| 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. |
| 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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| 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 |
| 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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| 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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| 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 |
