About the Speaker:

Dr. Binfet is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. His research focus is the investigation of kindness in schools including how children, adolescents, and teachers understand what it means to be kind within a school context. Dr. Binfet’s goal is to create inclusive spaces where students are challenged to think differently and move forward through the world in creative and meaningful ways.

Session Description:

Performing intentional acts of kindness is known to reduce stress and bolster students’ well-being. They also serve to forge new social connections, fortifying student cohesion and enriching the school culture. In his talk, Dr. Binfet will provide an overview of the science behind kindness drawing from his new book “Cultivating Kindness: An Educator’s Guide.” Having surveyed and interviewed over 3,500 Canadian students from K-16 around how they understand and actualize kindness in school, Dr. Binfet will share illustrations of kind acts done by students across the grade levels. Evidence-informed and full of humour, this session promises to challenge how educators think about the role kindness plays in fostering well-being including the role of kindness in optimizing teacher well-being.

• ISABC Sessions - Please view the available sessions and register directly with ISABC should you wish to attend.

• Kelsey Lewis: Agency, Action, and Engagement    (David Graham Learning Commons)

Note: This workshop will be offered again in Session 2. This workshop offers insight into how school communities can design and structure learning experiences and environments to support the development and demonstration of student agency through action and engagement. 

Kelsey has been an educator for over twenty years working internationally and in Canada as a teacher, PYP curriculum director, workshop leader, consultant, and principal. She is currently a faculty member at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto where she teaches and researches masters-level courses on the topics of inclusion, mathematics, supporting multilingual learners, wellbeing, and creating caring classrooms.

• Sarah Adamson: Lower back health and core strengthening for educators    (Scott Fitness Centre)

Sarah is an Oak Bay physiotherapist and GNS Alumni who specializes in pelvic floor physiotherapy and the treatment of chronic low back pain. In this session, she will share some important techniques and skills to maintain lower back and core health with a specific focus on educators and those working within a school-based setting.

• Dylan Reeves: Bike maintenance for commuters    (Gudewill - Harvey Thorau Gymnasium)

Resident GNS cycling aficionado, Señor Reeves, will show you the ins and outs of keeping your bike running smoothly to ensure you have a safe and reliable ride for your commute.

• Smoothie Break    Gudewill Dining Hall - 10:45am-11:45am

Come enjoy some healthy smoothies. Lunch won't be until 12:45 so keep yourself fuelled up! Try to bring your own cup if possible.

• GNS IT Team: VIVI 101    Atkins 102 - 11:00am-11:45am

Do you have questions about how to use the new VIVI wireless display systems that have replaced Apple TVs? Come to this drop-in session to chat with the GNS IT staff about any questions or issues you may have.

• Leah Hall: Scott Fitness Centre Orientation    Scott Fitness Centre  -  11:00am-11:45am

Have you been curious to try out the GNS fitness centre but haven't known how to access it or what you can do in there? Phys Ed. HOD, Leah Hall will walk you through how to access this amazing space and how to safely use a variety of the exercise equipment available.

• Gavin Bowers: Victoria and Oak Bay Bike Tour    Gudewill / Harvey Thorau Gym  -  11:00am-12:45pm

Join Gavin for a scenic tour of our surrounding area. As an experienced cyclist, Gavin will take you on a wonderful tour to help you get to know our neighbourhood and surrounding area. All levels of cyclists are welcome. Safe bike storage will be provided in Gudewill / Harvey Thorau Gym for the day.

• Mike Stacey & Clayton Webb: Indigenous Monuments of Oak Bay Tour  -  Gudewill Learning Commons - 11:00am-1:00pm (Maximum 20 participants)

Join Mike Stacey, one of the original creators of the Indigenous Monuments of Oak Bay resource, and outdoor ed. teacher Clay Webb to visit historical sites of importance to our local indigenous population around Oak Bay. The session is capped at 20 participants due to the capacity of the GNS school bus.

• ISABC Sessions - Please view the available sessions and register directly with ISABC should you wish to attend.

• Kelsey Lewis: Agency, Action, and Engagement    David Graham Learning Commons

Note: This is a repeat of the workshop offered in Session 1. This workshop offers insight into how school communities can design and structure learning experiences and environments to support the development and demonstration of student agency through action and engagement. 

Kelsey has been an educator for over twenty years working internationally and in Canada as a teacher, PYP curriculum director, workshop leader, consultant, and principal. She is currently a faculty member at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto where she teaches and researches masters-level courses on the topics of inclusion, mathematics, supporting multilingual learners, wellbeing and creating caring classrooms.

• Katherine Mikes: Yoga Nidra    Drama Room

Senior School Science HOD, Katherine Mikes (CYA-500) will introduce you to a short session of gentle yoga stretches followed by a guided relaxation meditation that takes place lying on your back. Please bring your own yoga mat, a warm layer, and 1-2 blankets for warmth & comfort.

Celina Bourque: Strength Training for School Staff   Scott Fitness Centre

Join Celina Bourque from Annex Fitness as she guides you through a 60 minute strength-training session, specifically targetted towards school staff using the resources in our fitness centre.

If your Session 2 finishes early, please come down to the Dining Hall and get your lunch. Food will be ready at 12:30pm

• Kelsey Lewis: Agency, Action, and Engagement - Applying What You've Learned -  David Graham Learning Commons

This session is for those who took an earlier session with Kelsey. During this time, she will help you apply what you have learned about your specific teaching areas. She will be there to support, guide and advise you along the way.

Kelsey has been an educator for over twenty years working internationally and in Canada as a teacher, PYP curriculum director, workshop leader, consultant, and principal. She is currently a faculty member at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto where she teaches and researches masters-level courses on the topics of inclusion, mathematics, supporting multilingual learners, wellbeing and creating caring classrooms.

• Eric Lowe:  Healthy posture and stretching for educators and desk workers  -  Scott Fitness Centre

Eric is a GNS alumni and our resident school physiotherapist. In this session, he will demonstrate techniques to mitigate the potential strain and injuries common to those who work in the world of education. You can also book personal appointments with Eric in the Scott Fitness Centre by clicking here.

• GNS Design & IT Team: Introduction to the Laser Cutter - Atkins 102

Did you know that we have laser cutters at both GNS Campuses? These amazing tools can be used to make personalized signs and all sorts of other incredible things out of wood, plastic, cardboard, and more! Learn how to use this powerful tool safely with some of our in-house experts. 

• IT Department: VIVI Advanced Features - AT101

Learn how to use all the extra features of your VIVI Wireless Streaming Box. These can include classroom timers, mindfulness activities, video and slideshow playlists, and more!

• Kristina Thomson: Self-Coaching Techniques   Gudewill 104

Exploration of self by creating a digital mural board, followed by a goal-setting activity called Pic-A-Card. This can be used to reflect on the day, or get clarity about "what you want" in a situation specific to you. 

• Kathryn Als: The Ins and Outs of Complex Trauma in Youth   Gudewill Learning Commons

Drawing from the ACES study, we will look at what counts as complex trauma, how it impacts development in the brain and then how it manifests in students in the classroom.

Feedback Session & Admin Closing

Additional Details TBA