Length: All Day

Topic of Focus: Indigenous Education

Presenter/Facilitator: Niigaan Sinclair

Description: Our Indigenous Education focused Professional Development Day is a dedicated opportunity to deepen our collective understanding and commitment to reconciliation. We will begin our day with Connected North, an innovative program that leverages high-definition video conferencing to bring immersive and interactive educational experiences to remote communities. This learning and partnership highlights our dedication to equitable learning opportunities and fostering connections with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Following this, we are honoured to welcome Niigaan Sinclair, an acclaimed Anishinaabe writer, editor, and professor of Indigenous Studies, who will facilitate two crucial sessions. The first, "How to Assess Reconciliation and the 4 P's," will provide practical insights into evaluating our progress toward reconciliation, examining the interconnected elements of our relationships, policies, protocols, and practices. His second session will highlight the "4 Gifts of the Papal Visit of 2022," exploring the significant gestures and messages from Pope Francis's visit to Canada, offering valuable perspectives on healing, apology, and the ongoing journey towards justice and reconciliation within the Catholic Church and beyond.

Length: AM

Topic of Focus: Literacy

Presenter/Facilitator: Angela Gainer

Description: This morning session explores the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) within K-8 literacy instruction. Drawing from Ontario's Learning for All document, participants will deepen their understanding of these complementary approaches and develop practical strategies for immediate classroom application. Participants will leave with practical tools, templates, and strategies ready for immediate classroom implementation. Through a combination of whole-group discussions, school-based teamwork, and individual reflection, educators will develop a clear action plan for enhancing their literacy instruction by applying UDL and DI principles.

Length: PM

Topic of Focus: Safe Schools Training

Description: The afternoon will provide all staff with dedicated time to complete the 2025-2026 Safe Schools Training modules. The safety of staff and students is of utmost importance at SNCDSB and the completion of these modules will give you the information you need towards maintaining a safe environment for all.

Length: Full Day

Topic of Focus: Mathematics

Presenter/Facilitator: Doug Duff

Description: This professional development session will focus on enhancing math education across all grade levels.

Morning Session: Connected Number Thinking with Doug Duff

The morning will be dedicated to "Connected Number Thinking" with Doug Duff. The goal is to deepen understanding of Number Sense and Numeration and build consistency in using core mathematical models. This approach aims to improve students' mathematical thinking and confidence.

Following Doug Duff's session, school administrators will lead discussions on applying these concepts in the classroom to address the needs of math learners. Principals will also facilitate learning on math pedagogical instruction, exploring manipulatives, models, and classroom activities. Teachers will learn to transition between manipulatives, modelling, symbolizing, and visualizing.
Kindergarten teachers will receive an Early Number Understanding Chart and Tracking tool, along with age-appropriate activities to support their students ' understanding of the "Big 4" for their age level.

Afternoon Session: Common Task Analysis

The afternoon will focus on analyzing results from the board-wide Common Task Analysis administered in September. Principals and teachers will use a structured model to analyze student work:

First Look Questioning: Principals will ask guiding questions to focus the analysis of student work.

Flip Test: Educators will quickly review student data to form general impressions and identify areas for more detailed analysis.

Analyses Tracker per grade: Educators will use a "Criteria for Analysis Tracker" to evaluate student work against specific criteria, collect results, and aggregate this data by grade. This information will then be used to inform future instructional strategies.

Length: AM

Topic of Focus: Mental Health

Presenter/Facilitator: TBD 

Description: The session is designed to further enhance staff capacity to identify, respond to, and support student mental health and well-being needs, in alignment with PPM 169: Student Mental Health in Ontario. Through an exploration of mental health literacy resources, staff will be equipped with the necessary tools and insights to effectively promote student well-being. Additionally, staff will engage in a presentation on fostering the conditions for positive change within their schools and classrooms, learning to identify key drivers for change and create an environment of emotional safety that supports student growth.

Length: Full Day

Topic of Focus: Report Card Preparation/Reporting 

Description: Teachers and Early Childhood Educators will work in their respective schools on report card preparation and reporting. Principals will support this work.

Length: All Day

Topic of Focus: Faith Day

Presenter/Facilitator: TBD

Description: This day will provide staff across the system with a meaningful opportunity to engage in liturgical celebration, foster professional reflection, and identify essential school and system supports to enhance our Catholic Education programming. Staff will also use this day to assess progress made under the Faith and Justice pillar of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan.

Length: Full Day

Topic of Focus: Report Card Preparation/Reporting

Description: Teachers and Early Childhood Educators will work in their respective schools on report card preparation and reporting. Principals will support this work.