PEAC Regional Symposium

Explore AI and digital literacy through an interactive, hands‑on learning session facilitated by the Digital Literacy team. Participants will move through learning stations and gain practical information, tools, and strategies for using AI chatbots, as well as guidance on having meaningful conversations about AI use with your children at home.

Be a catalyst for literacy growth in YRDSB! This workshop offers a practical pathway for participants to deepen their understanding of ways to support comprehensive literacy at home and within their school community. The session will share some key literacy resources and effective at-home strategies to support meaningful, identity-affirming literacy development. We will discuss the many types of literacies and how these can be supported through various experiences connected to topics such as music, art, science, outdoor learning, and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to explore diverse forms of “texts” and consider how these can be responsive to their child’s interests and identity. This session will also provide a dedicated space for participants to collaboratively discuss innovative literacy initiatives that can be brought to life in the school community. Join us as together we cultivate a thriving literacy-rich environment for all students.

Heather Young; Principal

Literacy Team Representatives

Join us for an interactive and engaging session where we move beyond formal procedures and into the joy of meaningful math conversations. Together, we’ll explore how children develop confidence and curiosity through problem solving, shifting the focus from simply “getting the right answer” to making sense of ideas and recognizing patterns.

What We Will Explore:

The Power of Noticing and Wondering - Discover how simple prompts like “What do you notice?” and “What do you wonder?” can open the door to authentic mathematical thinking and rich conversations.

Navigating Productive Struggle- Explore why moments of uncertainty and “getting stuck” are essential to learning, and learn strategies to support your child without taking over the thinking.

“Mathing” vs. Math -Experience what it means to engage in “mathing”—focusing on reasoning, relationships, and the beauty of numbers—rather than relying solely on procedures and rules.

Bringing It Home - Learn practical, low-stress ways to incorporate math into everyday life, from the grocery store to the dinner table, helping make math a natural and enjoyable part of daily routines.

Goal: You will leave with simple, practical tools to turn everyday moments into opportunities for deep thinking—proving that you don’t need a math degree to be your child’s most valuable math partner.

As AI augments mental health care for youth, this workshop will explore how AI is impacting youth mental health and help seeking behavior. Helpful tips and strategies for parents and caregivers will be shared, as well and supportive resources and discussions.

Patricia Marra-Stapleton; Mental Health Lead

Cassandra Fezzuoglio; YRDSB , Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health

Members of the YRDSB Mental Health Team

Moments Matter focuses on the small, everyday moments that shape how children move through their day. These moments, often quick and easy to miss, can help children feel calm, safe, and ready for what comes next when they are met with care, connection, and understanding.

Through a hands-on activity, participants will explore real-life scenarios and reflect on how small shifts can make a big difference. Each participant will also leave with a tangible Transition Action Card ring to support these moments in everyday practice.

This learning supports educators and families to notice and respond to these moments in ways that ease transitions, reduce overwhelm, and build relationships. Even the smallest moments can create a more supportive and positive experience for every child.

Alyse Patterson; YRDSB, Transition Navigator

Jenni Kilgour; YRDSB, Transition Navigator

Negda Tabrizi; YRDSB, Transition Navigator

Stephanie Ellis; YRDSB, Chief PT/OT

This workshop shares the YRDSB Student Achievement Action Plan which is YRDSB’s multi‑year plan that sets system‑wide priorities and actions to improve student learning, achievement, well‑being, and inclusivity, in alignment with provincial priorities and the Board’s strategic plan.  Parents are invited to provide feedback on the identified priorities that support student learning, well‑being, and success.

Workshop Objectives

• A clear understanding of YRDSB’s Student Achievement priorities and how they connect to learning, well‑being, and inclusivity at the school level.
• Hear parent perspectives and questions that could inform school conversations, planning, and communication about student achievement.
• Get ideas for strengthening family‑school partnerships, including ways to engage parents as partners in supporting student success.

Gillian Gibbons; YRDSB, Coordinating Superintendent of Education, Curriculum and Instructional Services and Continuing Education