School Team 1 - Final Round: Full Schedule

ECSD Elementary School Teams: Embracing Joy in Learning
Welcome to the fourth and final round of School Teams for this year! Our theme for this round is JOY. Deep learning, facing challenges, and tackling new concepts can all be filled with joy. This is not about Edu-tainment but about taking learning and making it come to life in the classroom!
Join us as we explore how joy can transform the educational experience, making it more engaging and impactful for both educators and students. This round will feature 12 inspiring sessions designed to empower K-6 teachers, instructional leaders, and coaches. We will delve into new curriculum subject areas, providing you with strategies to support joyful and effective teaching and learning.
Together, we will foster collaboration, build skills, and create a joyful learning environment that sets the stage for excellence in every classroom. Dive into the schedule below to find sessions, resources, and tools that will help you and your team succeed. Let’s embrace joy and empower our educators and students to reach new heights!

8:00am MDT

Registration and Check in (all participants please register for this session)

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am MDT

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am MDT
3A

All Participants

8:30am MDT

The JOY of Learning

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am MDT

Join us for an enlightening session on "The Joy of Learning," where we will explore how joy can transform the educational experience for both teachers and students. In this session, you will discover how joy enhances learning, memory, engagement, and overall wellness. We will delve into the principles of the UDL 3.0 framework and demonstrate how joy can be seamlessly integrated into your teaching practices.
Through engaging discussions and practical examples, we will show you how to bring joy to life in the classroom, making learning a more vibrant and impactful experience. This session is designed to inspire and equip you with the tools and strategies needed to foster a joyful learning environment that promotes excellence and well-being.
Come and learn how to infuse your teaching with joy, and see the positive impact it can have on your students' success and your own professional fulfillment. Let's embrace the joy of learning together and create a brighter future for our classrooms!

Speakers

Trish Roffey

Manager of Elementary Curriculum, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Trish Roffey is the Manager of Elementary Curriculum for Edmonton Catholic Schools. She is an urban hippy with backyard chickens and bees, loves to build computers, and uses way too many exclamation points in emails!!!

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am MDT
3A

All Participants

9:30am MDT

Ed-Win The Year: Joyful September Planning

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Session Materials

Join us for an inspiring and practical session designed to help you kick off the school year with confidence and joy using Edwin. We’ll explore strategies for planning engaging lessons, organizing resources, and setting up your classroom workflow to create a smooth and joyful September. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, you’ll discover how Edwin can support you in fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a positive learning environment. Whether you're new to Edwin or looking to refresh your approach, this session will leave you feeling prepared, motivated, and excited for the year ahead!

Speakers

Samantha Davidson

Elementary Social Studies Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Samantha Davidson is the Elemenraty Social Studies consultant. She loves movies and will use movie quotes and songs whenever possible.

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
2B

4-6

9:30am MDT

Embracing Joy in EAL LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Session Materials

Join us for a session designed to support teachers to balance joy and rigour in English as an Additional Language (EAL) learning. Discover instructional strategies that encourage risk-taking and enhance language acquisition. Learn how to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, cultures are celebrated, and students learn from one another.

Speakers

Devin Austin

Elementary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Devin Austin, a forward-thinking K-12 Elementary EAL consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, sharing his skills in diverse capacities since 2011. He loves globe-trotting, keeping abreast of the newest tech innovations, and moments with his family. Devin is deeply committed to enhancing... Read More →

Anna Deligianis

EAL and Languages, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Anna Deligianis is an Elementary English as an Additional Language Consultant with Edmonton Catholic School Division. She previously worked as an elementary classroom teacher in Alberta and Mexico for many years. Anna graduated from her Masters in Educational Leadership with a focus... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
3A

K-6

9:30am MDT

The WRITE Stuff: Inspiring Writing Through Structure and Joy LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Session Materials

Writing is a powerful tool for creativity, communication, and joy. This session will explore how to create a classroom environment where all students feel confident and inspired to write, with meaningful routines and structures that make writing a natural and enjoyable part of the day. Educators will learn practical strategies for setting up their space, establishing consistent writing habits, and providing instruction that supports writers at every stage. Through intentional planning and engaging practices, teachers will discover ways to nurture curiosity, encourage student expression, and make writing a joyful experience for all learners.

Speakers

Venessa Chalifoux

Elementary English Language Arts and Literacy Consultant

Venessa Chalifoux is one of the Elementary English Language Arts Consultants. She has been teaching for 20 years in grades 1-6 with experience as English as an Additional Language Designate. She has a passion for making learning engaging and fun for students and is an avid reader... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
3B

K-6

11:00am MDT

Mathematizing Children Literature LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT

Session Materials

Join us for a professional development session based on Mathematizing Children's Literature by Allison Hintz and Antony T. Smith. We'll explore ways to integrate mathematics into read-aloud sessions, fostering a love for both math and literature. Learn about selecting picture books that align with mathematical goals and three styles of read-aloud discussions: Open Notice and Wonder, Focused Reads, and Idea Investigations. Gain practical strategies for interactive read-alouds to extend learning beyond the book. You will walk away with numerous strategies, resources, and new books!

Speakers

Brandi Clark

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

I have been working in the division for 25 years. I have a Masters in Elementary Language Arts. My passions are reading and writing across a variety of genres and topics. I live in a house of artists and writers, specifically, my husband, two adult kids, a pug and two cats. I look... Read More →

Venessa Chalifoux

Elementary English Language Arts and Literacy Consultant

Caroline Lepps

Math Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Caroline Lepps is 1/5 of the Elementary Mathematics Consultant team with Edmonton Catholic Schools. When she is not playing with mathematics, she enjoys an ever-changing list of hobbies that currently include experimenting with fun foodie recipes, minimalist art, perplexing puzzles... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
3A

K-3

11:00am MDT

Reframing Autism: Leveraging Strengths, Interests and Curriculum for All Learners LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT

Session Materials

Join this session where you will learn to identify and use your students' strengths and interests within the Alberta curriculum. Gain insights and leave with practical planning documents tailored to your grade level. Come prepared to consider specific student profiles.

Speakers

Katerina Campbell

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Katerina is an elementary Science consultant at Edmonton Catholic Schools. She loves all things Science, exploring natural phenomena and will never stop asking “why?” Katerina is a self proclaimed maker and cardboard collector. She is a proud promoter of inquiry based learning... Read More →

Anne Simpson

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

I am a mom to two children and two fur babies. I love to travel, read, do anything creative and spend time with friends and family (especially in cold hockey arenas and very hot soccer centers).

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
2B

K-6

11:00am MDT

Rise and Retell: Bringing the Easter Story to Life with STEAM LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT

Session Materials

Reimagine the Easter Story through hands-on, student-centered learning that integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) while aligning with the English Language Arts and Literature curriculum. This interactive session will explore a variety of STEAM challenges that provide practical, engaging ways for students to retell the Easter Story while developing oral language, comprehension, digital/technological and storytelling skills. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use STEAM challenges that encourage students to engage deeply with the Easter Story. Join us to explore meaningful, hands-on ways to make this sacred story come alive in the classroom!

Speakers

Nicole Cunningham

Emtech, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Nicole Cunningham is a Consultant with the Emerging Technology team in Learning Services with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has been an educator with ECSD for 26 years, teaching K-6 students and serving as a technology coach for Early Learning, Inclusive Education and Curriculum... Read More →

Haidee deRoca-Garcia

STEM Consultant, ECSD

Haidee de Roca-Garcia is the STEM Consultant for ECSD. She has taught K-6 for almost 30 years and is passionate about making learning fun and engaging for all learners. She believes curiousity is a superpower and robots are the best! When not learning something new every day, she... Read More →

Stephanie Denman

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is a newbie joining the ELA Elementary team. She has been an Educator for 15 years with ECSD and completed her Masters in Religious Education. Stephanie has a passion for building powerful literacy classrooms where all learners experience success. She loves reading, traveling... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
3B

K-6

12:15pm MDT

Lunch LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

3A/B

Join us to refuel and refresh with a delicious lunch!

Tuesday April 1, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
3A/B

All Participants

1:00pm MDT

Natural Connections

Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT

Session Materials

Join us for Natural Connections, an interactive session that brings Alberta's English Language Arts and Physical Education and Wellness curriculums to life through Indigenous-focused knowledge. This experience fosters a deeper connection to Indigenous cultures and the natural word. You will walk away with numerous strategies, tools and new books!

Speakers

Venessa Chalifoux

Elementary English Language Arts and Literacy Consultant

Jacqueline Koval

Physical Education and Wellness Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Jackie is a Physical Education and Wellness consultant with Edmonton Catholic schools. She is an elementary trained teacher who has taught both in Edmonton and internationally. Over a twenty-year career, Jackie has taught preschool through to grade six. Her greatest pleasure when... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT
3A

K-3

1:00pm MDT

Co-Pilot to the Rescue! Scaffolding Assessments LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT

Session Materials

Calling all educators! Join us for an inspiring, hands-on session where we blend joyful learning with scaffolded assessments, enhanced by Co-Pilot AI. Discover how to design assessments that spark curiosity, celebrate growth, and build confidence while maintaining the rigor students need to thrive. Through interactive discussions, real-world examples, and creative activities, you'll explore how structured support leads to meaningful mastery. With Co-Pilot AI, you'll gain time-saving strategies, AI-powered insights, and a fresh perspective on making assessments engaging and empowering. Let's reimagine assessments together—where learning is joyful, challenges are exciting, and success feels achievable for all!

Speakers

Nicole Cunningham

Emtech, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Leanne Hemphill

Curriculum and Assessment, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Leanne is a tech enthusiast and new assessment consultant! Her passion lies in revolutionizing how assessments are conducted, making them engaging and insightful for all. When she's not diving deep into assessment strategies, Leanne can be found gliding through the water with the... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT
3B

K-6

1:00pm MDT

Science in Action with Climate Action Kits (Please note this is a full afternoon session) LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Session Materials

*Please note, this session is a double block session taking place from 1-3:30
Empower young learners to become changemakers with the Climate Action Kit, powered by micro:bit! This hands-on session will introduce elementary teachers to an exciting way of integrating coding, robotics, and environmental science into their classrooms.
Explore how block-based coding in Microsoft MakeCode can bring climate-focused projects to life, from building wind turbines to designing smart recycling systems. Discover how the curriculum aligns with Science outcomes while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on exploration, you’ll leave with practical strategies to engage students in real-world climate challenges—no prior coding experience required! Let’s spark curiosity, inspire action, and build a STEM-powered future for our students. 🌍💡🔬

Speakers

Katerina Campbell

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Natalie Zuberbuhler

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Natalie Zuberbuhler: Elementary Science Curriculum and Assessment Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools lives for Science and supporting her teacher colleagues. Natalie always has great recommendations on books, tips for catching fish, and how to incorporate computer science to... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
2B

3-6

2:30pm MDT

Love the Math with Do the Math LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Session Materials

Wondering what all the hype is about Do The Math? Do The Math is a powerful resource that has been introduced to all schools. In this session you will receive an overview of this resource, which is specifically tailored to support targeted instruction and intervention for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. This comprehensive program serves a dual purpose: helping students to progress mathematically by meticulously rebuilding their mathematical foundation and focusing on critical math concepts. If you have never attended a Do The Math session before, then this session is for you! (This is a repeat session from previous school teams rounds.)

Speakers

Caroline Lepps

Math Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
3B

K-6

2:30pm MDT

Verse and Vibes: Poetry Fun for the K-6 Classroom LIMITED

Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Session Materials

Join us for "Verse and Vibes: Poetry Fun for the K-6 Classroom," where we'll explore the joy and learning that poetry brings to young students. This session focuses on making poetry accessible and exciting through hands-on activities that you can use in your classroom right away. You'll discover fun ways to use sound, rhythm, and imagery to make poetry come alive, and you'll leave with a toolkit of ready-to-use activities that encourage creativity and self-expression. We'll also show you how to incorporate both contemporary spoken word and classic poems into your lessons, and how poetry can enhance both reading and writing. Get ready to bring the magic of poetry into your classroom tomorrow!

Speakers

Venessa Chalifoux

Elementary English Language Arts and Literacy Consultant

Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
3A

K-6

School Team 1 - Final Round