Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools

The Residential School Story Through My Eyes
2017-02-16 15:45 - 17:15 (America/Vancouver) | SJ Willis Auditorium, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
Facilitator: Alex Nelson, Musganagw, Dzawataineuk
Coordinated by Aboriginal Nations Education and the Learning Team
Contact Paola Bell to register mailto:pbell@sd61.bc.ca

Healing our Bodies Indigenous HIV Prevention and Sexual Health Education
2017-02-18 - 2017-02-19 | Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Victoria , BC, Canada

SD 61 Glucagon Training
2017-02-20 08:30 - 09:30 | GVSD Board Office, 556 Boleskine Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
MONTHLY GLUCAGON TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR SD 61 STAFF-2016-2017
The training of staff is required only if you have diabetic students with Glucagon kits. Glucagon kits are not mandatory and it is recommended that you check with parents to determine if they intend to purchase a kit. The most appropriate staff to attend the training are those who are directly responsible for the student’s diabetic needs. It is recommended that you have two staff at your school that can administer glucagon if required. This training is required ANNUALLY.
Sign up for one of the monthly trainings using the link below
Click here to register

Adolescent Sexual Behaviour in a Digital World- Parent Workshop
2017-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | SJ Willis Auditorium, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
In today’s age of internet chat rooms, online forums and social networking sites, people are able to interact online more easily than ever before. These circumstances provide an ideal environment for predators to communicate with and victimize vulnerable children and youth.
Children of the Street Society of Vancouver have been delivering workshops that empower students with knowledge on the issue of sexual exploitation and tools for healthy, safe relationships for the past 18 years. However they thought it would be great if the adults dealing with children on a daily basis could experience the workshops as well. The highly skilled and personable workshop facilitators have a unique ability to address challenging content while maintaining a fun workshop environment!
Click here to register

Strategies for Dealing with Anxiety
2017-02-27 | Greater Victoria School District No 61, 556 Boleskine Rd, Victoria, BC, V8Z 1E8, Canada
Presenter: Christine Yu
This day long workshop will be for counselors to support their work with highly anxious students.
Contact: Jennifer Chambers jchambers@sd61.bc.ca

Shelley Moore Inclusive Learning
2017-03-15 | SJ Willis Auditorium, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
Self-proclaimed “Inclusion Geek” Shelley consults locally, provincially and beyond. Her presentations integrate theory and effective practices of inclusion, special education, curriculum and technology.
Contact: See your Administrator about attending

Showcase and Sharing
2017-04-06 15:45 - 17:15 | SJ Willis Auditorium, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
How did we meet our goals for weaving Aboriginal worldviews into the curriculum?
Coordinated by Aboriginal Nations Education and the Learning Team
Facilitators: GVSD 61 Learning Team
Contact Paola Bell to register mailto:pbell@sd61.bc.ca

Love is Love Youth Pride Conference
2017-04-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Oak Bay High School, Victoria, BC, Canada
Welcome to the Third Annual Love is Love Youth Pride Conference!
This year, we are back with another completely FREE conference for all local youth who are interested in attending, there will also be a PFLAG session for adults. The conference will start with a keynote presentation by a panel of youth activists, and you will get the opportunity to go to an arrangement of awesome workshops put on by Aids Vancouver Island, Anti.Violence.Project, Guidepost Counselling and more!

Balancing Our Minds- Youth Mental Health and Wellness Summit
2017-05-04 | To be Determined
EVENT GOALS

Increase youth knowledge about mental health and mental wellness
Help youth learn about mental wellness tools, resources and services available in their communities
Decrease stigma towards people with mental health challenges
Generate ideas on how to promote mental wellness in schools

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Students in grades 9-12 who are passionate about:

Learning more about mental health and mental wellness
Changing the conversation and reducing stigma surrounding mental health
Learning more about supports and resources
Creating a school culture of care and inclusion
School based adult allies that have an interest in supporting students with making change in their schools
Community members that have an interest in supporting youth with mental health and wellness

AGENDA TOPICS

What is mental health?
What contributes to our mental health and well-being?
What specific factors protect us from experiencing poor mental health?
How do you seek help and from who can you seek help?
What supports and resources are available in our community?
How can we help reduce the stigma of mental health?
Opportunities to make change at school and in our community

Registration for event will open April 3, 2017 at this link

Fostering Positive Mental Health Through SEL & the New Curriculum
2017-05-11 16:00 - 18:00 | SJ Willis Auditorium, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
This session will explore ways in which educators can leverage BC’s revised curriculum and utilize the core competencies to promote mental wellbeing for all students.
Click here to register

Shelley Moore Inclusive Learning
2017-06-09 | SJ Willis Auditorium, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
This event has been re-scheduled. Please visit the Inclusive Learning website for the new date.
Self-proclaimed “Inclusion Geek” Shelley consults locally, provincially and beyond. Her presentations integrate theory and effective practices of inclusion, special education, curriculum and technology.
Contact: See your Administrator about attending

Glucagon Training
2017-09-20 08:30 - 09:30 | GVSD Board Office, 556 Boleskine Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
MONTHLY GLUCAGON TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR SD 61 STAFF-2017-2018
Who requires Glucagon Training?
The training of staff is required only if you have diabetic students with Glucagon kits. Glucagon kits are not mandatory and it is recommended that you check with parents to determine if they intend to purchase a kit. The most appropriate staff to attend the training are those who are directly responsible for the student’s diabetic needs. It is recommended that you have two staff at your school that can administer glucagon if required.
How often do staff need to participate in the training?
This training is required ANNUALLY.
How do I participate in the training?
Sign up for one of the monthly trainings no less than THREE days prior to the training date. Click here to register for training
Is there district release time for the training?
The district does not provide release time for this one hour training.

Let's Talk About Drugs
2017-09-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Saanich Neighbourhood Place
Parents please join us for a presentation and discussion about the current crisis with opioids and how to ensure development of positive working relationships with your teen to reduce potential harms.
Presenters: Reg Fleming, Coordinator, South Island Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services, & Cindy Andrew, Centre for Addictions Research of BC

Orange Shirt Day
2017-09-30 08:00 - 17:00
Students and staff across the Greater Victoria School District will proudly wear orange next week in support of Orange Shirt Day. The annual event is held on September 30th and brings people together to honour and recognize the impact of Residential Schools.
It is an event that grew from Phyliss Jack-Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt taken from her when she arrived at the Mission Residential School. Her story has now created an opportunity to have larger discussions on the aspects and experiences of the residential school legacy.

Awaken Wellbeing of Educators Retreat
2017-09-30 09:30 - 16:00 | Roundhouse Farm
September is a busy month for educators. We often fill our days with time for everyone else but too often forget to look after ourselves. We can’t be in a school in our fullest capacity to teach kids if we’re not in our fullest capacity ourselves. Happy teachers practice self-care. This is an invitation to come practice heart-centred self-care. Give yourself permission to nourish your body, find stillness in your thoughts and reconnect with the habits of wellbeing. The one-day retreat will give you the rare opportunity to place wellbeing at the forefront of your life in a safe and welcoming place surrounded by other educators. It will provide an opportunity to recognize wellbeing as a priority in both your professional and personal development.

Play Group and Physical Literacy Symposium
2017-10-20 08:30 - 16:00 | University of Victoria
Playing your way to physical literacy. Training for recreation, health, sport, education and early childhood educators.

Youth Food Conference 2017
2017-10-20 09:00 - 2017-10-22 15:00
Join 150 other youth in a weekend long conference focusing on food literacy, food security and fun!

Making Connections Enhancing Knowledge around Mental Health and Development of Children and Youth
2017-11-03 - 2017-11-04 | Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Keynote and Workshops for all who are looking to enhance their knowledge and awareness in supporting the development of children and youth.

K-12 Institute: Reframing Schools as Self-Reg Havens
2017-11-15 08:30 - 16:00 | University of Victoria
A Self-Reg Haven is somewhere where everyone feels emotionally, socially, culturally and physically safe and secure. It is where children and adults alike feel connected to their environment and to each other, where relationships are strong and stress is minimized. In this kind of environment everyone – children, educators, other professionals and parents – can truly flourish, grow and learn.

Good Food Summit 2017
2017-11-16 09:00 - 2017-11-17 16:30 | Songhees Wellness Centre
Join us for this annual gathering of food security champions! This year, we are excited to gather with folks from across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Our theme is ‘Nourishing Island Connections’ and our priority areas include cultural safety, Indigenous foods, school food initiatives, youth engagement, rural and remote community perspectives, and collective impact.

Let's Talk About Drugs: Supporting school communities in addressing substance use with their students
2017-11-20 12:30 - 16:00 | SJ Willis Auditorium, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
SD 61, 62 & 63 Middle and Secondary Administrators, School Counsellors, Child and Youth Family Counsellors, as well as community partners are invited to an afternoon of reflection, learning and dialogue on substance use in our school communities.
Please see website for more information or to register.

Runs in the Family, A Queer Variety Show for Everybody
2018-01-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, Canada
Staches and Lashes Collective presents: Runs In The Family, A Queer Variety Show For Everybody. It will be a full evening of inspiring, hilarious, moving, and identity-celebrating performances! Short film, drag, dance, song, and comedy. Performers and audience members are youth-aged and up (there’s something for everyone!), the venue is wheel chair accessible (The Metro Theatre, Victoria BC) and alcohol-free. Plus bus tickets are available upon request, there’s a free candy bar, and expect great games and prizes!
Youth 24 and under get in for FREE!
Youth in care and from care 24 and under get VIP ACCESS! Food, meet and greet with the performers, and inspirational talks by our Two Spirit Elder Laurie McDonald and performer and former youth in care Boy Idol (shared with permission).

LGBTQ2 Conference
2018-02-15 09:00 - 2018-02-16 15:30 | Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Street, Victoria, BC
Two Spirits, One Heart, One Mind, One Nation Conference for Aboriginal Youth ages 12-24
2 Spirits Bio’s and Workshop Information 2018-Final 2 (2)
2 Spirits Registration 2018-Final

Heart Mind Conference 2018
2018-02-23 08:00 - 2018-02-24 15:00 | Coast Hotel & Convention Centre, 20393 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC, Canada
Join us for a unique gathering that will engage your mind and touch your heart. Heart-Mind 2018: Take Care of Yourself explores how self-compassion and being kind to ourselves improves our well-being, and makes it possible for us to be more present and caring for the children and adults in our lives. The conference brings together leading minds who share the latest science and practice of wellbeing in the context of education, parenting, mental health and more! Enjoy rich opportunities to connect with others, laugh, be inspired, and experience some sparks that help ignite our own journey to well-being.
Standard Group Ticket rate of $315 + fees + GST available from December 16th for groups of 8 or more. Please contact info@dalailamacenter.org for your group discount code.

Love is Love Conference
2018-02-23 09:00 - 15:00 | Oak Bay High School, Victoria, BC, Canada
For more information please contact Linda Tate mailto:ljtate@sd61.bc.ca

Pink Shirt Day
2018-02-28
Bullying is a concern in our workplaces, homes, schools and online. Over the month of February, and throughout the year, CKNW Children’s Charities’ Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of these issues, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem.

Idea Fest
2018-03-02 - 2018-03-10 | University of Victoria
Ideafest is UVic’s week-long festival of research, art and innovation, running from March 5–10, 2018. This year’s festival features over 40 outstanding events on topics ranging from climate change and chamber music to Indigenous law and antibiotic resistance. All events are free and open to the public.

Youth Mental Health Vital Conversation
2018-03-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Camosun College, Lansdowne, Campus, Gibson Auditorium, Victoria, Canada
Mental health concerns affect at least one in five children and youth.

A Young Adult's Mental Health Story- Presented live by Robyn Thomas
2018-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Saanich Neighbourhood Place
Stigma Free Society presenter, Robyn Thomas, begins her presentation with a conversation about the stigma associated with mental illness and challenges specific stereotypes and stigmatized images that come to mind when we discuss mental heath. The audience has an opportunity to gain awareness about their own perceptions and how that impacts others.
Robyn then shares her powerful and vivid personal story of living with multiple mental health challenges. Her story is told with honesty and highlights what it’s like to actually live with mental illness. She includes the reality of experiencing conditions such as OCD, depression, and psychosis, and her struggle with societal and self-stigma. Robyn also shares the ups and downs of recovery and how she was able to gain control of her life after several hospitalizations. She shares the gifts that come with experiencing challenges, and the profound lessons that she learned by going through the most difficult time in her life. There is also a focus on self-care and helpful tools that can be used to stay well.
Robyn also speaks to the importance of support from family and friends, and offers insight into how to navigate those complex relationships when a loved one is going through crisis. The take away from this presentation is one of hope and resiliency. Robyn asks us to have more compassion for others as well as for ourselves.
RSVP: Lisa.Tate@familysmart.ca

Supporting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma - Video Presentation
2018-03-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Military Family Resource Centre
Unfortunately, traumatic experiences are far more prevalent than we’d like to think. We have come to understand that many common experiences are potentially traumatizing including medical procedures, accidents, and high impact falls as well as the whole spectrum of challenging human relationships. Recent advances in research expands our understanding of trauma and its impact on a child’s functioning in almost every aspect of their lives. We also know that traumatized children who get the support they need are more likely to recover from these painful experiences. This webinar provides an opportunity to understand more about trauma and its impacts as well as identifying ways to provide support to children who have experienced trauma
Presenters: Carrie DeJong MC, RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor
RSVP: Lisa.Tate@familysmart.ca
