| Up4 The Challenge | STEM Design Experience | Led by professional women in science and engineering, these workshops use STEM for social impact through human-centred design. Students use a hands-on, Design Thinking process to imagine and prototype solutions to real-world issues in their communities while enhancing their appreciation of how STEM supports social outcomes. Schools can choose from a panel discussion, half-day session or a workshop series where facilitators work with students, while providing professional learning to teachers, to develop a solution to a community-based problem. By focusing on diversity, creativity, and experiential learning with community organizations/community members, the program enables youth to design more innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges. Professional learning opportunities available. Serving: Grades 7-12, Staff |
| Stolen From Africa/Volé D'Afrique | Stolen From Africa | Interactive assembly and arts-based workshops that promote social justice and builds cross cultural understanding for racialized and marginalized students. Facilitators discuss themes of Black Diaspora history, identity, relationships, resilience and self-advocacy. Students explore self-identity, reflect on impact on their community, and share their stories with peers through working on an arts, music, digital/social media projects. Professional learning is available for staff to explore barriers and challenges that Black and diverse youth face and share strategies on how to teach culturally-responsive lessons to engage diverse learners. Workshops are also offered in French. Serving: Grades 4 - 12 |
| Noam Markus | Storytelling Through Mime and Physical Theatre | Workshops develop group trust, listening and performance skills in the areas of mime and physical theatre for all students. Sessions use a variety of physical skills and movement as the primary method of storytelling. Students build coordination, body movement, observation, focus, listening and presentation skills. Sessions for younger students utilize simple mime skills, basic improvisation skills and general body coordination. More advanced sessions use more complex techniques such as Graphic Mime, Character Mask, Commedia dell'Arte, Theatrical Clown work and hand shadow puppets. Workshop series enable students to develop storylines and presentation skills for a performance to the class/school. Serving: Grades 1-12
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| Studio 180 Theatre | Studio 180 IN CLASS | The program uses drama to create a brave space for effective dialogue and self-discovery. Workshops delivered in person or via video-conferencing, offer in-depth, immersive experiences that mine the unique power of the theatre to humanize social and political issues and cultivate open dialogues and artistic expression. Artist educators work with students to encourage them to think critically, explore multiple viewpoints, promote empathy and inspire creativity through proposition exercises, hot seating and improvisation. Workshops may be based on Studio 180’s current production, works in development, or may be theme-based and explore topics including identity, community, family and personal responsibility. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
| Success Beyond Limits Education Program Inc. | Success Beyond Limits Summer Credit Support | Supports and activities that include youth-to-youth peer mentorship engage grade 8 students who are enrolled in a Continuing Education summer course that nurtures a successful transition into secondary school. For students in Learning Centre 2, these curriculum enhancement activities inspire and assist them to improve their educational outcomes, expand possibilities, and provide support to expand their individual paths to success. |
| Suitcase Theatre Arts and Education Outreach Inc. | Suitcase Dramatic Arts Workshops | A menu of workshops is available to choose from, including: "All the World is a Stage" is an engaging and interactive workshop that gives students the opportunity to explore the vibrant history of live theatre. Students will learn about the importance of collaboration as they work with their peers to create short adaptations of classical fairy tales and fables. “Improv your Acting” is a lively and humour-filled workshop that invites students to think on their feet as they are introduced to the world of improvisation. This exhilarating workshop encourages teamwork and peer support as they work together to create scenarios that invite fast creative thinking and a quick all mixed with a good dose of humour. “Confidence Creates Character” offers students a safe space to express themselves. Students will explore strategies to approach difficult social settings by developing skills to alleviate anxiety, deal with peer pressure and handle bullying. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 8, Select Students 9-12 |
| Suitcase Theatre Arts and Education Outreach Inc. | Suitcase Theatre Performances | These musicals and plays inspire and promote positive self-awareness and well-being through storytelling, singing, the visual arts and drama. Characters in the plays and the characterization workshops create positive role modelling; encourage self-confidence, kindness and compassion; promote building healthy relationships, resilience and collaboration. They help students understand narrative structure, enhance character development in drama and enrich their vocabulary in the creative development process. Performances are suitable for special education classes and students of all neurodiversities. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-5 (possibility up to Grade
8)
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| Variety Village | Swimming for everyBODY | This half day program promotes accessible and inclusive participation in pools and the community for TDSB staff including instructors and lifeguards. Sessions focus on accessible, inclusive swim development experiences for activities being offered at school and in the community. Presenters may include, world record marathon swimmer and para-coach , Vicki Keith, Paralympian, multi games medalist and Swim Ontario Para Development coordinator Darda Sales and Archie Allison Director of Access and Awareness at Variety Village. They will lead sessions on strategies in modifications and adaptations for swim development for students of all abilities and experiences. Suitable: Staff of Grade 1-8
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| One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization | SWOLE Program | Programs empower students to develop leadership skills through their passions and becoming positive agents in their community. Themes covered are leadership, self-esteem, resiliency, peer mediation, relationship building and giving back. Students also learn practical strategies on identifying and developing clear action plans to achieve their goals. A variety of programs, in-person or virtual, are offered to suit the student audience include: S.W.O.L.E. (self-respect, work hard, overcome adversity, lead by example and excellence), Man Up, Dymond Girls, Leaders of Our Time for Black secondary students, Get Yo' Life, and History Makers. Assembly or workshop, students develop their leadership skills through a variety of activities that include self-reflection exercises, discussion, physical activities and mentor storytelling. Serving: Grades 4-12 |
| Victim Services Toronto | T.E.A.R.™ in a Digital World | Teens Ending Abusive Relationships (T.E.A.R.™) workshop equips youth with the tools, knowledge and resources to navigate the digital world and make informed healthy relationship choices both online and in person. T.E.A.R.™ in a Digital World’s goal is to empower youth to create positive change in their own lives and their community. Topics include: Intimate partner violence; Cyberviolence including: cyberbullying, cyberstalking, cyber sexual harassment, sextortion, luring; Online rights; Dating rights; Consent; Creating a positive digital footprint; Digital leadership; Digital citizenship; Online safety tips; Healthy intimate relationships and friendships; Warning signs of unhealthy and potentially abusive relationships'; Where and how to get help. Suitable: Grades 7 - 12 students; and parents/caregivers
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| Raging Asian Women Taiko Drummers | Taiko Drumming Performances and Workshops | Workshops and Performances are presented by a professional ensemble of East and Southeast Asian women, non-binary, and genderqueer people. School communities will experience both traditional and contemporary Taiko drumming pieces; learn the historical and creative contexts behind them; and, enhance their understanding of Japanese culture and Asian history. Sessions deepen school communities' understanding of Asian Heritage through Taiko drumming. Through each undeniably strong, yet nimble percussive sound that is generated from the orchestra of drums played in rhythm, students of all ages will witness both the strength of force that sound is capable of, and likewise find that same potential within themselves to be heard. Suitable: All students; staff; parents/caregivers |
| Team Unbreakable | Team Unbreakable | A comprehensive professional learning programming focuses on ’physical health for mental health’ themes, using running as a way for school communities to support and maintain students’ positive mental health. Programming is designed with evidence based strategies and evaluated by the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Center at the University of Toronto. Programming with students operates in interested schools, with designated staff who have received professional learning from Team Unbreakable. Additional programming details and resources are found online at www.team unbreakable.ca. Serving: Staff |
| TELUS Communications Inc. | TELUS Wise | Cyber safety, security issues and ensuring a positive digital footprint are discussed in four age / audience appropriate workshop options:
* TELUS Wise footprint - is designed to help elementary school students learn how to be good digital citizens and keep their digital footprint clean.
* TELUS Wise in control - engages middle school, and junior high students in a discussion about cyberbullying, identity theft, protecting and positively growing their online reputation and more. Parents receive tips and strategies on how to respond to their child focuses on topics including screen time, gaming, sexting, cyberbullying and more.
* TELUS Wise impact - engages middle school and junior high students in a conversation about cyberbullying, helping them explore and understand different options for safe and appropriate ways of intervening and responding when they witness cruel behaviour online.
* TELUS Wise happiness - engages teen students in a conversation about building and maintaining a healthy relationship with technology and offers tips on ensuring resiliency and well-being in our connected world. Tip sheets and resources will be shared to embed the learning. Suitable: Grades 3-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers |
| Lorena Santin-Andrade | Textile Art and Design | Students experiment and explore with textile art and creative design in these highly engaging workshops which give a glimpse of the textile industry's multidisciplinary design process. Through sketching, marker illustration, photography, Photoshop, and sewing, students learn the textile process by creating their own designs to have digitally printed and sewn by them into sustainable and usable keepsake textile products. Facilitated by an artist in the textile, fashion, and design industries, these workshops ignite the creative sparks that give students a voice to express what cannot be said with words. Suitable: Grades 1-12 |
| Divine Mvita | The Art of Becoming | This one-hour presentation highlights the importance of the authentic self and channelling one’s unique gifts to contribute to the world. Born in Africa, Divine Mvita, shares her story of success by voiding the opinions and expectations of society and thriving through finding her unique self and embracing who she is. Presentation provides useful resources, tips and tools in the art of becoming the best version of self. Students hear the importance of who they are, being able to identify their passions and highlight the tools they already have to offer to the world. Serving: Grades 6-12 |
| Cristina Delago | The Art of Mosaic | Workshops offer mosaic making technique, process and mosaic art; longer sessions enable students to create a mosaic art mural using recycled materials. An introduction of mosaic art history and a slide demonstration of mosaic murals in our city, will inspire students to be able to make their own. Demonstrations of various techniques, design concepts and materials will be presented. Students learn by discovery, self-expression and small group activity. Activities include sketching life size and perspective, composition with shapes, sizes, colour and texture, creating movement and contrast with materials used. Suitable: 4-12
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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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| Food Sharks | The Food Mood Connection | This nutrition workshop helps students to understand how food plays a significant role in their mood and overall mental and physical health. Facilitator discusses the fundamentals of a healthy diet, foods that support well-being, and how media and marketing industries influence nutritional choices. Students learn to read and understand food labels and nutritional facts to ultimately gain knowledge to make informed, healthy food choices. Because the health & wellness industry is booming, growth trends and careers are also highlighted. SHSM & SPE certification is available. Suitable: Grades 6-12 |
| H.U.S.T.L.E Inc. | The Great Canadian Hustle | Workshops use the medicine wheel to guide Indigenous youth in creating a healthy lifestyle in select schools. Facilitated by an Indigenous facilitator, students increase their physical and mental wellness and develop good life skills. Sessions and topics include physical activity, training on gym equipment, healthy eating and goal-setting using Indigenous traditions and knowledge. Each session includes a physical movement/exercise with or without equipment, yoga/meditation and sharing circle/affirmations. Suitable: grades 6-12 |
| University of Alberta | The Holodomor and Its Relevance | This presentation on the Holodomor engages students in a case study of the genocidal famine in Ukraine from 1932-1933. Students learn how to identify the steps from which genocides have evolved, and how human rights abuses can progress from bullying and discrimination, to victimization and dehumanization. Through collective discussion on its history, students provide suggestions and strategies that could be used in our present day to curb human rights abuse and the types of governments that permit and participate in these abuses. Professional learning is also available. Suitable:Grades 9-12; Staff |
| Tricia Bentley | The Little Fig Children's Writing Virtual Workshops | This English Literacy virtual writing workshop incorporates individual and group activities to strengthen writing, language, and analytical skills. Some workshops use a narrative, The Hero’s Journey, as a guideline to teach students about story development and encourage them to express themselves to develop their very own story. Other workshops may use the structure of a first person essay narrative to tell the personal story of the student through memoir style writing. For the younger grades, sessions consist of creating a story collaboratively and then performing the story in a play-like presentation. During the process students will learn the art of storytelling by establishing the following: Who is the Hero? What does the Hero want? Why can't the hero get what he/she wants? The Facilitator will work with the teacher prior to the first session to establish relevant curriculum related readings and topics for this creative writing workshop. Suitable: Grades 1-8 |
| The Learning Enrichment Foundation | The MINA Project: Inspiring Futures | Program helps racialized, underserved students in Grades 6-12 bridge the gap between education and employment by gaining experience, building a network and developing skills required in the workplace. In-person or virtual sessions led by under-represented (BIPOC) industry professionals inspire students to make connections between education and employment and to see careers without limits. Program includes career panel where speakers share their career stories and workshops to develop soft skills and employability skills. Students receive mentorship from industry professionals and learn new career opportunities. |
| North Star Productions | The Ontario Planetarium Mobile Star Dome | A knowledgeable guide leads presentations in a mobile planetarium that is set-up for a day at interested schools. Based on their experiences, presenters discuss earth and space science. Several presentations are offered to bring the cosmos to life through 3-D graphics and thundering surround sound. Serving: Grades 1-12 |
| Canadian Mental Health Association CMHA | The Opening Doors Project | Workshops are interactive and experiential and provide an understanding of mental health, managing stress, racism and anti-discrimination, intersectional identities in the Canadian context, and the newcomer experience. Through group activities and storytelling, students discuss self-care tools for coping with stress, the stigma and challenges for those living with mental illness and learn to develop strategies for challenging discrimination in their lives. Topics include: Building Bridges: Anti-Racism 101, Understanding Migration, Mental Health and Wellness 101, Stress and Self-Care in Context, Starting From the 'I': Reflecting On Our Identities; and Know Your Rights 101. The Opening Doors Project’s Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentorship Initiative, provides additional youth mentorship and case management support to newcomer students, primarily Arabic-speaking and Somali students. Serving: Grades 7-12; students 18+
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| TAIBU Community Health Centre | The PLUG Project | The project focuses on violence prevention and developing conflict mediation skills for student success, especially for Black and/or marginalized youth. Through workshops, students learn how to resolve conflict in a variety of scenarios, develop techniques that de-escalate a situation, work on anger management, and develop strategies for better communication. Parent workshops are available to better support their child. Suitable: Grades 7-12; Parents/caregivers |
| Changemaker Books Inc. | The See Me for Me Empathy Movement | This interactive workshop for early years students promotes inclusion and diversity by learning about children with disabilities. Students will be encouraged to activate knowledge, have meaningful discussions about what makes them unique and apply what they've learned to a class project. Exercises help students to reflect on challenges faced by others in the community and promote equity, empathy and inclusion. Facilitator, Dana Geall, shares her personal story of raising triplet children who have cerebral palsy use wheelchairs and live full and happy lives. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-3
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| Shakespearience Performing Arts | The Shakespearience Experience | Interactive workshops in-person and through video-conferencing empower students by developing character, confidence communication and other essential soft skills through creatively and collaboratively overcoming the challenges they often associate with Shakespeare's language. Students are assisted by some of Canada’s most celebrated and talented professional actors. These professionals demonstrate in a unique and innovative way how an artist’s approach to the texts, combined with a little persistence, imagination and hard work, can unlock and demystify material many young people find so difficult. Professional learning sessions are also available for this programming that has been hailed as "outstanding," "epic," "transforming," "engaging" and "something that exceeded all of my expectations." Serving: Grades 4-12 |
| Job Talks Inc. | The Skilled Trades and YOU | In this interactive virtual presentation, Dr. Jon Callegher helps students see how different careers in the skilled trades and construction industry can address a variety of personal and work-related interests. He introduces the concept of “balanced intelligence” as a defining quality of tradespeople. He explains 5 Reasons To Try An Apprenticeship in high school, including: 1) Get Work Experience, 2) Work With Your Hands, 3) Have Teacher Support, 4) Learn How to Run a Business, and 5) Earn While You Learn. This session helps to change mindsets toward the trades among students, educators and parents. Suitable: Grades 7-11, staff; parents/caregivers |
| The K Group Inc. | The Steelpan Experience: From Skin to Steel and Beyond | This program challenges students to develop an understanding of steelpan, its history and the present cultural and social contributions of steelpan pioneers to communities locally and throughout the world. Led by Afro-Caribbean (Black) musician, Joy Lapps-Lewis, and guests, this program is delivered in the form of virtual or in-person presentations, workshops and performances. Hands-on workshops focus on how to play, care for and store instruments. Students develop mallet technique and learn grooves while creating and sharing their musical ideas. Performances explore history and development of the steelpan into a modern day approach to steelpan centered beat-making and production. Facilitators share their experiences as musicians and professionals. Sessions can be modified for classes who do not have access to conventional steelpan (steel drum) instruments. Professional learning for teachers may be available.
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| The Umbrella Effect Inc. | The Umbrella Project | Similar to an umbrella protecting us from the rain, a collection of well-being skills can protect us from times of calm and stress. This workshop, delivered in-person or through video-conferencing, enhances a collection of skills that form emotional well-being: empathy, gratitude, self-compassion, purpose, resiliency and developing a growth mindset. Through lessons, videos, group discussion, personal reflection and observation of the world around them, students learn real life applications of each skill and gain deeper insight into why these skills are essential. Workshops may be offered in French and parent presentations are available. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Think 2wice International | Think 2wice | The program facilitates workshops and motivational speaking topics that aim to prevent or respond to youth violence, gang involvement and criminal activity. Guest speakers with lived experience of gang involvement and the criminal justice system engages youth to take up positive leadership roles in their schools and communities and to create violence free schools, communities, and lives. Through music, theatre, film, story sharing and testimonials, students work through topics on violence, mindset, consequences, coping strategies, and community supports. Workshops may be tailored based on audience and their impact from violence. Professional learning may be available. Suitable: Grades 7-12; staff |
| The Yonge Street Mission | Thinking Forward Leadership Program | This program offers character development and leadership training for students, to help children and youth strengthen their interpersonal and leadership skills, and to challenge them to address social needs. Sessions provide inclusive and equitable learning opportunities that use the arts and leadership development as a platform to help students develop and improve their well-being. Students participate in hands-on, art activities that highlight themes of belonging, diversity, anti-bullying, teamwork, and community. A variety of methods, resources and activities are used including painting, role-playing, designing and building, illustrating, and art exhibits to showcase student work. The program is customizable to suit the needs and schedule of the school and students. Serving: Grades 1-8 |
| DAREarts Foundation Inc | Thrive Youth: Cultivating Wellness & Leadership Through The Arts | This program allows elementary students in grades 4-8 to build and practice their core leadership skills while exploring a variety of art forms with facilitators and artist-educators. In these in-person or virtual sessions, through exploring and creating with the arts, students develop their own unique voice, share and connect with their peers and build confidence and their capacity to be change makers. Each daily lesson builds on the previous over the course of each week or two, depending on the program. Learner activity kits containing all supplies needed for participation each session are provided. This program is most suitable for those students who wouldn't normally be exposed to arts programming. |
| Tools for All Teens | Tools for All Teens | Tools for All Teens is a self-empowerment program which provides teens with wellness activities and tools such as yoga, mindfulness meditation and journaling to assist them in calming their minds and bodies. These tools enable youth to better manage stress and enhance their mental health and well-being. Mindfulness activities are used to support students’ engagement and improve learning and success, while teaching important life skills in self-awareness.
Sessions can also be provided for staff teams, and for parents, as scheduled. Serving: Grades 7-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers
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| City of Toronto | Toronto Fire Services, Fire Safety for Children | Toronto Fire Safety Educators present interactive sessions for students that cover essential fire safety concepts for young audiences, such as smoke alarms are important; "Get outside, stay outside"; staying away from hot things; and, matches and lighters are for grown-ups. The sessions also emphasize firefighters as a community helpers. In delivering the interactive fire sessions educators may use various fire safety equipment, such as, full set of bunker gear to demonstrate for children to recognize their “helpers” in an emergency, and to not be afraid of the masked figure who may be trying to save them.
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| Kiwanis Music Festival Association | Toronto Kiwanis Festival | Toronto Kiwanis Festival provides students with virtual, enhanced learning and performance opportunities in music, dance, visual arts and speech arts in a competitive setting. Several schools' host the Festival annually during instructional time throughout two weeks in February - March. Serving: All grades. |
| Rebecca Baird | Traditional Indigenous Art Practices | Workshops provide a hands-on experience that result in a tangible, memorable takeaway using a variety of Indigenous materials and art forms. Sample works include individual artwork using porcupine quills on birch bark, two-row wampum bracelets created using traditional Indigenous materials, beaded rosettes, individual cloth banners containing Indigenous teachings, or creation of a lasting on-site mural depicting Indigenous visual storytelling. Facilitator, Rebecca Baird, engages students in meaningful dialogue, citing the visual and material symbolism involved, including traditional Indigenous environmental teachings and relationships of cross-generational connections between the individual and community. Such teachings create a rewarding learning experience of Indigenous cultural values that reaches out and impacts meaningfully upon the community at large. Suitable: Grades 5-12
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| The EduCare Initiative | Training Educators Regarding Children and Young People In/from Care | Designed and facilitated by young people with child welfare lived experience, this virtual 3 hour workshop is for educators to encourage a deeper discussion on system barriers and how to better inform and support youth in care. Workshop provides participants a thorough understanding of the following: trauma-Informed approaches in school settings (and beyond), systemic racism/oppression, and family privilege. Participants develop more effective strategies for engaging young people in care and the significance of a relational approach. Suitable: Staff
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| 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 |
| TRCA | TRCA In-Class Visits | Interactive workshops led by certified instructors bring nature programming to all students. Using hands-on exploration, activities and games, sessions enhance students’ understanding of natural environments and ecosystems and students' own roles in conservation efforts. Three programs are offered with a variety of workshops to choose from for all ages. 1. Watershed on Wheels (WOW) workshops examine the importance of our waterways, rivers and aquatic ecosystems as well as how climate change issues are affecting these important resources and explore ways on how students can minimize their environmental footprint; available free of charge. 2. Native Plants Program (NPP) offers native plant seeds to grow in the classroom and students learn all about wildlife-supporting plants that reflect our natural heritage and environment; available free of charge. 3. Beyond the Park workshops offer environmental and nature-themed topics such as bird species, wetland habitats, local urban wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems, to teach students how to be good stewards. Online bookings can be made here: https://trca.ca/learning/teachers-schools/. |
| 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 |
| Greater Toronto Hockey League ( GTHL ) | Try Hockey | This program introduces the sport of hockey through the game of floorball to students in grades 2-6 who have previously been unable to play the sport. Certified coaches deliver the program in the school gymnasium where small groups practice basics of stick-handling, passing and shooting. Students will participate actively and engage in a variety of movement competencies, and demonstrate an understanding of the value of regular physical activity in their daily lives. With follow-up communication, coaches provide further support to maximize sustainability and teacher resources are made available including access to floorball lesson plans. Following the in-school portion, students/families are invited to the local arena to try hockey on the ice. |
| Anthony Lue | Turning Tragedy into Triumph: The Story of a Para-athlete | Virtually, Anthony Lue, a para-athlete in cycling, speaks to students about resilience, maintaining a positive attitude and overcoming obstacles in the face of stark adversity. In 2009, an accident at a scrap metal yard left him paralyzed from the waist down. But though his body was broken, his incredible spirit remained intact and the will to live. Anthony shares the importance of overcoming challenges, goal setting through sports, teamwork, and seeing life in a new way despite a disability and striving to achieve mammoth goals in life. Virtual sessions only. Serving Grades 4 - 12. |
| University Health Network | UHN STEM Pathways | UHN staff offer a variety of experiential learning opportunities to help students increase their understanding of STEM and careers in STEM especially from under-represented communities. Programming includes both in-person and virtual programs, hands-on activities, classroom visits, interactive scientist panels, experiential learning opportunities. Students will increase their understanding of STEM in an interactive learning environment. In this process, they will be connected to strong, visible role models and gain access to new resources and opportunities and connections to the real world. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
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| Doane Music School | Ukulele In the Classroom | This enrichment program uses the versatility of the ukulele to enhance music literacy skills for students in grades 3-12. Professional musicians/instructors use the Ukulele in the Classroom pedagogy which strengthen students musical understanding, social skills, and enjoyment. Sessions focus on introduction to ukulele, playing ukulele, improvisation, playing in an ensemble and performance. Students will enhance the following skills: improvisation, ear training, note recognition (both on the page and on the instrument), harmony and rhythm through chording and finally through repertoire which uses all of these elements and performing.
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| Ian Keteku | Uncover Your Hidden Voice | Facilitated by a National Slam Champion and World Poetry Slam Champion, these workshops introduce students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, to the spoken word form. Sessions encourage students to engage with language in new, personal, and imaginative ways. Writing skills and tools for creative expression are enhanced in grade specific abilities. Students learn the literary tools and techniques used to effectively communicate messages and emotions. Workshops culminate with students performing their own unique spoken word piece to their class. |
| Unity Charity | UNITY Charity Hip Hop Artists In Schools | These high-energy, interactive, performance-based and motivational assemblies, workshops and/or programs are led by professional artist-educators, who perform and share their personal stories of how the Arts can be a positive outlet for change and improve our mental health. Artforms include: Hip-Hop Dance, Beatbox, Break-Dancing, Spoken Word Poetry, Graffiti, Best Production, MC/Rap and Beatboxing. These sessions challenge students to express themselves creatively by learning something new and perhaps stepping out of their comfort zone with their peers while enhancing skills for success. Offerings include Unity Day, Unity Week and Engage Program. Serving: Grades 7-12 |
| York University | Unity in Diversity | In these immersive arts workshops, students will deepen their critical thinking, literacy, creative and collaborative skills around themes of identity, community and multiculturalism to produce an art project or initiative. Asian Canadian artist facilitators will develop students’ literary and artistic tools to explore and develop content in expressing their vision around a theme. Workshops may include literary writing, music composition, visual art and photography/videography. Students will create an artistic work at the end of the workshop and facilitators will collect and create a collaborative piece of art (if applicable). Workshops are also suitable for Asian Heritage Month. Suitable: Grades 1-12 |
| Emil Sher | Unpacking the Holocaust: A Playwright's Journey | This multimedia presentation weaves still images and video footage from the acclaimed stage production of Hana's Suitcase, which chronicles the short life of a girl killed in Auschwitz. What are the challenges, the choices, the considerations when history is honoured and dramatized on stage? How far into the darkness of the Holocaust do you go when children are in the audience? How can sets, costumes, masks, slides and silence give voice to an unspeakable tragedy? These are some of the questions that are explored by playwright Emil Sher in a presentation that is capped by a discussion where students are tasked with making a moral choice about who to shelter in wartime. Students also learn about the creative process in transforming history into a stage play and the connections between art and history. Serving: Grades 5 - 12 |
| Unstoppable Tracy Inc. | Unstoppable You | As a bestselling author, award-winning leader, speaker, humanitarian, and decorated athlete, Unstoppable Tracy provides tools tied to the Ontario Learning Outcomes for Resilience and Determination, for audiences to affect positive change and acceptance to everyone around them. Tracy's verve for life and ability to overcome obstacles are immediately apparent in these keynote presentations, sharing her story of commitment and perseverance, courage, and positivity, and that challenges misconceptions. Unstoppable Tracy provides a unique and inclusive perspective on diversity as a person who was born with a disability, as a 4-way amputee. With humour and motivation, Unstoppable Tracy inspires all audiences to set goals and persevere through adversity, doing whatever it takes in order to achieve success. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12; staff; parents/caregivers |
| University of Toronto | UTSC Computer and Mathematical Sciences & Future Careers | Faculty staff deliver workshops on Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the diverse futures in the field and creative careers in the industry. Sessions make Computer and Mathematical Sciences more accessible to students while dispelling misconceptions about Computer and Mathematical Sciences. Students are exposed to diverse careers and pathways to post-secondary education and information on what life is like for Computer Scientists in the real world. Workshops offer hands-on experience in programming, creating art with code, coding challenges, complex Scratch simulation and modelling. Professional learning may be available. Suitable: Grades 7-12; staff
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| Hamilton-Wentworth Green Venture | Vermicomposting Workshop | This wiggly worm workshop allows students to observe a vermicomposting habitat and see how worms recycle food waste to produce valuable compost. Learn how composting relates to food waste, discuss why food waste is an important environmental issue, and learn the science of composting. Sessions may focus on setting up a vermicomposting bin from scratch or how to care and troubleshoot vermicomposting bins. All materials will be provided by the facilitator for hands-on learning experience. In addition, follow-up activity guide and supplementary lessons are provided to further the learning beyond the workshop. Suitable: All grades |
| Intuit Canada ULC | Virtual Intuit Education Program | In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, this virtual program identifies and addresses barriers Black students, families and communities have with regards to financial literacy, digital equity and design thinking for innovative community-based change. These sessions offer secondary students a chance to learn from industry professionals in technology; develop entrepreneurship skills through authentic business experiences; develop financial habits using real-world simulations; and participate in social entrepreneurship challenges, using Design Thinking methodologies, to solve a real-world challenge in their community. Through these rich experiential learning opportunities (workshops, conferences, exhibitions, competitions) students obtain the skills for career readiness. Professional learning is also available. |
| Debbie Deer Productions | Virtual Technology and Production Workshop | Virtual Technology and production workshop immerses secondary students in using virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality (collectively known as XR) and the careers that lies in it. Black-identifying industry professionals lead sessions about virtual film production, augmented and mixed reality technology and how it is used to tell their own stories through film production. Facilitators share exciting new careers in film and VR industry. Students have opportunity to learn software such as AR and apply it themselves by making their own augmented reality filter and experience a VR demo with headset. Suitable: Grades 9-12
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| Angela Turone | Vocal Jazz Talk and Performance | Professional jazz performing artist mentors students on their vocal jazz skills as both individual performers and in a choral setting. Ideally suited for students with some vocal experience. Artist mentor further enhances understanding of jazz repertoire, technique and performance skills and provides relevant information on the professional jazz industry. Students explore concepts of jazz harmony and improvisation to deepen their understanding of repertoire, jazz genre and style. In addition, students workshop advanced jazz repertoire in a choral setting to develop choral skills. Serving: Grades 9 - 12 |
| York University | Wabaan _ Indigenous Initial Teacher Education | Wabaan is an Anishinabe (Ojibwa) word meaning it is tomorrow. It signifies commitment to a holistic program of teaching and learning that acknowledges the impacts of colonialism, and draws on the wisdom of ancestral teachings and contemporary leaders to put Indigenous futures into Indigenous hands. Rooted in Indigenous Thought, Wabaan will provide traditional and contemporary teachings from Indigenous Elders, educators, and community leaders virtually or in person. Responding to the urgent and long-standing need for a teacher education program that centers Indigenous worldviews, knowledges and pedagogies, York will work with TDSB Urban Indigenous Education Centre, teachers and students to support the development of a program that will educate a new generation of teachers prepared to address the needs of First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students, families and communities. |
| 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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| Community Arts Guild | What Was My Backyard? | This collaborative school and community project, is an interactive musical combining drama, dance, puppetry, music and visual arts to bring awareness of the Indigenous lives and lands of what is now Toronto. Inspired by a news article from 1908 that speaks about 11,000 year-old footprints found in clay beneath Toronto Harbour, this project brings awareness of Indigenous lives and history, asking us to think about the land we occupy and share, and what was here long ago where our homes, playgrounds, parks, streets and backyards now stand. Students work alongside professional Indigenous artist-educators in a series of 3 workshops culminating in a full musical performance with professional artists to their school community. Although available to serve across TDSB, priority will be given to schools in Scarborough area. Suitable: Gr. 4-12
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| Lumenus Community Services | Whatever It Takes (WIT) | 'Whatever It Takes' (WIT) provides service coordination and transitional support to children and youth who have mental health issues and have complex service needs. WIT provides many services such as interim intensive case management, facilitation of community planning, clinical consultation and one-on-one support within student’s treatment plan to transition into a classroom or maintain the student effectively in the classroom until a more appropriate school placement or day treatment placement can be arranged. WIT facilitates the collaboration of service providers to respond to children/youth with complex needs or to those whose needs exceed the ability and capacity of any one service provider or sector. Program is in collaboration with PSS staff. Serving: Referred students, Kindergarten - Grade 12
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| University Health Network | Whole School Approach to Eating Disorder Prevention | Engaging and age appropriate, risk factor-focused presentations are offered to students (Kindergarten to Grade 12) on body image, media literacy, conversations around food, and self-esteem. Professional learning capacity-building, interactive workshops for staff focus on spotting the signs, supporting an affected student, addressing body-based bullying, and embedding conversations into existing curriculum. Parent panels for the school community are also offered that create a space for parents to share their concerns about this topic while empowering them with resources to support their children’s well-being around eating, physical activity, and body image. Programming in-person or virtual through video-conferencing is an evidence-informed approach to eating disorder prevention available for all schools. |
| Djennie Laguerre | Words in Movement: Dance, Theater, Storytelling | An interactive dance and storytelling workshop in French or English, to enable students to create their own story. The storytelling workshop uses drama, music, song, dance, word games to enhance students’ communication skills and theatre skills. The dance workshop uses Afro-Caribbean beats and music to enable the students to not only learn about francophone Afro-Caribbean culture but also learn to create a brand new choreography. The workshops series culminates in a class performance. Serving: Grades 1 - 8 |
| 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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| Beat the Streets | Wrestle 4 Fun | Students learn fundamentals from top-level Canadian wrestlers in this character-building and life skills workshop through the sport of wrestling. Virtual workshops are based on the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model and designed to introduce wrestling and drills to improve movement skills, agility, balance and coordination while providing no-contact delivery. For older students, workshops build positive character traits, coping strategies, building positive self-image and personal resiliency while providing a constructive and safe way to redirect energy through sport. Students learn time management, respecting others, friendly competition, rules and guidelines through the introduction to wrestling that all transfer to the classroom. Professional learning and certification are available to staff. Serving: Grades 1 - 12; staff |
| Ashley Seaman | Y.A.Y Improv for Wellness & Belonging | This workshop uses improv to practice empathetic communication, collaboration and mindfulness for students to achieve a greater sense of belonging and joy. Students learn meaningful tools in interacting and communicating with others as well as being in a safe spaces to take creative risks, explore spontaneity and embrace the unexpected all while having fun. Through play, games and exercises, students collaboratively create character, story, comedy and joyful connection with their peers. Through a workshop series, schools may work toward building a showcase to perform in front of an audience. Suitable: Grades 3-12 |
| Youth Alliance for Intersectional Justice | YAIJ's Afrocentric Accessibility Program | This 5-part series of learning circles (education sessions) is for teachers who teach students who utilize an IEP with a focus on anti-racist and anti-ableist (ie anti-Black ableism). This series will introduce staff to intersectional approaches to neurodiversity, and culturally grounded perspectives of dis/ability to better support Black students in Special Education. Workshops are also available for students that include Arts-based Self-Care, Neurodiversity and Me (self-advocacy at school); Augmented Allyship (resources, tech, people, strategies); Navigating Black Disability Futures (social networking, supportive discussions about the possibilities after high school). Suitable: Grades 9-12; Staff
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| Cooperative de Travailleurs 3 Mamans Yoginis | Yoga en Francais | Delivered by French speaking facilitators, these in-person or virtual workshops offer tools for students to lower stress and anxiety through yoga while practising their French listening and speaking skills. The vocabulary, poses and techniques are adapted to primary, elementary or secondary students. Activities include body movement, relaxation techniques, games, music and hearing from topics on health and wellness. Students are better aware of their emotions and physical well-being and be able to focus in class. Workshops are suitable for students in core, extended and French immersion. |
| Jeff A.D. Martin | You Are Worth It | Empowerment assembly and leadership workshops targeted to building up and fostering character development among students. Presentation reinforces the following three points: turning your adversities into your advantages, believing in yourself, the power of self-affirmation. Jeff. A.D. Martin grew up in an underserved neighbourhood within Toronto, facing many disadvantages and can relate to the various struggles that students continue to face today. He shares his own personal stories, which includes loss through violence and also from his fifteen years in law enforcement within various detective roles. Workshops help students to step through their fears and build important life skills to find their life's passion. Suitable: Grades 4-12 |
| 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. |
| Story Planet | Young Writers | Led by professional writers and artists, Story Planet workshops provide students the opportunity to develop their skills in creative expression and literacy through story creation across a variety of media, including writing, illustration, and digital media. Fun, interactive programs immerse students in the creative process as they work in groups and independently to write and share stories. Most programs result in a printed book or e-book of their work. Students can also work towards content for our podcast including creating songs, stories, poems, and interviews. A bi-annual anthology of selected work from students can be published according to the themes of each book. Serving: Grades 1 - 8; Professional Learning for Staff
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| Green Hope Foundation | Youth Education through Environmental Education | Students are made aware of real world issues regarding sustainable development in these free assembly/workshops that blend art, music, dance, drama, and science while creating and achieving sustainability goals. Students learn about and discuss the impacts of climate change and ways to mitigate it, the importance of clean energy moving forward into the future, the need for biodiversity conservation, and ways we can adopt a model of sustainable consumption of earth's resources. Classroom learning is also complemented with outdoor local activities such as waste cleanups and waste segregation in order to demonstrate to students how to put 'words into action', learning that transcends classroom walls and school yards. Serves: All Students |
| Skills For Life Inc. | Youth Empowerment Through Life Skills | These in-person or virtual sessions help develop important life skills and to develop the positive personal and professional networks for success. By understanding and developing qualities of self and emotional intelligence, students develop a growth mindset to take on the world and its challenges. Workshop topics include: self-esteem, goal setting, networking, self-discovery and community engagement. Interactive workshops utilize storytelling, multimedia videos, quotes, games and discussions.
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| Veritus Pictures Inc. | Youth Filmmakers Academy | Workshops in-person or through video-conferencing provide authentic expression of student voice through filmmaking. This team-based approach provides students with skills, technique and tips on a variety of filmmaking elements including camera work, audio recording, video production, and editing. For schools looking for a more in depth exploration of filmmaking, James Buffin offers a five day program to take students from concept to completion for documentary or dramatic projects. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| YMCA of Greater Toronto | Youth Gambling Awareness Program | These workshops seek to raise awareness of youth gambling, online gaming, addiction and mental health. Facilitators highlight the difference between playing games and gambling, risks involved in gambling, harm reduction strategies, how to stay safe and make informed healthy decisions. Sessions encourage youth to explore a variety of gambling topics including: What's At Stake?, Play It Safe, Betting Sense; Game-Bling: When Gaming Meets Gambling; Media Impact; Stigma & Gambling. Delivered in French. Suitable: Grades 4-12 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians | Youth Outreach Project for Civic Engagement | Former Parliamentarians share their knowledge and experience on Parliamentary Democracy and civic engagement to secondary students. The presentation
shares Ontario Parliament functions, roles and responsibilities, parliamentary system of government, political process, civic engagement, political environment as well as
personal experiences and anecdotes and life on the job. The aim of the work is to engage students in the democratic, political process with the hope of building civic
participation amongst youth. Sessions concludes with a question and answer, class discussion and activities on civic engagement. Schools may request a specific speaker
that has a particular focus ie business, gender, disability rights. Serving: Grades 9-12
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| Lumenus Community Services | Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) | This program provides outreach and support for referred youth who are identified as being at risk and may also present with a dual diagnosis or developmental disability, and/or identify as LGBTQ. It connects these youth with community resources to meet their immediate needs (such as employment, health, housing, recreation). Youth Outreach Workers are also available for presentations in secondary schools to increase all students' understanding of mental health and the local school community's engagement in issues of equity and social inclusion. The YOW can also assist the young person’s support network (home, school, peers) to access necessary resources to help them best support the youth. Serving: Referred students, Grades 9-12
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| Yorktown Family Serivices | Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) In Schools | This program provides outreach and support for referred youth with high risk factors from equity deserving communities. It connects these youth with community resources to meet their immediate needs (such as employment, health, housing, recreation). Youth Outreach Workers are also available for presentations in secondary schools to increase all students' understanding of mental health and the local school community's engagement in issues of equity and social inclusion. If presentations are delivered, it will be reviewed with TDSB PSS staff. The YOW can also assist the young person's support network (home, school, peers) to access necessary resources to help them best support the youth. Serving: Gr. 7-12 students referred by Professional Support Services |
| Covenant House Toronto | Youth Reconnect | This partnership program is a collaborative approach to early intervention with students who are referred by Professional Support Services, to provide direct supports and reduce the risk of homelessness and disengagement from school. Professional Support Services staff work with Covenant House staff to provide referred students with wrap-around supports to stabilize their living situation, either by addressing issues at home (such as family conflict), or by helping students who can no longer stay at home find housing and community services (as needed). Professional Learning sessions are also available for staff to heighten their awareness of the signs of a youth's risk of homelessness, as well as information about appropriate supports in the community. Serving: referred Grades 9-12 students
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| YMCA of Greater Toronto | Youth Substance Use | Free presentation on substance use and its effects to school community. Substances covered are alcohol, cannabis, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA/ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, hallucinogens. Presentation addresses what the products are, their categories, physical and mental impacts, short and long term impacts and strategies for harm reduction. Facilitators address the causes of use and indicators that people may be using substances and ways to get help. A question and answer will follow each presentation. Suitable: Grades 9-12; staff; parents/caregivers |
| 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 |
| YouthSpeak Charity | YouthSpeak Presentations | Trained youth speakers share their personal stories, experiences of struggle and their journey toward improved wellness. The stories are real, engaging, inspirational and relatable. Presentations build empathy and inclusion, deliver messages of perseverance and encourage students to use their voice and ask for help when needed. 'Stepping Up to Leadership' workshops are available to follow-up from assemblies. They highlight the four pillars to developing youth leadership: honesty, inclusivity, drive and compassion. Themes include: bullying, mental health, well-being, discrimination, anti-homophobia. Suitable: Grades 5-12 |
