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!
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!
Math Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Meredith is an Elementary Mathematics Consultant who has been with Edmonton Catholic Schools since 2014. She is passionate about helping students to love learning mathematics in meaningful ways. You can also find her spending time outdoors, enjoying restaurants around the city, listening... Read More →
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 →
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 →
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!
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 →
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 →
