning environment. Specific learning goals are achieved in consultation with the teacher and the curriculum focus. Suitable: Gr K-8.
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| Community Builders | Friends and Allies Youth Leadership | Sparking courage, building skills and fostering caring, Community Builders develops youth leadership through symposia and workshops on social inclusion, conflict resolution, and peer support listening with select elementary schools. Participants learn concepts of community circle, anti-oppression, ally-ship and conflict resolution, to promote a positive school environment and create a community response to anti-bullying and exclusion. They explore issues including racism, sexism and other oppressions. Following the symposia, leadership teams are supported as they prepare to deliver programs ranging from Friends and Allies Assemblies to action-research initiatives. Professional learning sessions, cross-generational dialogues and parent workshops are also provided. Serving: Grades 5 - 8; staff; parents/caregivers
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| Square Circle | Social Circus | Social Circus programming fosters life skills, confidence and resilience in grades 4 - 8 students through the learning and practice of circus and creative arts. Students learn a variety of circus arts including juggling, poi, floor balancing, clowning, dance, acting/improvisation.The program culminates in a show and tell - students talk and display their creative art.These workshops provide an alternative, non-competitive physical and artistic outlet for students, while team building and enhancing social skills. Workshops are comprised of physical social games, trust and relationship building, and creative exercises for students to develop individual creative expression. |
| Alyssian Entertainment Corporation | Exploring Métis Culture | Si l'heur chi la chwiiziin Michif! It's time for a Michif kitchen party! Piihtikway - Come in! Niimiyitoohk - Let's dance together with Alyssa Katrine. Explore Métis culture in both French and English, with some basic Western Michif. Weaving storytelling, songs, live fiddle, dance and more. Students are connected to Métis identity, culture and history through interactive activities. Topics range from fur trade and voyageur history, songs and artefacts (sash, beadwork, cuisine); Red River rebellion and Louis Riel history; history of Métis in Ontario, host a Métis kitchen party: live music, Red River jigging, spoons and clogging; learn Voyageur Songs in English and French. Choice of performance or workshops. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Centauri Summer Camp Inc. | Arts & Culture Career SHSM Workshops | SHSM certifications are available to grade 11 and 12 students exploring a variety of careers in the Arts & Culture Sector. In-person or virtual sessions provide students with an opportunity to explore arts and culture skills as they relate to specific careers and to connect with an industry professional who has first-hand experience working in the arts and culture. Students get a taste of the techniques, technology and art forms that enable success in the sector and instructors provide insight into various career paths, including traditional routes, and self-generated opportunities. Offerings include: Cosmetology & Make Up for Film & Television, Graphic Design, Animation, Podcasting as a Career, Digital Art Software, Writing for TV & Film, and Sector Partnered Experience (formerly ICE). |
| Harmony Movement | SHSM Anti-Oppression and Allyship Workshop | SHSM certification is available to grade 11 and 12 students who wish to enhance their equity learning and its application in their industry focus/workplace. This interactive half-day workshop engages in group discussion, self-reflection through reflection guides and knowledge sharing. Program content includes: Introduction to the concepts of intersectionality, stereotypes, and bias; forms of discrimination including overt, covert and micro-aggressions; going beyond 'diversity' in the workplace; what is allyship and how to be a good ally; moving from allyship to solidarity; and confronting discrimination in the workplace and engaging in courageous conversations. SPE certification may be available. Suitable: Grades 11-12 |
| Live Your Legacy Academy Inc. | Live Your Legacy | Shaun Boothe is an award winning hip hop artist, TEDx speaker and creator of ‘The Unauthorized Biography Series’: a critically acclaimed musical project that celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs – Repackaging History, including Black History, through Hip Hop; capturing the legacy of influential iconic figures in documentary-style music videos. His highly entertaining Live Your Legacy virtual assemblies use his bio videos to embark on a performance / motivational speaking journey that raises issues of identity, diversity, equity, character, media, life skills, and the importance of living a legacy. Themes raised include leadership, success strategies, overcoming fears and challenges, transitioning, the power of acknowledgement, and redefining masculinity. The aim is to present an experience that works on many levels and, most importantly, does not exclude the growing group of disengaged youth in the school system today.
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| LYA Enterprises Inc. | SAFETY-ED: Strengthening Youth with Confidence and Empowerment through Safety | Sessions provide practical safety strategies and skills with the aim at fostering safe schools and communities. Our trauma-informed approach offers a unique blend of physical and verbal techniques, awareness skills, and confidence-building practices. Sessions teach students different strategies in settings to reduce harassment in schools, violence, and bullying/intimidation while increasing skills in self-defense, personal safety and personal empowerment. Program entails 6 workshops. Suitable: Grades 5 to 12 |
| Steve Anderson | Inspire, Motivate and Build Leadership and Resiliency Skills | Sessions inspire, motivate and help develop leadership and resiliency skills for students to achieve success despite challenges and setbacks. Steve Anderson details the complexities of growing up in the Jane and Finch community, being the first Black lawyer hired by the TTC, and the first racialized person to be elected as Shelburne deputy mayor. Students will learn key lessons about overcoming setbacks, making the right choices, the power of mentorship and selecting the right friends. Sessions may be especially helpful for BIPOC students who are often overlooked and made to feel they cannot achieve success at the highest levels and also to change the narrative for Black students. Suitable: All grades |
| More Than Words Books Inc. | David Bouchard Presentations | Sessions by renowned Metis author, David Bouchard, inspire, educate and animate the power of reading and stories. David facilitates Canada's Truth & Reconciliation, Calls to Action. Through First Nations stories and Native flutes, poetry and writing, this champion of reading and literacy; and advocate for youth teaches and inspires students, educators and parents. In April 2009, David was named as a Member of the Order of Canada. In Oshawa, in 2012, the David Bouchard Public School opened its doors. In 2017, David was honoured with an Honorary Doctoral of Law degree by Queen's University. |
| Lumenus Community Services | Community-based Treatment and Support Services | Services offer a continuum of support to select students, their families and care providers. Supports include accessible services that can take place in the home, school, or community and for students whose school or home placement is at risk of breakdown due to mental health and other issues. Lumenus staff work one-one-one with referred students and/or with key adults in the students' lives, to support their optimal functioning based on goals from the students' treatment plans. Lumenus staff connect students and key adults to needed community resources. In particular, the program provides strategies to address difficulties in social, emotional, behavioural, communication, cognitive, learning and/or developmental domains of functioning. Services can include observation and assessment in the home; support and training for parents, teachers and other school staff as needed; and individual student program planning for the classroom and at home, service coordination, and transition support from treatment into classroom setting. Lumenus staff work in collaboration with TDSB Professional Support Services staff in order to facilitate a coordinated service for referred students (any grade).
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| Catholic Cross Cultural Services | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| Centre for Immigrant & Community Services | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| CultureLink Settlement and Community Services | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| North York Community House | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| TNO - The Neighbourhood Organization | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| Licensed To Learn Inc. | L2L Peer to Peer Leadership Training & Academic Support | Selected elementary and secondary student leaders are trained to help their peers improve their grades through 10 hours of one-on-one peer academic support, in-person or virtually. Student 'peer leaders' are granted L2L certification after successful completion of the L2L training that includes topics such as goal setting, learning styles, multiple intelligences, growth mindsets, good study habits, and ways to improve note taking and time management skills. An L2L Trainer is assigned to each participating school to train students and ensure that each participating student is successful. Secondary school student leaders are also paired with participating elementary feeder schools to deepen the mentoring between younger and older students in neighbourhoods. Serving: Referred students in Grades 1-12 |
| RAK Education | Chris James' Stage Combat | Secondary students can engage in stage combat workshops within a safe and structured drama class environment. With experience in TV and film, Chris James, a Black-identifying actor, guides students in simulated combat by focusing on the goals of stage combat, safety within this skill set, repeated choreography through knaps, and focused tutorials of each kind of move and fall in order to prepare for student fight-scene performances . Following their performances, students will engage in self evaluation and reflections on their progress. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Project XGuard | Self-Defence | Safety workshops educate students in grades 4-12 on situational awareness and self-defence techniques to deal with a variety of types of aggression. 4 week workshop series provide students with verbal, physical manuevres to ensure student safety in a non-combative way. Students have opportunity to practice techniques in controlled and supervised setting. |
| Rick Hansen Foundation | Rick Hansen Foundation Virtual Presentations | Rick Hansen Ambassadors helps create meaningful dialogue about disability, accessibility and inclusion by providing free presentations. Trained speakers are a diverse group of people with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities that share their inspirational stories with students. Professional learning sessions are also available on building disability awareness, inclusion and citizenship skills in classrooms. Educators receive access to ready-made resources and practical activities they can take into the classrooms immediately. Resources support provincial educational priorities while meeting school communities' social responsibility and inclusion goals: see www.rickhansen.com/schools. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff
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| CAMH | Game Changers for Mental Health | Research-based, youth co-developed presentations on mental health and self-care delivered by youth to help students learn about mental health and how they can look after themselves. Youth ambassadors with lived experience with mental health challenges share their personal mental health stories and provide tips on maintaining mental wellness and how to reach out for support when needed. Schools may also request CAMH staff to present around specific topics such as depression, addiction, drugs and alcohol and mental health 101. Additional resources are shared to provide strategies and tools to increase well-being in students.TDSB PSS staff are informed of presentations and can provide support as necessary. Suitable: Gr. 7-12 |
| TREC Charitable Foundation | Relay Education: Exploring Renewable Energy | Renewable Energy Workshops (Grades 4-12 - 45 mins) provide students with an in-depth exploration of various types of environmental issues such as renewable energy, climate change and energy conservation through the use of miniature models of renewable energy technology and building materials for students to test their hypotheses. Students will participate in an interactive presentation and engage in hands-on experiments related to conservation, wind energy, solar energy and more. Electrical safety workshops (Grades 4-7 - 60 mins) examine real life safety issues. The community electricity safety component talks about power lines, transformers, contact voltage and other possible outdoor electrical safety hazards. Students will close with an understanding of Emergency Preparedness by identifying what to do in a power-outage and how to create a 72 hour emergency kit. Green Careers (Grades 9-12 - 70 mins) helps students to identify how their skills and interests can align with careers in sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental industries. Students will align their skills to careers in over 40 fields, assess financial and social factors and educational requirements, learn how technology is affecting the way we work, and discover environmental policies and their impact in order to broaden their understanding of post-secondary opportunities. |
| Trinity Theatre Toronto | Creating Communities We Want | Referred students become peer leaders in conflict mediation techniques through workshops that engage them in a variety of art and drama-based activities. Trained student peer leaders facilitate workshops, talking circles and presentations with other students in their school, improving both their communication and conflict resolution skills alongside the development of their leadership capabilities. Handling Conflict peer mediation training through the arts, sessions refine students' skills in understanding emotions like anger through active listening and empathy, as well as open and closed questioning. Sessions for staff include resource: Making Connections, a substance abuse toolkit for students. Serving: Grades 7 - 12. |
| International Student Exchange - Ontario | Reciprocal Student Exchanges | Reciprocal, individualized, international student exchanges, for students in grades 10 & 11, focuses on language learning, cultural understanding, appreciation and acceptance of others, self-awareness and lasting personal contacts. TDSB promotes the opportunity, while all arrangements are made directly between interested students' families and the reciprocal exchange agency. Ministry of Education guidelines for reciprocal student exchanges are followed as per the Ministry of Education document ‘Enrolment Register Instructions for Elementary and Secondary Schools’. Students may participate in “Go First” or “Host First” exchange. In a “Go First” exchange, the TDSB student will go abroad in February and the visiting student will attend a TDSB school in the following school year. students apply in one school year and reciprocal exchange takes place in the same school year in February. TDSB students host a visiting student in the fall, of the following school year. In a “Host First” exchange, students apply in one school year and reciprocal exchange may take place during both components of the reciprocal exchange take place during the next school year. TDSB students host a visiting student in the fall and then travel overseas in the following spring. The entire exchange takes place within one school year.
In both programs, visiting students stay with and attend school with the host student. All exchange agency registration documents completed by parents/caregivers/guardians. |
| METRAC | Respect in Action Youth Violence Prevention (ReAct) | ReAct is a peer-education program in existence since 2001, for youth ages 13 -25, to build leadership skills and knowledge of healthy, equal, non-violent relationships. Program activities are informed by Popular Education, Facilitated Inquiry techniques; Human Rights Education, Cooperative Learning; and Feminist, Environmental studies. Facilitators work with students, to increase understanding of violence, while creating safe spaces for sharing experiences and inspiring peers to take action in addressing violence in their lives and communities. ReAct workshops and presentations cover topics related to: Healthy Equal Relationships, Anti-Black Racism, Cyber Violence, Consent, Intersectionality and Identity, Gender and Self-esteem. After-School programs on Healthy Relationships are offered for 1 to 2 years. All workshops, presentations and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each school/class. |
| Lumenus Community Services | ReachOUT | ReachOUT is a creative, inclusive and accessible program that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, queer, questioning and two-spirited (LGBTTQQI2S) youth. The program provides individual, family and group services, as well as educational workshops and events. It provides enhanced opportunities for youth engagement projects in selected schools, such as supporting the development and maintenance of Gay-Straight Alliances in those schools. Serving: Referred students, Grades 9-12 |
| Jays Care Foundation | RBI x TDSB School Program | RBI Spring Program and Affiliate School Program provide opportunities for students to participate in inclusive baseball/softball development for students who face significant barriers to sport participation. RBI Spring Program runs in Scarborough and Jane and Finch areas in April to June for students in Grades 3-8. Focus of these sessions is to instill the message of healthy active lifestyle as well as an opportunity for students to build confidence, team building skills and self-efficacy. Students develop life skills learning baseball concepts applicable to real life. Affiliate School Program is teacher-led and provides all the tools including coaching manual and kit, training workshop, equipment and uniforms to run a 8 hour program for students of all abilities. This program is open to all schools through an application process: https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/community/jays-care/affiliate-school-program/en. Both programs offer special events throughout the year for participation. Suitable: All Grades (RBI is only for Grades 3-8) |
| TMG Macmanus Canada Inc. | Publicis Groupe Canada: This Is The Job | Publicis Groupe Canada's advertising professionals offer a panel talk and insight into the many and varied roles that the advertising industry offers. Tailored for grades 7-12, this presentation provides an opportunity for students to engage with the panel who share their success story, pathway, career journey as well as barriers encountered and advice on how to overcome them. Sessions aim to increase the engagement of youth belonging to communities that face systemic barriers and are underrepresented in this field. Speakers touch on varied careers that advertising offers such as creative, account management, data, human resources, media and more. A question and answer period follows the presentation, allowing students to interact with the speakers. Suitable: Grades 7-12 |
| Labyrinth Musical Workshop Ontario | Makam In Schools | Promoting and celebrating makam music from Central, West, and South Asia and the Mediterranean, professional artists will amplify the music-making practices of these traditions, moving beyond the Western 12-tone scale. This program engagers new students of makam music, showcasing its intricacies and cultural significance through various activities, including listening samples, mimicking and improvising makam music compositions, and collaborating with guest artists all while exploring music through a critical lens. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Project Give Back for Youth | Project Give Back | Project Give Back aims to develop empathy, build acceptance and ignite community minded students. Students select a social issue that is of importance to them and learn how to engage others to become interested in the cause. Over a series of sessions, students research a charity, role play calling the charity, prepare a written and oral report of their findings, and organize a “fun-raiser” (mock fundraiser). Technology is utilized in presentations prepared by students as a medium for enhancing organizational, research, and communication skills. Project Give Back invites guests into the classroom to speak about work in which they are involved to make social change. Serving: Grades 4-8 |
| Ontario Tennis Association | Progressive Schools Tennis | Progressive Schools Tennis provides professional learning sessions, and in-class workshops that introduce students and staff to “Progressive Floor Tennis”, using a small mobile net, sponge balls and graduated length junior racquets with follow up visits by tennis coaches. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| Canadian Parents for French - Ontario | Engaging Parents & Supporting FSL | Programming supports are provided to students, parents, families and educators to enhance French as a second language (FSL) learning. Informative workshops, socio-cultural performances and events are available as scheduled. Programming is offered in French and English, with Bilingual facilitators. Serving: all grades, FSL/French Immersion |
| Urban Rez Solutions Inc. | Prep in Your Step | Programming provides empowering social emotional intelligence skills, personal development, and invigorating financial literacy and entrepreneurship discussion for grades 7-12 students who are living high risk lifestyles. Students learn problem solving skills via the 5A's (assessment, awareness, acceptance, action and accountability) and navigational principles through the 7 C's (conscious choice, change, curiosity, courage, challenge, commitment and communication). Highlighting resiliency and excellence within a culturally competent framework, Black male facilitators with lived experience lead sessions that assist referred students to learn actionable steps to take toward attainable career goals, newfound prosocial behaviours and interpersonal skills. Sessions include pop culture-based activities, interactive dialogue, role plays, videos, guest speakers, writing and team-building exercises. |
| York University, Osgoode Hall Law School | Raising the Black Bar | Programming is designed for Black secondary students to increase understanding and access to legal education and pathways to various careers in law. Sessions are facilitated by Osgoode Hall Law School administrators, Osgoode's Black Law Students' Association, and Black Osgoode alumni. Facilitators will share their knowledge of the barriers to accessing legal education and the legal profession and how these can be overcome as well as the following topics: how to apply to law school; how to be successful in law school; how to identify legal academic area(s) of interest; networking in a professional environment. Targeted sessions on diverse legal career opportunities will also be offered. Students will have the opportunity to participate in interactive and experiential learning and may include mock trials and tours of courts and law firms/organizations. Finally, students will be connected with Black law student mentors. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Junior Achievement of Central Ontario | Financial Literacy, Work Readiness and Entrepreneurship Programs | Programming inspires youth to make informed, educated and knowledgeable, financial decisions; to be innovative in generating business ideas and starting their own companies; and, to discover career possibilities and pathways. Led by JACO trained volunteers from the business community, workshops include More than Money; Be Entrepreneurial Junior ; Dollars with Sense; Economics for Success, Personal Finance and several others. Serving: Grades 3 - 12 |
| Youth Wellness Network | Youth Wellness Leaders | Programming in a school begins with an assembly, and then follows-up with workshop sessions for selected student leaders or classes in grades 5-12. Students’ mental health and well-being is enhanced through learning and sharing in a six module training that includes deepening students' understanding of mindfulness, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, conscious choice making, leadership, taking action: goal-setting. Each session focuses on developing daily practices and strategies that can boost self-esteem and confidence as well-being leaders. With sessions on How to Become Your Own Best Friend, and The Power of Your Choice, student wellness leaders gain knowledge and skills on how to create and sustain a culture of wellness in their school. Professional learning presentations, and parent workshops are also available for staff teams or parent councils. Suitable: Grades 5-12; staff; parents |
| Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre | CanTYD Programs for Tamil Youth | Programming and services for Tamil Canadian secondary students fosters student leadership and student engagement opportunities, as well as providing connections for students and their families to culturally specific Tamil resources in the community. Weekly programming of presentations and workshops use the arts, group discussion, and recreation activities to engage students in topics and issues of their choosing. CANTYD staff are also available during instructional time, as requested by TDSB staff and students to provide particular equity supports.
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| Shane Philips | Mindfulness and Yoga for Kids | Program uses the foundational tools of breathwork, mindfulness and mindful movement to increase students' sense of well-being. Using his experience as a yoga instructor, vocal coach, professional singer, dancer as well as a martial arts instructor, Shane uses different techniques to engage with elementary students. Each session begins with warm down, breathing exercise, sounding exercise, mindful walking, yoga and breath and a mindful meditation. The exercises are always adapted to the needs of students/class in consultation with the teacher. Suitable: Kindergarten; Grades 1-8 |
| John Hupfield | Powwow Education at Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School | Program only occurs at Wandering Spirit School. Program shares Powwow and their significance about cultural teachings, stories, and ways of knowing through an embodied learning at Kapapamahchakwew – Wandering Spirit School and Urban Indigenous Education Centre. Students learn different styles of Powwow dance (fancy shawl, traditional, jingle, grass, woodland, fancy bustle, chicken), different types of regalia and powwow teachings. Additional sessions offered include regalia making and beadwork, especially the research, design and sewing of the regalia. Through dance and movement, oral stories, regalia and beadwork projects, students have a better understanding of Indigenous teachings. Sessions are inclusive to male/masculine, female/femme and two-spirit students. Suitable: All students |
| Human Moves Inc. | Accessible Mini Ping Pong | Program is suitable for all grades and abilities. It provides specially designed tables, racquets and ping pong pickup tools, targets and containers of different size. Students learn ball movements, direction control, deflection, bounce control, catching and targeting. Progression moves to racquet and ball timing. As students get more advanced, students learn rally challenges with others, 50 rally challenge, forehand/backhand rally switching providing foundation skills. All participants are given achievable motivational challenges according to their abilities. The design of equipment is wheelchair friendly and can accommodate a wide spectrum of disabilities including movement disorders and cognitive challenges. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12
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| Kaeja d'Dance | Creative Movement and Dance Film | Professional trained dancers provide dance and movement workshops that touch on fundamental concepts of dance – body, space, time, relationship, and energy – to get all students active and engaged in the creative process. Sessions are delivered in person or virtually. We offer workshops in Dance Improvisation (intuitive movement in response to text, images and soundscapes), Express Dance (creating dances using natural movement vocabulary), Kaeja Elevations (partner work that allows students to soar safely through the air), and Dance Film (choreographing, directing, and editing short dance pieces for the screen). Professional learning for teachers is also available. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Applefun Puppetry | Puppetry Workshops | Professional puppeteer, Mike Harding, leads elementary students through the process of making puppets and creating an original performance of their own creation. This workshop series includes puppet making, story development, practice and presentation. Students learn various puppeteering techniques. Younger students will be guided by their teacher regarding themes and scripts. Older students use their own voice and creativity to develop their unique stories for script and storytelling. Taking inspiration from what is around them, students use supplies that are readily available to make the puppets. Students enhance their language development, social and listening skills, and their self-confidence through creating, handling and performing with their puppets. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 6 |
| Tim Francom | Fundamentals in Percussion | Professional percussionist provides mentorship, music industry knowledge and specialized percussion skills to students. Musician shares knowledge of percussion instruments, notation and performance practises aiding in skill development, proper technique, sound production and music literacy. Sessions can be offered as workshops, clinics and/or coaching for large and small group ensembles ie. band/orchestra percussion section and percussion ensembles.
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| ESP Extraordinary Steel Pannist | Steel Drum Demonstration | Professional musician, Earl La Pierre Jr. takes students on a musical journey by sharing the cultural and historical significance of steel pan through his steel pan performances. This assembly incorporates dance and movement bringing everyone to their feet. Session delves into the rich history of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and connects how Carnival is celebrated locally in Toronto. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| Harmony Movement | Educator's Equity Workshop | Professional learning workshops deepen understanding of equity and anti-racism principles and incorporate equitable and anti-racist approaches to enhance positive learning experiences of students. Participants build skills and application of culturally responsive relevant pedagogy and universal design for learning principles in teaching. Topics include: Understanding intersectionality, lived experience and challenging biases, having courageous conversations and responding to inequities using school-based scenarios, reviewing curriculum, lesson plans and assessments to better integrate student voice, reflecting on shifts, and growing your classroom anti-racism and equity practice. Sessions support School Improvement Planning. Suitable: Staff |
| Outdoor Learning Strategies | Professional Learning in Outdoor Learning | Professional learning sessions provide supports to the school community to build sustainable outdoor learning programs and practices. Topics include introduction to outdoor learning (benefits, pedagogy), benefits of outdoor learning and unstructured play, learning risky play, and supervising and supporting outdoor learning and play. Linda Naccarato helps staff to meet the school need and develop strategies and action plan to improve outdoor learning with the entire school community. Program is suitable for those schools with existing outdoor learning programs and those that are thinking of getting started with or without green spaces. Suitable: elementary staff; parents/caregivers
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| Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife | Roots and Shoots _ Professional Learning | Professional Learning Sessions for staff include an overview and discussion on the Jane Goodall Institutes Roots & Shoots youth sustainability program and their focus on climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental inequity. Orienting staff in their ability to guide students of all ages through a 4-step program: STEP 1: Who or What Inspires You? STEP 2: Map Out Your Community STEP 3: Plan An Action Project STEP 4: Reflect on Your Achievements and Celebrate Your Impact! Examples of projects from across Canada will also be shared. |
| The Hospital for Sick Children | Empower TM Reading | Professional learning sessions and TDSB staff pairings with Mentors from the Hospital for Sick Children Empower Reading provide fulsome professional orientation, training and support to TDSB staff in an ongoing way. In order to transform young struggling readers into capable readers and confident learners, Empower Reading includes:• balanced and flexible teaching approaches and methodologies, to ensure individual learning preferences and cognitive strengths are optimized • explicit teaching of skills and knowledge that are necessary for decoding and comprehension of different types of English text • programs delivered at different paces, so that both individual student and group needs can be achieved • emphasis on consolidation, to help learners clarify and address any gaps, and promote mastery • dialogue structure for learning that provides the seeds for later self-talk, self-monitoring, and strategy evaluation skills • modelling: students are apprentices to an expert reader - initially the teacher, later students take turns as experts • retraining unproductive attitudes and beliefs about failure and success. |
| Stefano Mancuso | Drumming Workshops | Professional ethnomusicologist provides enhanced world percussion workshops focusing on rhythm, song and movement from various countries. These workshops not only provides drumming technique, rhythms and repertoire but an appreciation in music in general. Students have a hands-on opportunity to explore self-expression and creativity through composition and performances. Students experience singing, drumming, and movement, as well as discover an array of languages (Portuguese, Spanish, Ga, and Malinke to name a few). In addition, geography and history will be discussed as it relates to the music explored. Serving: Grades 9-12
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| Untangled Digital | The BE AN ALL-STAR School Assembly | Presented by Q-Mack, this high energy anti-bullying presentation outlines seven character traits that attribute to student success in and out of the classroom. What does it take to become an "All-Star" student? Attitude, Leadership, Love, Self-control, Teamwork, Accountable and Respect. This presentation includes an exciting combination of freestyle basketball, tricks, balancing, juggling, and magic to ensure the message sticks. Session brings together themes of inclusiveness, responsibility, empathy, kindness and perseverance. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8
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| Nikki Ray Media Agency Inc. | Career Opportunities in Film and TV | Presented by diverse professionals in the field, this session shares information on the film and television industry and non-traditional career paths that connect with their skill set and passion. Students will learn about the various roles of a production team and the roles in front and behind the camera and how they build to tell the story. Professionals who are BIPOC share their experiences and career pathways to get to where they are and ways to advance into such careers. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team | Health Roadshow: Ask a Family Doctor | Presentations related to mental and physical health may include topics of sexual health, anxiety, sleep, depression, substance abuse, bullying, aggression/anger, body image, nutrition as well as coping skills and stress reduction techniques. Students learn strategies to improve their personal well-being. Interactive methods such as games and small group activities are used followed by an anonymous question and answer sessions. Family Medicine Residents work with Learning Centre 1 secondary schools: Leaside High School and Marc Garneau Collegiate staff (i.e. Guidance, Physical Education or Professional Support staff) to identify topics and review presentations. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
| Covenant House Toronto | Youth Homelessness Awareness and Prevention | Presentations raise awareness about youth homelessness and prevention; youth leadership and social responsibility on the issue; resources and community supports. Two presentations are available for student audiences: "Before You Run" covers a broad range of issues and circumstances that lead youth to the street. It discusses how the experiences of family breakdown, abuse, mental health, bullying, drugs, exploitation and stress can act as contributing factors to youth homelessness. "Reality Check" de-glamourizes street life and discusses the struggle homeless youth face; how they’re driven to steal, sell drugs or worse. Presentations also have students participate in an activity that highlights the hardship youth face while trying to live independently, without family support, education or career; and what their school community can do to engage with community supports. Serving: Grades 6 - 12 |
| MADD Canada | Impaired Driving School Presentation | Presentations in person or via video-conferencing educate students about the harmful risks associated with substance use and impaired driving. One presentation, “School Assembly”, informs students about the real risks associated with alcohol/drug use and driving or being a passenger in a vehicle with an impaired driver. Trained facilitators raise awareness and provide safety strategies so students learn to make wise, safe and healthy choices. A second presentation, "Weed out the Risk" is available for schools seeking more information on cannabis and driving. Following each presentation, trained facilitators and/or MADD representatives will lead a Q&A with students. Presentations are also available in French. Serving: Grades 7-12 |
| The Period Purse | Menstruation Nation | Presentations help educate students in grades 5-8 about menstruation and the importance of menstrual health for all, in-person or virtual. Facilitators demystify the myths, share use of appropriate language and how to prepare for periods including learning about various period products and reusable options. These virtual presentations help students understand period poverty with girls in school and people experiencing homelessness. Three presentations are available: Myths and Periods, Period Poverty, Period Product Options. |
| Human Rights Legal Support Centre | Educating Youth About Workplace Sexual Harassment | Presentations educate students in Grades 9-12 about workplace sexual harassment; assertiveness strategies that they can use in response to sexual violence at work; and, their legal rights as employees in workplaces. Through role playing and activities, students learn consent law, power dynamics, establishing boundaries, effective tips & strategies. Topics include: A Matter of Consent: Understanding Consent and the Law (including in a digital world); Standing Up to Sexual Harassment: Strategies and Rights. |
| Forests Canada | Forestry in the Classroom | Presentations connect students with their environment and potential futures in forestry. Student enquiry is at the focus of the presentations that cover the following themes: tree identification and urban forests, tree biology, invasive species, forest management and forest careers. Facilitators bring the outdoors into the classroom through powerpoint presentations, samples and images to illustrate important concepts. Natural resource professionals lead career presentations to share education and diverse career pathways from seek forecasting and management to research on the long-term effects of climate change. Suitable: Grades 4-12
Presentation may be offered in French. |
| University of Toronto | Transplant and Organ Donation Presentation | Presentations by medical professionals and transplant recipients are available for secondary school science, health & Physical Education, and Civics classes to educate students about the science, the success, civic engagement and medical careers in the field of organ and tissue transplantation; and, the importance of organ and tissue donation. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Kids Help Phone/Jeunesse J'Ecoute | Counsellor in the Classroom/Intervenant·e dans la classe | Presentation that helps to break down any preconceptions and stigma around Kids Help Phone while promoting discussion of mental health and well-being in students. The counsellor provides an overview of Kids Help Phone, services offered, discuss why it is hard to reach out for help, and provide some common questions and concerns that young people have when seeking help. The class has an opportunity to engage with the counsellor by asking any questions they discussed in the preparation activity. Teachers receive a resource package to support the learning as well as optional extension activities to expand their learning. Sessions may be offered in French. Suitable: Grades 4-12
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| Gila Munster | Drag Queen Storytime | Presentation provides opportunity for elementary students to engage with set of curated books featuring 2SLGBTQIA2+ characters and themes around inclusivity and acceptance. Gila shares the joy of reading and how stories impact us all, while exposing students to diverse families and identities. The learning experience will be co-planned with staff to provide direct extension of curriculum in classrooms. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-5. |
| B.O.L.T. Charitable Foundation | Speak Outs: Careers in Construction | Presentation on the vast and diverse career opportunities available in the construction industry featuring industry guest speakers who share their personal experiences. Designed to inspire a new generation of tradespeople and industry professionals, these presentations create awareness about the industry including industry overview and future outlook, various career options and their compensation, examples of technical and essential skills required, and training and employment pathways to employment. Guest speakers include union members and skilled trades, such as plumbers, electricians, sheet metal workers, and general labourers, as well as other professionals, such as architects, project managers, engineers, and safety specialists and BOLT guest speakers. Suitable: Grades 7-12 |
| YMCA of Greater Toronto | Youth Opioid Awareness Program | Presentation on opioids, use and its effects to the school community. Topics covered include introduction to opioids, addiction and opioid use disorder, how to help someone with an addiction, naloxone, and toxic drugs. Students hear about the stigma and learn how to implement changes to reduce stigma in society. The presentation also addresses protective factors and coping mechanisms that will minimize the risk of developing a substance use disorder and ways to get help. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Women's Brain Health Initiative | Brainable | Presentation demonstrates the types of lifestyle choices which enable life-long healthy brain activity for students in Grades 5-8. Information promotes healthy lifestyle factors that contribute to strong brain health such as physical exercise, food, mental activity, managing stress, social interactions and ongoing learning. Presentation also touches on substance abuse, brain injuries and brain-aging diseases and their affect on the brain. Presentation is offered in English and French. |
| SMILE Canada - Support Services | Culturally Responsive Disability Support Workshop | Presentation and workshops raise awareness on the intersectional needs of racialized families with children and youth with disabilities for the school community. It provides an overview on the intersections of xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia, and ableism, while speaking about the importance of incorporating culturally responsive support within all models of service delivery. Sessions generate conversation, use case studies, share examples and experiences and increase participants' understanding of how they can contribute to the journey towards a more accessible and inclusive society. Topics such as language, assumption and bias, ableism, intersectionality are covered in this workshop. Suitable: All grades; staff; parents/caregivers |
| Let's Talk Science | Let's Talk Science | Post-secondary volunteers and staff lead a variety of sessions that enhance the STEM curriculum and help students develop scientific inquiry, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students see direct application of STEM concepts to real-life environments. Let’s Talk Science Outreach volunteers act as role models to provide information on post-secondary education and future careers in STEM. Let’s Talk Science is partnered with over 50 universities and colleges across Canada, each with their own local outreach program offerings. Examples of workshops include Feast for the Senses, Super Science Challenges, DNA Biotechnology, and action project activities such as Tomatosphere Seed Planting. In addition, Let’s Talk Science Professional Learning staff can model activities and learning in the classroom in real time through co-learning opportunities. Delivered in person or virtually. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| Positivity Lives Here Inc. | Positivity Lives Here Enrichment | Positivity Lives Here (PLH) is propelled by a compelling mission: to empower students with the necessary tools they need to become the best version of themselves. Led by Matthan Francis, PLH offers dynamic keynote speaking and transformative workshop/workshops series that guide and motivate youth by nurturing their personal development and resilience. The organization is dedicated to promoting well-being as the cornerstone of youth advancement while steadfastly upholding the belief that positivity serves as the catalyst for personal transformation, supportive communities and global movement for change. Serving K to 12; Parents/Caregivers and Families. |
| Audrey Gabay | Bee Connectionzzz | Play-based workshop using storytelling, drama exercises, games, bee equipment, videos and visual aids to convey information about bees in our ecosystem. The aim is to create a fun experience so students develop a curiosity and fascination for all things bees and pollinators. The workshop explores the bee life cycle, social structures and diversity of bees (social honeybee, solitary bees, natives bees), habitat destruction and regeneration. In addition, the facilitator will talk about bees as a keystone species, review their importance in our ecosystem, and the interdependence among bees, plants pollination and animals, the reasons for their decline and how we can help. Suitable: Grades 1-4 |
| Sunshine Therapy Dogs | Therapy Dogs | Pet therapy sessions, with small groups of select students referred by TDSB Professional Support Services, reduce students’ stress and anxiety by providing physical and emotional support in school communities that have experienced a traumatic event or crisis. Trained therapy dogs are accompanied by their certified handlers who guide each interaction. Suitable: referred students Kindergarten-grade 12; staff |
| Soul Drums Ltd. | Soul P.O.P. | Percussion Optimizes Potential (P.O.P.) enhances music and life skills through drumming. Sessions include drum circles in small or large class formats and offered in person or virtually. This hands-on workshop provides students an opportunity to enhance their drumming skills with an emphasis on communication, team building, positive risk taking and leadership skills. Activities include musical games, song chants and performing music using a variety of percussion instruments. Professional learning opportunities are available to staff who wish to enhance skills as a drum circle facilitator. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| Heart of a Man (HOAM) Ltd. | Welcome Wellness | Overcome, elevate, inspire. Donovan is a motivational speaker who inspires others by sharing his story of mental health and wellness. He speaks of his battle with depression and educates on effective communication, vulnerability and resilience. Interactive discussion provides an inspirational message on Black mental health for young men and youth audiences. Integrating stories, statistics, and spoken word, students are engaged and provided with effective strategies for fostering wellness, coping, and reaching out to supports and community resources. The presentation inspires students in defining one’s own struggles, overcoming them with passion and ultimately finding one’s purpose in life. Serving: Grades 9 - 12
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| Alter Eden | Minogin Gitigaanis Society- Akiwi Kikinonowinan | Outdoor and virtual experiences involving ceremony and reconciliation, connecting to land, water and plants across the seasons as seen from an Anishinaabe perspective. Traditional knowledge and language passed down from generations of Anishinaabe living on the land forms the basis of the program designed for all students. Indigenous youth peer leaders guide the program’s half-day workshops to be relevant and interesting for all ages. Each workshop is customized to the school’s location within Tkaronto and the grade of students participating. Workshop titles: Taking Nibi's Temperature, Ojibwe Wood Cookies, Orange Flower Memorial, Seed Paper Making, Building a Bee House; Bee Education; Indigenous Learning for School Staff. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12; Staff
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| Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) | OHI Hospitality Coach Program | One hour session brings in hospitality leaders to share about the hospitality industry and career employment opportunities. Students will be introduced to the multiple pathways (college, university, apprenticeship, work) that lead to the hospitality industry, its numerous job opportunities (including less well-known jobs) and the vibrant industry. Sessions include the industry leader's experiences, sharing of best practices, activities and a question and answer period, all with the aim of showcasing the hospitality pathway as a career option. Suitable: Gr 6-12 |
| Humber College Institute | Humber Nursing Field Placements | Nursing Field Placements and their Faculty Advisors collaborate with TDSB Educator Teams (kindergarten to grade two), to develop learning activities that enhance the curriculum and the interested elementary schools' health promotion project or school-wide activities. A member of the faculty from Humber School of Health Sciences is available in the school to supervise the nursing field placement students. |
| West Neighbourhood House | Wellness 101 | Newcomer students can engage in discussions and activities centred around mental health and well-being, with emphasis on healthy relationships and self-care. As students transition into a new country, these arts-based sessions aim to support students by continuing to build community among the group, understanding stress and safety, deepening understanding regarding self-worth, and building awareness around relationships with the larger goal of overcoming barriers like social isolation, language, and making connections. Program includes 4 sessions. Facilitators and information can be provided in various languages. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| P.E.A.C.E. Inc. | A Piece of P.E.A.C.E. | Motivational virtual workshops and assemblies use hip hop, spoken word, poetry and other urban art-forms to explore self-expression, leadership, equity and diversity. Goal of these sessions begin with "the power of words" culminating in a project that uses different expressions (visual arts, dance, beat box, storytelling). Sessions provide students an opportunity to express their dreams and ideas in an artistic way through various literary devices and activities including spoken word, poetry writing, and storytelling. The framework focuses on empowering students to make responsible and positive choices toward achieving their goals, following their passions and leading their communities, especially for our Black students. Follow-up workshops provide an opportunity for students to explore additional tools for self-expression. Participants hear from a Black artist's perspective on working in the Arts industry, supporting the community and Arts development. Suitable: Gr. 1-12 |
| Sam Demma Enterprises Inc. | Empty Your Backpack | Motivational keynote assembly to increase student well-being, hope and kindness and equip students with tools to being the process of defining who they are and want to become. Everyone has a giant invisible backpack strapped to their shoulders. In these backpacks, students carry the thoughts and opinions that other people place on them that may negatively impact them. Message encourages students to openly talk about their feelings and emotions and equips them with wellness tools. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Northstarr Entertainment Inc. | Stay Driven | Motivational assemblies and/or classroom workshops from Rapper Duane "D.O." Gibson combine Hip Hop performances with life lessons. Presentation themes include: Canadian Black History - D.O. presents about Black History through a Canadian perspective talking about Viola Desmond and black history in Nova Scotia as well as the Underground railroad and Josiah Henson in Chatham, Ontario ; HOLLA – Help, Outlet, Lead, Leave, Assert. D.O. discusses several strategies to combat bullying focusing on building self-esteem, standing up to bullies and finding an outlet. In The Zone - D.O. will bond with students as he shares his personal stories through freestyle rap. The program focuses on the personal power gained through reading, creative writing and speech. And, M.A.D. Skills (Media And Decisions) - D.O. will teach your students to make positive choices when it comes to the media. The program focuses on making informed decisions on music and TV choices as well as presenting strategies to combat cyber bullying. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
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| Live Different | Live Different School Assemblies | Motivational assemblies and workshops with engaging mix of personal stories, videos, crowd participation, live music, and more. Delivered by young, dynamic team members that students find easy to relate to. Positive youth development programming with themes that change annually to best address school and student needs in relevant ways. Exists to empower young people and engage them in a lifestyle of compassion and service. Suitable: Grades 6-12
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| Rhythm Works | Rhythm Works BOOM | Motivational assemblies and workshops promote leadership, confidence and team-building through interactive drumming sessions. Troy Sexton and Sheldon de Souza emphasizes skills in presentation, team-building, leadership, music, creating positive habits and especially the power of believing in oneself. Students, by rotating in groups, all get a chance to participate, and learn skills that can benefit not only in this drumming group but in the classroom and in life. Suitable: Grades 6-12 |
| Unlocked Soulz Inc. | The Keys to Mindfulness | Mindfulness sessions focused on fostering self-awareness, mental well-being, and building understanding and empathy, specifically addressing mental health needs within racialized communities, with Caribbean, Black facilitators Mecha Clarke and Daniel Mullings. This holistic approach to cultivating mindfulness, includes focusing of the mind to promote relaxation, body scans that encourage awareness of bodily sensations and reduction of stress, and yoga to connect the mind and body -- providing tools to navigate challenges with greater ease and resilience. Participants will engage in four keys to mindfulness: Introduction to Mindfulness, Mindful Awareness of the Present Moment, Awareness of Thoughts and Emotions, and Awareness of Self and Others. Suitable: Gr 6-12.
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| Dreampics Pixel Art | Rubik's Art Workshop and Mathemagic Show/Atelier Rubik's Pixel Art et spectacle Mathemagic | Mikael Taieb, leads two presentations in French that showcase mathematics as being fun, magical and artistic. Schools can choose two Rubik's cube 45 minute presentations: Rubik's Art Workshop or Mathemagic Show. Presentations are a mix of the power of the brain, mathematics, numbers, magic, comedy, mime, clowning and of course Rubik's cubes sprinkled with student participation. Additional pixel art workshop is available for students to learn unique techniques and make their own art creation using rubik's cubes. Mikael will share his career path and how mathematics can be used in artistic fields. Suitable: All grades especially French Immersion classes
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| Miinikaan Innovation and Design | Indigenous Teaching Gardens | Miinikaan means "the seed" in Ojibwe. Led by Indigenous facilitators, this program allows schools to create customized garden spaces that share First Nations/Indigenous culture, local ecology, healthy food, herbs and biodiversity. Designs include perennial and annual native food plants for people and pollinators, herbs and flowers that are healing for communities and the urban ecosystem. Students increase their knowledge and understanding about Indigenous ecological knowledge and practices, plant species and their Indigenous names as well as Indigenous history, culture, perspectives, contributions and ways of knowing. Finally, students learn to be good stewards of the land through the different experiential activities that include preparation, planting and transplanting of native seeds and taking care of the plants. Suitability: Select Schools (all grades) |
| Patrick DeCoste | Metis Mapping, Visual Art Workshop | Metis Mapping is a workshop inspired by my ancestors, the early Metis in Canada, who were active in the fur trade and needed map-making skills to survive and navigate the land and waterways. The workshop is a cross-curricular activity infusing visual arts with Indigenous perspectives, social studies, geography, and history, while building cross-cultural community awareness with reflection on individual identity. In the workshop, students will create a type of self-portrait-map or selfie-map. Instead of a photo of a face, a selfie-map is a representation of an individual’s life. The goal is not so much about cartography or skill-sets but rather to have fun while reflecting upon identity and the land. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Never Gallery Ready | Re:Framing Culture Re:Claiming Voice | Media and visual literacy-focused workshops explore culture as reflected in art, news, history, and advertising. These workshops address the politics of individuals’ relationship with images, objects, sound and site, and ask students to critically analyze ubiquitous messages and dominant cultural narratives. Students create works of collage, learn “culture jamming” techniques, perform sound plays/stories, create site-specific installations/awareness campaigns that address community issues, and ‘zines (themed booklets). A 5-day workshop series is also available. Suitable: Grades 4-12
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| Summit Leaders | High School Entrepreneurship Program | MBA students and industry professionals will be paired with classes to facilitate 5 workshops to help students design their pitches and comprehensive business cases. Students will develop a business idea, a business case, and present to a panel of expert judges in this program. This program aims to support with building of skills to enable students to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option and develop a mindset of innovation and creativity. Expanded networks, practical experience, feedback from experts, and confidence building are a few of the expected outcomes for students engaged in this competition. Suitable: Grades 11-12. |
| Mad Science of Toronto | Science & Technology Workshops | Mad Science Curriculum Based Workshops introduce elementary students to the wonders of science through hands-on and interactive live experiments. These in-class workshops support students and teachers to explore science, technology, engineering and the environment and to make connections between science and the wonders of the world around them. Mad Science offers 26 different, exciting and interactive workshops that enhance the Science and Technology curriculum for elementary student. Their professionally trained presenters are excellent in creating experiences that encourage children to pursue the sciences throughout their secondary and post secondary studies. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| Luana Shirt | Cultural Teachings | Luana Shirt is a Plains Cree/Anishinaabe Indigenous Knowledge Educator and Artist. Through interactive teaching circles, she brings focus and better understanding of Anishinaabe cultural teachings that are centered around the Indigenous world views of traditional roles of women and men, rites of passage of girls and boys, 7 stages of life, 7 grandfathers story and teachings, understanding of water, traditional use of medicines and 13 moon grandmother teachings. Indigenous arts workshops include songs, games and interactive teaching circles. Professional learning available to teachers. |
| Lindsay Kretschmer | Indigenous Awareness and Inclusion | Lindsay (Swooping Hawk) Kretschmer, as a Mohawk born and raised in Toronto, brings Indigenous awareness on key contemporary issues of our time as it relates largely to greater Indigenous inclusion. From these sessions, participants gain understanding of who they are and why they matter from both historic, contemporary and cultural contexts. Topics may include: Indigenous histories, community wellbeing, wampum, Indigenous storytelling, cultural safety and societal structures. Professional learning sessions may be customized for staff and parents/caregivers. Suitable: Grades 3-12; staff; parents/caregivers
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| Live Lujo Inc. | Sewing Studio | Libraries, gyms or classrooms are transformed into creative maker space by an 'All Star' team. Sewing Studio disrupts stereotypes and biases about who can sew and who can express themselves artistically. Sessions focus on confidence, skill-building, mentorship, equity and most of all, inclusion. All students leave the studio with a feeling of accomplishment in having completed a design and sewing project. Instructors, who are male role models , provide an engaging introduction to frame the session within the context of "Confidence Building" when learning new skills and new creative ways for self-expression. Personal stories of overcoming barriers are shared. Each student is inspired and encouraged to make their own creative choices in materials and adornments for the project, at the " Creation Station. " Projects vary by age group and are tailored to the age of students; all intentionally contribute to students' sense of self-efficacy. Each student learns how to sew on a sewing machine. Suitable: Kindergarten to grade 12. |
| IndigenEd | IndigenEd | Led by Veronica Johnny, these assemblies and workshops focus on personal healing and growth and help participants tune into their intuition and artistic gifts. Two-Spirit musician and knowledge keeper, Veronica Johnny shares traditional teachings and drum songs on solo hand drum for students to have a better understanding of Indigenous teachings, music and perspectives. Veronica shares traditional Indigenous percussive techniques, the origin of songs, protocols, and cultural context while leading songs. These workshops provide a safe space for expression and music-making. Veronica can also offer learning about 4 sacred medicines, healing, eco-art, and intuitive art. Suitable: All students; staff |
| The National Ballet of Canada | YOU Dance | Led by teaching artists from The National Ballet of Canada, this program introduces students to the theatrical art of ballet and consists of two offerings, in-theatre performances with workshop (Grades 4-7) and in-school performance (Grades 1-6). The in-theatre performances feature five specially selected pieces danced by the National Ballet’s apprentices and accompanied by a pianist. Also included is an in-school workshop 45 minutes in length where students actively engage in movement techniques to develop their creative expression, learn a variety of dance styles, and repertoire while providing a learning experience for the teacher. The second offering is in-school performances named YOU Dance In-School Performances demystify the professional ballet world through a short performance with the National Ballet's apprentices, accompanied by a pianist, a host and a behind-the-scenes crew. Through an interactive discussion, students learn about The National Ballet of Canada, pointe shoes, partnering, ballet mime, and theatrical makeup. Students not only hear from artists who discuss their roles/jobs but also learn what it takes to produce a ballet. Limited availability.
The YOU dance performance is live streamed once a year to any school. |
| WellMindPlus | Professional Learning: Stress Management for Teachers and Staff | Led by Ruth C. White, sessions will help teachers/staff manage their stress, prevent burnout and compassion fatigue, and build emotional resilience. Through didactic lectures, small/large group discussions, self-assessments, self-reflective writing, and breath practice, participants will learn the meanings of relevant concepts, understand the biochemical processes of stress, and the biological, emotional/psychological and behavioural impacts of stress. Through learning about strategies to manage stress and build resilience, participants will create a personalized plan for both. |
| WeeFestival of Arts and Culture | Theatre and Culture for Early Years | Led by professional artists, performances and workshops engage early years students in theatre, dance, music, movement/dance, visual arts in a storytelling form. Delivered in-person or virtually, sessions explore a range of themes including friendship, the environment, loss and change, overcoming fears, embracing difference/different abilities and cultural diversity. Workshops include "Kindergarten Drama Workshops", an active and creative movement workout; "Firefly Story Theatre Project", a drama and storytelling project, over a series of sessions, that collects and dramatizes students' original stories. Theatre performances for assemblies are available and changes each year; some productions are offered in French. |
| Level. Changing Lives Through Law / Égaliser. Changeons des vies par le droit | Indigenous Youth Outreach Program | Led by Indigenous justice sector professionals, this program provides culturally-relevant content about Indigenous legal systems. With its focus on building relationships, sessions provide students with a positive experience learning about the justice system. This program is rooted in building trust, acknowledging colonial legacies, honouring Indigenous practices and customs, and promoting a two-way knowledge exchange between Indigenous facilitators and Indigenous youth. Topics include learning about Indigenous legal system, systemic racism and oppression in the justice system, criminal justice, mock trials, and restorative justice. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Hong Fook Mental Health Association | Wraparound: Making Healthy Choices | Led by Hong Fook Youth Program Worker, the CHOICES program, serving East Asian and international students from grades 7 – 12 helps youth to create new social connections and strengthen peer to peer relationships. Through games, group work and discussion, youths are able to develop strategies with a focus on life skills, including communication, healthy relationships, stress management, wellness, decision-making, and goal-setting. Suitable: Grades 7-12
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| Canada’s National Ballet School | NBS Sharing Dance Kids | Led by Canada’s National Ballet School’s (NBS) Community Dance Specialists, free dance workshops provide creative movement activities using elements of dance as a foundation for students in Grades 1 - 6. Sessions may be delivered in-person or virtually. Using the elements of dance as a foundation, students are given the chance to explore new ways of moving, collaborate with peers (in a safe way), develop fundamental movement skills and create movement sequences which communicate thoughts, ideas and emotions. Emphasizing individual creativity and personal reflection, students are encouraged to look inward and draw from their own personal experiences, to develop their own movement vocabulary. |
| Youth Empowering Parents | Turning Youth From 'Educated' to 'Educator' | Leadership development program for grade 5-8 students to build confidence and put them in the role of a teacher. The program begins with staff training students in communication, sequencing of steps, problem solving and social skills. Students are then paired with younger students or parents/caregivers (from the school community) to teach simple lessons. Matches occur either one-on-on-one or small group setting. When students are teaching parents/caregivers, topics will be chosen based on student's skill and the needs of the parent/caregiver. Sample lessons include: technology skills, basic English conversation/speaking, reading, math, playing a musical instrument. Youth Empowering Parents staff supervise the interactions and provide ongoing feedback to help students build their communication, leadership, perseverance and social-emotional competencies. Suitable: Students in grades 5-8 as leaders; Grades K-4 and parents/caregivers as learners
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| Rita Dagenais | Treaty Making in Canada | Lawyer's perspective on treaty making. Treaties have been signed since 1701 and are still being negotiated today. Every treaty tells a story. The presentation focuses on WHY treaties were signed, with an emphasis on the perspectives of the Indigenous signatories. These sessions provide a brief overview of the history of treaty making, beginning with the Peace and Friendship Treaties signed during the Seven Years War. But I focus primarily on the land cession treaties whereby Indigenous nations surrendered ownership (aboriginal title) of their lands to the Crown. The government wanted to acquire Indians lands to allow for the building of railways, resource development and settlement. I explore the issue of why Indigenous people would sign these treaties. The only way to answer this question is to understand the circumstances faced by Indigenous groups just prior to signing these treaties (disappearance of the buffalo, starvation, epidemics). Focus is on 2 treaties: Treaty 6 signed by the Cree in 1876 and Treaty 7 signed the following year by the Blackfoot. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
