NETCA Social Event

NETCA Social Event

Mayfield Dinner Theatre

The 39 Steps

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have THE 39 STEPS, a fast-paced whodunit that’s a riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft!

In THE 39 STEPS, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she's a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called "The 39 Steps" is hot on the man's trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale. Broadway’s longest running comedy, THE 39 STEPS is an unforgettable evening of pure theatre pleasure!

To Make Reservations Phone – 1 877 529 7829 (Ask for NETCA Rates)

Thursday – Hollywood ($71.39), Broadway ($62.47)

Friday – Hollywood ($76.75), Broadway ($67.82)

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (Friday morning)

Friday, February 18th, 2011

9:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.

Taming the Wild Rose: Reclaiming the ‘Public’ in Public Education

At the same time that high stakes testing and provincial standards are dominating public attention to schooling, many educators are emphasizing broader goals of schooling as an alternative agenda. Hear how standardized tests limit teachers’ ability to teach critical thinking and students’ opportunity to think at all. Explore the ways teacher professionalism is under renewed attack. Find out what can be done about it.

Dr. Joel Westheimer is University Research Chair in the Sociology of Education and Professor of Education at the University of Ottawa. Westheimer teaches, researches, and writes on democratic engagement, social justice, activism, service learning, and community in education. He has published books such as Pledging Allegiance: The Politics of Patriotism in America’s Schools which Teacher Magazine called “this year’s most important education book. He also publishes widely in newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals and addresses radio and television audiences on shows such as Good Morning America, More to Life, The Agenda, NBC TV News, C-Span, NPR, and CBC radio.

Speaker: Dr. Joel Westheimer

Room: Palisades

Chairperson: Gail Mageean, Aspen View Local

Humour, Wellness and Stress

It’s more than a laughing matter! Humour, Wellness and Stress is guaranteed to give your laugh muscles a good workout and off you practical learning as well. Learn about the medically proven connections between Stress, ‘dis-ease’ and wellness. Find out how camaraderie can affect the bottom line. Share the healing power of humour. Be inspired to weave humour and playfulness into everyday life to increase your well-being and the well-being of those around you.

Carol Boothroyd has earned her reputation as one of the best in the business. She is a dynamic trainer and keynote speaker who travels coast to coast, teaching and inspiring audiences. She has worked with thousands of people over the last 18 years, bringing professional insights, skills and energetic humour to her fast paced and entertaining sessions. Her seminars focus on working and communicating with others. Carol teaches at UBC, UNBC, the Justice Institute, BCIT, Coast Guard College. Carol’s workshops are well known to be refreshingly practical, interactive and guaranteed to be lots of fun!

Speaker: Carol Boothroyd

Room: Robson/Rundle

Chairperson: Christophe Ruge, Northland Local

Living with Schizophrenia

Austin Mardon has suffered from schizophrenia since the age of 30. He was about to finish his graduate work when he started to suffer the effects of the illness. Stigma has followed him since childhood when he suffered taunts from the other children because of his ill mother. These taunts and fears surround him now that he is an adult. The damage that stigma can do can be worse that the illness. In spite of this, Austin overcame his illness and his volunteer work was recognized by him being awarded the Order of Canada in 2007. Austin will give concrete examples of how mental illness can be fought.

Speaker: Dr. Austin Mardon

Room: Logan

Chairperson: Dawn Cosman, Aspen View Local

Serious Games: Engaging Students in Inquiry-Based Learning

We have all seen the power of video games to capture the attention and imagination of children and adults alike. While there are many teachers who understand the power of video games to engage children, there are few who use them in the classroom to engage students in learning. Current research shows game designers have built rich environments which have great educational potential; motivation, flexibility, collaboration, interactivity, and authenticity. In all of these dimensions teachers can move beyond being consumers, they can be guides in student learning.As an Emerging Technologies Consultant with Edmonton Catholic schools Aaron Ball uses technology to build engaging lessons. His Masters in Educational Studies centered on the use of videos games as inquiry-based learning tools.

Speaker: Aaron Ball

Room: Emerald

Chairperson: April Koziol, Northern Lights Local

Pour it On! Watercolour

Experience the joy of watercolour paintings. Learn a variety of techniques from an award-winning artist. You will experiment with lots of idea for yourself and for your classroom in this hands-on session. This session repeats at 10:40.

Speaker: Patricia Coulter

Room: Amethyst

Chairperson: Connie Melenka, Greater St. Paul Local

Primary SMART Board Activities – French Version!

This session is for Kindergarten and Grade One teachers. So, you got a SMART Board, eh? Great! Do you want to share some tips and trick with other teachers? Maybe you’re looking for some activities to enhance your teaching? Come ready to lean and share SMART Board activities related to the Alberta Curriculum in all subjects. Please bring a memory stick to share some activities at the end of the session. Also, if you have the Notebook Software Version 10 for Macintosh Operating System this would be an asset but not obligatory. (Lesson activity Toolkit 2.0)

Speaker: Nadine Friesen

Room: Morraine

Chairperson: Sylvie Mallais, Lakeland Catholic Local

Free Computer Programs for Teachers: Collaborate, Communicate, Share

This session will introduce delegates to two online learning environments: Google docs and the K12 Advantage.

Google doc is a FREE online application -- there’s no hardware to maintain or software to install, no ads, and no cost for schools! We will show you how to effectively use the apps in Google docs in an educational context so that you in turn can engage your students in the software. Google doc has tools which make it easy for your students to acquire the skills that will help them soar, in their education and out in the world. We will show you how students can use the apps in Google docs to collaborate with others in real time on documents, presentations and spreadsheets while online. Using these apps, we will give you tips on how you can communicate with your students by showing you how to deliver and collect surveys, quizzes, and feedbackfrom students.

K12 Advantage is an online portal created by Ernest Aleixandre of Aspen View Schools. Teachers are constantly creating wonderful resources that quite often are used within the constraints of their own classroom -- why not share these resources with others?

Speakers: Donna Wesley, Dick Richards, Ernest Aleixandre and Blair Norton

Room: Maligne

Chairperson: Colin Byers, Aspen View Local

Your Pen$ion Matter$

This session will present a general overview of the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement fund (ATRF) and will include the following topics: the structure of the plan, registration and beneficiary requirements, purchasable pensionable service, pension death benefits and refunds, pension calculations, pension options and steps to retirement.

Speaker: Dana Adams

Room: Banff

Chairperson: Brian Dewar, Aspen View Local

Shakespeare VS American Idol

Perhaps no playwright better understands the complexity of human nature more than William Shakespeare. In our era of frenzied media, and five minute sound bites, all students need to, now more than ever, build a greater appreciation for how words and language communicate the essence of experience. This session will examine how sonnets and speeches can be employed to take students to a higher level of self-knowledge and to a place where they can learn to be true to their hearts.

Speaker: Caroline Simonson

Room: Jasper

Chairperson: Conal Donovan, Northern Lights Local

Expectations of the Programs of Study in High School Science

Recently, Alberta Education introduced revised programs of study in Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These changes may mean that what happens in the classroom needs to change. In this session, we will look at the program expectations in terms of the cognitive task expected by the directing verbs. The process is completely transferable to all programs of study at all levels.

Speaker: Laura Pankratz – Alberta Education

Room: 2204

Chairperson: John Borges, Fort Vermilion Local

E-Liability – Alberta Teachers’ Association

This session will examine the liabilities that arise when students and staff use Internet technologies in the classroom (whether physical or virtual). More specifically, the session will attempt to answer such questions as these: Are schools criminally liable when students use school computers to access pornography and hate literature or to engage in online gambling? Are teachers liable for materials that students post on the school’s website? Who owns materials that students and teachers develop and post on websites? How do teachers and school systems protect themselves from liability arising from the use of new technologies? What kind of policies on e-mail and Internet use should schools and school systems adopt? Because many of these technologies are so new, answers to these questions are still tentative. However, reference will be made to recent Alberta cases involving the use of the Internet in schools.

Speaker: Cory Schoffer

Room: 22062207

Chairperson: Stephanie MacKay, Fort Vermilion Local

Get Groovin and Movin’

Are you ready to move your hips and get your groove on? If so this active session is just for you. From hip hop to cumbia to salsa you will learn some great moves that will get you movin’ but also all of those around you. During this session you will be introduced to new music as well that you can then use in your own area of work whether it be the office, the classroom or even in your own home!

Speaker: Kimberly Hordal

Room: TRADE Centre Mezzanine Room

Chairperson: Akemi Matthie, Northland Local

La littérarité visuell: une façon simple d’intégrer technologie et apprentissage

Une image vaut mille mots !Cet atelier présentera des exemples en lien plus particulièrement avec le programme d'études sociales qui sont transférables dans tous les domaines de l'éducation. Nous verrons comment utiliser les méthodes de questionnement pour stimuler la conversation et développer le langage oral. Que vous ayez ou non accès à un tableau blanc interactif, le logiciel Notebook et un projecteur en salle de classe, c'est tout ce qu'il vous faut pour préparer des leçons qui favoriseront le développement des compétences de la pensée critique du programme d'études sociales. Apportez votre portable et assurez-vous qu'il possède la version la plus récente de NotebookTM. (Grades 4-9)

This session takes place at the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium. (Room 20, Second Floor, Elmwood School – 16325 83 Avenue)

Speaker: Annie Drapeau

Room: Offsite – Computer Room

Chairperson: David Filion, Greater St. Paul Local

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS – Half Day Workshop

Friday, February 18th, 2011

9:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Waste Treatment Plant – EWMC Site Tour

The Edmonton Waste Management Centre is the world's largest collection of modern, sustainable waste processing and research facilities, including a modern recycling plant, North America's largest co-composting facility, an e-waste recycling facility, and a waste-to-biofuels facility scheduled for operation in 2012. The Centre also houses a teaching theatre, classrooms and research facilities. This is a must see! Meet the bus outside the front doors of the Mayfield Inn at 9:00 a.m. Please contact This session is a half day workshop!

Speaker: Brant Maidens

Room: Offsite Tour

Chairperson: Kevin Ottenbreit, Northland Local

Attack Behaviour Problems with Virtue Building

Have fun and rejuvenate in this session exploring a program reducing problem behaviours. Review and understand, first-hand, reasons for anger, bullying and practice simple solutions that successfully lead to positive choices and good behaviour. Piece together a puzzle connecting self-worth, discipline and control. Exclaim and get addicted to phrases like “I AM GOOD!” identity-building statements of virtue which fostering environments of fairness, happiness and optimum learning. This session is for elementary teachers especially those working with FMNI students. This session is a half day workshop!

Speaker: Lana Buoy

Room: 2201/2203

Chairperson: Vanessa Junkin, Northland Local

A Plethora of Stuff

This session is for the new, the old the experts and the rookie. Not every unit has to be long or short or easy or complicated. Come for a full morning of hands on activities with glue guns, copper wire, pliers, aluminum foil and rope. These lessons are cheap, fun and in some cases could be your sub plan. This session is a half day workshop!

Speaker: Rob Ward

Room: 2208 & 2210

Chairperson: Larry Loewen, Northland Local

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (Friday morning)

Friday, February 18th, 2011

10:40 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

What Kind of Citizen? The Politics of Civic and Character Education

Ask people of any province or nation if they think children should learn how to be good citizens and most will say "of course." Ask them if teaching children to get involved – locally, nationally, and globally – is a good idea, and, again, most will assure you that it is. But beyond the clichés, when teachers and education reformers wrestle with the nitty-gritty details of what will actually be taught and what students will actually do, the easy consensus starts to fray. That, Dr. Joel Westheimer insists, is when the real work of transforming public education begins. In this session, participants will discuss the spectrum of ideas about what good citizenship is and what good citizens do. Whether teaching students to volunteer, follow the news, vote, or help authorities hunt down terrorists, hear how different civic education programs throughout North America imagine their future citizens.

Speaker: Dr. Joel Westheimer

Room: Palisades

Chairperson: Dean Wheeler, Fort Vermilion Local

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

This dynamic session focuses on the challenges of communicating with students, colleagues and parents when stress is present. This upbeat, interactive approach is full of practical, on-the-ground learning that is immediately applicable to any situation where blood pressure is rising! Learn how to defuse and move through hostility, increase your confidence, keep your balance and build bridges not walls. Discover how to deal with difficult situations while maintaining your cool and professionalism. j. We need people who will pull together to get the job done." -Brenda Robinson

Speaker: Carol Boothroyd

Room: Robson/Rundle

Chairperson: Jodi Rebkowich, Northern Lights Local

Between the Lines: Counselling and Supporting LGBTQ Students

Who are these kids and what do they need to make their school experience a positive one? LGBTQQU (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered/Transsexual, Queer, Questioning and Undecided) Yes, the acronym has grown from homosexual. (Gay/Lesbian) This session will be an opportunity to discuss day to day experiences of students who question their sexuality or are looking for ways to be accepted for who they are.Can a GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance) club help?Meet a former high school student, Trinh Phan, who can bring an interesting perspective on the Queer Community and who is part of a group of people working hard to re-own the term Queer as a positive. Bring your thoughts, questions and ideas.

Speaker: Melinda McNie/ Trinh Phan

Room: Logan

Chairperson: Glen Finney, Aspen View Local

Digital Citizenship: Fostering Communities in the Digital Age

Students and their toys speed ahead as we struggle to keep up. We endeavor to instill in them the skills and attitudes we know will benefit them. In this session we will consider the risks of and possibilities of the tools students embrace. During this session we will explore how we can both meet them where they are at and guide them where they need to go. Parents, teachers and administrators need to be there to build the communities that demonstrate how these tools can be used responsibly. As an Emerging Technologies Consultant with Edmonton Catholic schools Aaron Ball uses technology to build engaging lessons. His Masters in Educational Studies centered on the use of videos games as inquiry-based learning tools.