SESSION 1
Session 1A
All Ages
Recent Changes to Ontario Employment Laws: How they Affect your School
There have been a number of changes to Ontario employment laws in the past two years
including about disconnecting from work, electronic monitoring, non-compete agreements,
temporary help agencies, Canadian work experience, pay ranges in job ads, naloxone kits, and
health and safety fines. This seminar will discuss these changes and how they affect your
school.
Presenter: Adrian Miedema, Dentons Canada LLP
Zoom CallMeeting ID: 858 5321 4906
Session 1B
Kindergarten + Elementary
Preserving the Learning Environment: Preventative Interventions & Empathy with Logical Consequences
Teachers are faced with more challenging behaviors from this group of post-Covid children that
are now entering our classrooms while supporting parents in their role. Come grab up two
strategies to maintain control in your classroom: (1) Preventative Interventions, and (2) Empathy
and Logical Consequences. There is always a positive response to The Love and Logic
Classroom: Low Stress Strategies for Highly Successful Educators. The biggest complaint is,
“Why didn’t I know about this sooner?”
Zoom call
Meeting ID: 867 4473 9108
Session 1C
Toddler + Kindergarten
Beyond Managing Behaviours in Early Education Classrooms
Teaching and managing a class are more than managing the behaviors of the children in your
care. Class management is about establishing the behaviors a child’s needs to demonstration in
order to learn. This requires a need to understand whole child development as the foundation for
offering an age-appropriate, engaging learning community. Jesus is our model for how children
grow and learn, Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and
man.”
Jeannie Forrest, Assistant Director of Early Education ACSI International
Zoom call
Meeting ID: 856 3918 6589
Session 1D
All Ages
Infusing a Biblical Worldview into All of Your Lessons Regardless of the Subject
Would you like to learn practical strategies for infusing a Biblical worldview into any curriculum? In this workshop, we will explore the importance of integrating Christian perspectives into lesson planning, regardless of the subject matter. You will learn how to incorporate six essential questions into your teaching approach to foster a deeper understanding of a Biblical worldview within your students.
Lisa Wood, Director, Textbook Development, ACSI International
Zoom Call
Meeting ID: 823 7195 4908
SESSION 2
Session 2A
Elementary
Unlocking Literacy: Understanding Visual Discrimination & Empowering Young Readers
Matthew will share his experience to empower teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to
recognize, understand, and address Visual Discrimination challenges in their students, ultimately
fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
Presenter: Matthew Turton, Breakthroughs in Learning
Zoom CallMeeting ID: 839 4267 8729
Session 2B
Kindergarten + Elementary
Preserving the Learning Environment with Love & Logic: Using Enforceable Statements and Offering Choices
Research on brain development in the early years confirms the need for training young children
with specific, repetition of the desired behaviors. Come grab up two strategies to prevent power
struggles and create positive neuropathways: (1) Using Enforceable Statements (“Turn Your
Garbage into Gold”), and (2) Providing Choices within Limits. “When a child is fully grown, he will
be like his teacher” (Luke 2:20); we have a great responsibility! Let’s make the most of each
moment we have with the children God sends to us.
Presenter: Dr. Cindy Barnum, ACSI Early Education Senior Coordinator in the Eastern Division, ACSI USA
Zoom callMeeting ID: 867 9627 6156
Session 2C
Toddler + Kindergarten
Support Self Regulation with Social Emotional Learning in Early Education
Self-regulation is an important ability for children as they are learning how to make a friend and how to be a friend. Children can learn how to regulate thoughts, feelings, and emotions within the context of positive and nurturing relationships with their teachers. Let’s examine self-regulation and explore tools to support social and emotional learning with the children you lead by utilizing the idea of “Maslow before Bloom”.
Presenter: Jeannie Forrest, Assistant Director of Early Education ACSI International
Zoom callMeeting ID: 834 4130 8346
Session 2D
All Ages
Mentoring: uncover some practical and manageable mentoring skills that you can help nurture new educators in their professional roles.
Mentoring – a great opportunity for experienced educators to nurture new educators and be there for them as they encounter challenges and problems that they might need help. Also, availability to mentoring has the added benefits of greater job satisfaction, greater retention and it builds capacity into programs and centres.
Mentoring – a great opportunity for experienced educators to nurture new educators and be there for them as they encounter challenges and problems that they might need help. Also, availability to mentoring has the added benefits of greater job satisfaction, greater retention and it builds capacity into programs and centres.
Presenter: Michael Lewis, Motivational Leader
Zoom call
Meeting ID: 838 8761 2162
SESSION 3
Session 3A
All Ages
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus…how to share Bible moments
in creative ways.
So often, we approach sharing Bible stories in well-meaning
ways, but they come off as flat. Together, we’ll look at
different ways to share the message that will help your
students engage with the Truth of God’s Word.
Presenter: Diana Loach, Director of Children’s and Family Ministries, St. Paul’s Nobleton
Zoom callMeeting ID: 857 1203 5246
Session 3B
All Ages
Engagement: insights into developing a positive sense of belonging amongst your team and a feeling of being valued.
What is Engagement? It is that sense of belonging. Being a part of a real team with mutual support, leads to feelings of being valued. This leads to even more to educator retention.
Presenter: Michael Lewis, Motivational Leader
Meeting ID: 854 3488 9036
Session 3C
Kindergarten + Elementary
Empowering Every Learner: Strategies for Managing Learning Disabilities in the Classroom
Join Matthew to discover new ways to unlock effective strategies to support students with learning disabilities in a classroom setting. Addressing teachers' challenges, this presentation offers insights on recognizing signs, fostering inclusivity, and empowering educators to create supportive environments. Bring stories/examples of what you have found works well for your students and what doesn't for a round table discussion of what works in today's learning environment.
Presenter: Matthew Turton, Breakthroughs in Learning
Zoom callMeeting ID: 878 8703 8666
Session 3D
All Ages
Difficult Conversations: How to Prepare, Initiate and Manage These in Your Workplace.
We all want a workplace free of challenging people and difficult conversations, yet we admit that some conflict is inevitable on teams. In fact, difficult conversations are a great opportunity to learn and grow. Perhaps if we are not engaging in those difficult conversations we are not growing ourselves, or we could be denying others the opportunity to learn. In this workshop we will explore how to prepare, initiate and manage a difficult conversation. We will learn from those who have found a way to derive greater insight, shared understanding and hope from navigating these interactions well.
We all want a workplace free of challenging people and difficult conversations, yet we admit that some conflict is inevitable on teams. In fact, difficult conversations are a great opportunity to learn and grow. Perhaps if we are not engaging in those difficult conversations we are not growing ourselves, or we could be denying others the opportunity to learn. In this workshop we will explore how to prepare, initiate and manage a difficult conversation. We will learn from those who have found a way to derive greater insight, shared understanding and hope from navigating these interactions well.
Presenter: Jeff Friesen, Clearview Training
Zoom call
Meeting ID: 810 2181 0281
PRESENTER BIOS
Adrian Miedema
Lawyer for Dentons Canada LLP
Session 1A
Employment Law: Updates for Christian Schools
Adrian Miedema is a partner with the global law firm, Dentons Canada LLP, in Toronto. He has more than twenty years of experience practising employment, health and safety and human rights law. Adrian is recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in the area of Labour and Employment Law, listed as “repeatedly recommended” in The Canadian Legal Expert Directory as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in the area of Occupational Health and Safety, and also listed in Legal 500. He advises and represents employers in a wide range of sectors and industries. Adrian is the co-author of three books on employment law topics and has been an adjunct professor of Employment Law at Western University.
Dr. Cindy Barnum
ACSI Early Education Senior Coordinator
Session 1B
Preserving the Learning Environment
Preserving the Learning Environment with Love and Logic
Dr. Cindy Barnum, ACSI Early Education Senior Coordinator in the Eastern Division, U.S.A., earned her Ed.D. in Christian Education Leadership from Regent University. She has served as a teacher, administrator, college professor, consultant, board member, missionary, and international speaker. She is honoured to serve early educators in their Kingdom call by providing resources, support, and encouragement from the wisdom and experiences the Lord has given her in over 30 years of Christian education. Cindy lives near Niagara Falls, New York with her husband, Kirk, who is also a Christian educator. They have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren. Cindy loves skiing, traveling,
family, and worship. Her favourite verse is Proverbs 3:5&6.
Jeannie Forrest
Assistant Director of Early Education for ACSI
Session 1C
Beyond Managing Behaviours in Early Education Classrooms
Support Self Regulation with Social Emotional Learning in Early Education
Jeannie Forrest serves as Assistant Director of Early Education for ACSI. With over twenty-five years of experience in education she leads as a professional development trainer and consultant for educators in the US and internationally. She considers herself a lifelong learner and advocate for young children. Her curiosity for how God designed children to learn propels her to stay current
with research and support best practices in early education. Jeannie holds a MS in Educational Leadership from Cairn University, a BA in Administration in Early Childhood and was a TEACH scholarship recipient for an AA in Early Care and Education after answering the call to Christian education early in her career. She resides in South Carolina, is married to her best friend, Richard and they have four adult children, a daughter in-law, a son-in-law and were recently promoted to grandparents with the addition of a grandson. Jeannie enjoys spending time reading, being outdoors, running, and supporting her family for healthy living. A verse that she leans into and considers her life verse is Philippians 4:6-7.
Lisa Wood
Director, Textbook Development, ACSI International
Session 1D
Infusing a Biblical Worldview Into All of Your Lessons Regardless of the Subject!
Lisa Wood combines her extensive professional background with her deep Christian faith to enlighten and encourage audiences. With 17 years of experience in ACSI Christian textbook publishing, Lisa has been at the forefront of shaping educational content, ensuring that teachers and students receive the best resources for their educational and faith journeys. Additionally, her 10 years as an elementary school teacher and tutor have allowed her to connect with young minds, instilling in them the significance of God’s love
and purpose. As a speaker, Lisa blends her deep knowledge of Scripture with her teaching experience in both church and school. Her understanding of the learner, whether youth or adults, comes from years of dedicated discipleship with the goal of Christian maturity in mind. She speaks from a wealth of life experiences and provides a profound understanding of what it truly means to be a Christian. Lisa inspires individuals to live out their faith and make a positive impact in the world.
Matthew Turton
Director, Breakthroughs in Learning
Session 2A
Unlocking Literacy: Understanding Visual Discrimination & Empowering Young Readers
Empowering Every Learner: Strategies for Managing Learning Disabilities in the Classroom
Matthew Turton is the Director of Breakthroughs in Learning. At 11 years old, while struggling to overcome his own learning disabilities, Matthew already knew what he wanted to do with his life – he wanted to help other people know they weren’t dumb. He became an Educational Therapist, an International Best Selling author, a husband and a father. Matthew has logged over 15,000 hours working with children and adults with learning disabilities and will share his experiences and what it’s like on both sides of learning disabilities.
Michael Lewis
Motivational Leader
Session 2D
Mentoring: uncover some practical and manageable mentoring skills that you can help nurture new educators in their professional roles.
Engagement: insights into developing a positive sense of belonging amongst your team and a feeling of being valued.
Michael Lewis is one of Ontario’s most experienced speakers having spoken and presented around 6000 times in a career spanning just over four decades. Born, raised, and educated in London, Ontario with a BA from the University of Western Ontario in 1980, he is passionate about positivity and sharing common sense success strategies for personal and professional growth and development. His enthusiastic and ebullient presentation style has delighted, and inspired audiences and he speaks sincerely from the heart. He often says, “I love what I do and do what I love and if you love what you do, then life is a joyous experience!”. Since 1994, Michael has presented hundreds of seminars, workshops and team building sessions and now, webinars, to the childcare community all across Ontario. He loves inspiring excellence in educators and supervisors as they do such important work daily in educating, empowering, and fostering the hearts and minds of children. Before, during and through the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael has seen educators as the lamps that light the way ahead and it is a privilege and honour to provide solutions and motivation to a proud and important profession.
Diana Loach
Christian Educational Ministry
Session 3A
Government Requirements & Biblical Worldview – Can They Work Together?
Diana Loach is a Family Ministry Animator. Serving in various capacities for over 40 years in children and family ministries, she is excited at the possibilities of current trends brought about because of the pandemic. Diana’s favourite moments in ministry are watching for “lightbulb moments” as people realize how much they are loved by God or a Biblical truth. During the Christmas lockdown of 2020, Diana rediscovered her joy of Crepe Paper flower artistry. She is married to Jeff Loach, Pastor at St. Paul’s Nobleton.
Jeff Friesen
Clearview Training
Session 3D
Difficult Conversations: How to Prepare, Initiate and Manage These in Your Workplace.
Jeff loves the non-profit workspace. He deeply values adventure, creativity, culture and context. While being a natural storyteller, he brings a unique blend of business leadership experience with relational aptitude. Jeff enjoys applying existing insights toward new challenges and ultimately helping teams succeed. As an experienced not-for-profit executive Jeff enjoys networking and helping groups build capacity, develop strong teamwork and execution muscle. Jeff and his wife Dianne live in the picturesque village of Westport, Ontario. While not at work he may be found exploring new canoe routes or sailing on the Rideau Canal. As an avid reader, and life-time learner, Jeff has acquired additional professional training with a focus on non-profit leadership, communications and fundraising. A Graduate of Tyndale
University, Jeff also obtained a Master of Christian Leadership through CREST (2017), specializing in organizational change and self-leadership. Jeff served as director for Manitoba Pioneer Camp (Shoal Lake, Lake of the Woods) for 10 years, and most recently as the Executive Director of IAWAH Christian Ministries for 14 years. In the past two years Jeff has enjoyed learning the art of facilitation with Clearview Training.
