CATCA 2023: Full Schedule

CATCA recognizes that convention is situated on Treaty 7, South of Red Deer River, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot, Tsuu T’ina, and Stoney Nakoda peoples, and that the North of Red Deer River Treaty 6, traditional Métis, Cree, and Saulteaux territory. We honour the First Peoples who have lived here since time immemorial, and we give thanks for the land.

The POST CONVENTION VIDEOS are going to be available until May 30th, and here is the link: CLICK HERE

9:00am MST

Using Schoology in Your Classroom

Has your district moved to using Schoology? Is your district considering the move to Schoology? Suzanne used the program for approximately five years in her junior high and high school classrooms. She will provide an overview of how she used the program and her thoughts on the program. She is also willing to share any resources she has.Suzanne's daughter (a grade 12 student) will also share her experiences with the program.

Speakers

Suzanne Annable

High School Teacher, Wolf Creek School Division

I have been with Wolf Creek since 2007; I taught mainly grade 9 Language Arts and Social Studies in Lacombe for a number of years. However, five years ago I decided to transfer to Bentley School to teach high school, and it has been an amazing experience and a welcome change. At my... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-1408

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Assessment (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Art (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

9:00am MST

Do Marks Make the Grade?

As our world has been turned upside down, how do we effectively assess students through a growth mindset? Dave has successfully removed grades from his own high school and middle school math classes. He has then lead entire schools on this transition. Moving away from a fixed mindset around assessment and towards a growth mindset. Come and learn how to lead this transition in your school community. Dave will discuss 5 simple changes you can make that will transform your assessment practices.

Speakers

Dave Martin

Mathematics Council

Dave Martin has a Masters of Mathematics, a Degree in Education, and a love for prime numbers. He has been teaching for 12 years, during which time, he was nominated for Teacher of Excellence in Alberta, has spoken across North America, and has successfully removed grades in most... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-B501 (Basement)

10:20am MST

Creative Writing to Cope with Stress and Build Resiliency

Learn creative ways to engage students struggling with anxiety and other mental health challenges, particularly during the pandemic, utilizing the empowering and healing capacities of writing. Creative writing exercises will be presented in both fiction and non-fiction as tools for personal reflection and betterment. Participants will leave equipped to apply the exercises in the compassionate support of students in their schools and communities.

Speakers

Alexis Marie Chute

Creative Director, Alexis Marie Productions Inc.

Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning visual artist, filmmaker, art gallery curator, and bestselling author. Her books include the fantasy trilogy Above the Star, Below the Moon, Inside the Sun, and memoir Expecting Sunshine. Her latest non-fiction book is entitled Prairie Spirits... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-932

Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

10:20am MST

Gamification: Turn Your Classroom Into Hogwarts

Jason has spent the last eight years perfecting turning his classroom into Hogwarts for an entire unit of chemistry. In this session Jason will explain how he sets up the game, sorts the students, keeps it fair, and maximizes engagement! A good game done right is something students will talk about for days. You'll learn what not to do from Jason's humorous failures, and the exciting highs of just how amazing gamification is when it's done right. Wingardium Leviosa!!! THIS SESSION WILL BE HELD AT École Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School (4204 58 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 2L6) in room 1208.

Speakers

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science

Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 10:20am - 11:20am MST
École Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School-1208

10:20am MST

Literature to Engage Your Students (cross curricular K-9) and Build Your Capacity with TQS #5 Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit

This session features literature and resources to engage your First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, while supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit education and perspectives in your classroom for all students. We will also explore why it is so important to show our students that our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people are not just a part of history, and using literature can be a great way to spark inquiry and engagement in students and make connections that are more meaningful to their learning. Additionally, "Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit" is part of our updated Teaching Quality Standard, and this session will support teachers in meeting this addition to our standard. Participants will get access to valuable resources, activities, and annotated literature lists linking to their program of studies.

Speakers

Kerry Aiken

Thursday February 23, 2023 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2901B

1:00pm MST

Elves, Orcs, Hobbits and the Meaning of Life According to J.R.R. Tolkien: A Theological Investigation of Middle Earth

The enigmatic and obscure Oxford philologist, J.R.R. Tolkien produced a corpus of writings on the world of Middle Earth that has captivated countless readers. The cinematic renderings of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit has further popularized his works, yet readers and viewers alike are often surprised at the profound impression Tolkien’s Catholic faith has made upon his writings. C.S. Lewis, a close friend and associate whose encouragement was necessary for Tolkien to publish, wove Christian themes within his works via allegory. Tolkien, on the other hand, chose a much different and more sophisticated approach in creating the drama of the Rings of Power. This talk offers educators of Literature and Religion insight into the life and works of Tolkien and the undercurrents within thought—and how these can be made accessible to students in the classroom.

THERE WILL BE A POST-CONVENTION VIDEO FOR THIS SESSION UNTIL MAY 30TH.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore Learning Center in Sherwood Park, AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as Sacred Scripture and Myt... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-Arts Centre AC159

Religious & Moral Education (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

1:00pm MST

Documentary Filmmaking: Step by Step through the 48 Hour Film Challenge

Learn the steps of documentary filmmaking through the case study of the 48 Hour Film Challenge. Alexis Marie Chute, award-winning filmmaker, will share her process of creating her documentary short, “Of Love & Light,” during the 48 Hour Challenge in 2021. Alexis will cover developing a shot list, storyboarding, writing interview questions, preparing equipment, working with a team, scheduling the shoot, sourcing music, and editing. The 48 Hour Film Challenge inserts a “Key” when the clock begins of things that must be included in the film. Alexis will share how she incorporated those elements on the fly. “Of Love & Light” interviews nineteen-year-old Edmontonian Jordan Stonehouse whose mother, Lisa, died at the age of 52 at the University of Alberta Hospital following complications due to Astrazeneca vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Lisa was the first case of VITT in Alberta.

Speakers

Alexis Marie Chute

Creative Director, Alexis Marie Productions Inc.

Thursday February 23, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-932

2:20pm MST

Paint the Rails ‒ Integrating Stories of Diversity and Resilience in the Classroom

This fall, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC) released the Paint the Rails (PTR) Legacy Book and corresponding Teacher Resource. PTR was a collaboration of local artists, Elders, and community organizations painting five public murals in Edmonton transit stations telling the histories of untold communities in the city and province. In this session, JHC will share concrete ideas on how to use this book and the teacher resource to engage upper elementary and junior high students in celebrating the stories of strength, resilience and settlement of eleven distinct communities within the Province of Alberta. Topics such as history, art, diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism are explored using timelines, calls to actions, lesson plans and many other downloadable in-class resources.

Speakers

Nexi Alarcon

Paint the Rails: Learning Journeys Through Public Art

Nexi Alarcon is the Director of Communications and Marketing at JHC. She is a motion image designer and a professional communicator. Nexi is passionate about art, history and the importance of understanding our past in order to build an equitable community.

Thursday February 23, 2023 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2303

Diversity, Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Art (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

2:20pm MST

The Lion, the Witch, and the Teacher: A Theological Perspective on the Life and Writings of C.S Lewis

C. S. Lewis continues to hold remarkable appeal to a broad readership. His corpus of writings is wide-ranging, encompassing fantasy literature like the Chronicles of Narnia, to popular articulations of faith, such as Mere Christianity. This talk seeks to explore the thought world of C.S. Lewis and critically evaluate the trajectory of his thought as well as the popular reception of his works in order to offer educators of Religious Education insight into the undercurrents of his writings. Particular attention is paid to ethical imagination and virtue as well as the overarching vision of the teacher and the purpose of Education.

THERE WILL BE A POST-CONVENTION VIDEO FOR THIS SESSION UNTIL MAY 30TH.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Thursday February 23, 2023 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-Arts Centre AC159

Religious & Moral Education (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

9:00am MST

Integrated Units and Assessment in Middle School

There are so many possibilities when you can collaborate with your fellow teachers to plan integrated lessons, units and assessments. This session will focus on integrating curriculum in grades seven to nine and show how effective collaboration and strong relationships are a common byproduct. Often times in division three we find ourselves subject specific and this can isolate us from others and from different and innovative teaching strategies. In the past I have been focused on math and science but when I discovered that working with the humanities teachers I learned so much more about my students and was able to brainstorm many more teaching strategies to help engage kids and strengthen our middle years team. In my experience a strong team in these tough years can make the world of difference. If you are interested in integrating curriculum, project based learning, fostering effective relationships and weaving in indigenous education knowledge and strategies please come learn with me! This session is geared towards middle years teachers, department heads, administrators, and more!
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TGli_wWq1wGQG5PKBkxBQKTGuJYANZ_MTsDtoL20xvA/edit?usp=sharing

Speakers

Tia Vandermeer

Teacher, Wolf Creek School Division

My teaching philosophy is based heavily around delivering a classroom environment that reaches every single learner in a 21st-century teaching style. We work heavily together figuring out our learning styles. Once we find our strengths we continue to grow in these areas. Next, we... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2905

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Assessment (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Science (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

9:00am MST

Morphology in Middle School

Did you know that the English spelling system is structured and intentional. There are no "oddball spellings" or "rule breakers" because the things about how a word is spelled that creates confusion likely has a story to explain it. Understanding words and how they are built is a key piece to vocabulary development at any age. Morphology is specifically referenced in the new ELAL curriculum in grades K-6 and can be leveraged to build understanding of content area words across subject areas. This session will offer some foundational understanding about morphology (and orthography in general) as well as some strategies and ideas you can use in your classroom right away.

Speakers

Charlie Kraig

Designer of Professional Learning, Learning Network

Charlie is an educational consultant for Learning Network Educational Services. Experience as a classroom teacher (Gr 1- 12), school-based coordinator (LA/SS and Inclusive Education), and vice-principal (K-8 school) helps her craft unique professional learning opportunities for educators... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2906

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

9:00am MST

Introduction to Computational Thinking with the Northern Coding Academy

What does it mean to think like a computer? How can coding concepts help students across subjects? From the applications on our smartphones to the life-saving equipment in our hospitals, technology plays a vital role in our lives. Students exposed to computational thinking concepts early on will have an easier time learning the computer science skills which will allow them to succeed later in life. Teachers of all subjects can benefit from incorporating these concepts into their curriculum.

Join us as we explore the core computational thinking concepts and how to apply them in your own classroom, across curriculums and grades. Dive into hands-on computational thinking and coding activities for you and your students. Teachers of all subjects welcome -- no coding experience required!

Speakers

Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban (she/her) has worked in both formal and informal education and enjoys bridging the gap between the two. She has been atthe TELUS World of Science Edmonton for 8 years, traveling to schools around Alberta with the Science in Motion team and now heading up the Northern... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2901B

9:00am MST

Winter is a Time for Stories

When the snow covers the ground it is a time for stories. Why is it important to tell stories while the snow is on the ground? Learn about all the ways we can tell stories. Think about how you can bring the power of storytelling into your classroom.
Join in this session as we learn about traditional oral storytelling, exploring the use of Indigenous literature in elementary and secondary, stories of resilience, and information that supports foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder

Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2303

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

9:00am MST

Improv for All! A Beginner’s Guide

Improv is a fun and exciting way for students to step out of their comfort zone! This workshop will provide teachers with everything they need for a successful improv unit. From introductory activities to basic improv games, as well as ideas on assessment, this workshop is designed to give teachers a hands-on experience they can take back to their classrooms.

Speakers

Kris Christianson

Teacher/Counsellor, Holy Trinity High School

Kris Christianson has been a teacher for 17 years and is the Guidance Counsellor at Holy Trinity High School in Edmonton. He has experience teaching a variety of subjects and received his Masters in School Counselling from the University of Alberta. Kris has been involved in many... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-AC148 Studio C

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

9:00am MST

Raise your voices! And Write for (a) change!

Can writing and words truly make a difference? Can the spoken word really make change? Through this session, explore multidisciplinary techniques for engaging your students in the writing process. Help them to find their ‘voice’ and explore the delights and possibilities of the human voice through performing their own words shaped by themes they are passionate about. Imagine Greek chorus, spoken word, rant, hip hop, plus a little movement/improv thrown in for fun. Encourage even the reluctant writer to believe in wordpower. Gail will take you from idea generation to creation to performance as a model for your own classroom. Join her as she guides you along a YouthWrite path to inspire youth to write and raise their voices for (a) change!

Speakers

Gail Sidonie Sobat

Writer and YouthWrite Director-Coordinator

Gail Sidonie Sobat, author of 12 books, is creator-director of YouthWrite®, a camp for kids who love to write…just about anything!©, and an instructor in MacEwan University’s Communications program. As writer, editor, and speaker, Gail has presented across Canada and the U.S... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2216

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | English Language Learning (TQS/LQS 4), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

11:40am MST

The Art of Writing: Exploring Word-and-Image Pairings in Contemporary Literature

Is a picture truly worth a thousand words? What happens when imagery and text combine? In an age of visual communication, it is important to reflect on the dynamic relationship between words and images. Learn the ways writers might capitalize on visual material to strengthen their craft. We will explore the word-image relationships in children’s books, graphic novels, hybrid novels, photograph/art books, magazines, comics, literary journals, and advertisements. Learn strategies for pairing words and images, observe what works and what doesn’t, and be inspired to expand the scope of future writing projects.

Speakers

Alexis Marie Chute

Creative Director, Alexis Marie Productions Inc.

Friday February 24, 2023 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2901A

Art (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

1:00pm MST

Powerful Portraits for Self-Reflection, Innovative thinking, and Empathy Building

Award-winning artist, Alexis Marie Chute will share the broad creative and expressive possibilities of portraiture and self-portraiture. Through many examples, discover how portraits can visualize the often inexpressible parts of the human experience, making seen what is frequently unseen. Discover how different art materials and techniques can communicate various mental and emotional states, plus unexpected ways to combine these into complex and emotive portraits. We live in an age where empathy and compassion are needed more than ever. Through an exploration of portraiture and self-portraiture, learn how this artistic genre can grapple with coming of age, identity, mental health, struggle, and triumph.

Speakers

Alexis Marie Chute

Creative Director, Alexis Marie Productions Inc.

Friday February 24, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-2901A

1:00pm MST

Let’s Take It Outside! Literacy in Your Schoolyard

Whether your schoolyard resembles a nature paradise or a concrete jungle, it can be an endless source of inspiration and wonder for your students. This workshop will demonstrate how to use the outdoor learning environment to provide authentic and rich learning opportunities that boost your students’ literacy skills by helping them make meaning of words and unleashing their creative minds as they explore and express what they see, hear, touch, smell, and feel. We’ll also explore how Indigenous storytelling and outdoor learning can promote your students’ well-being by fostering a sense of place and helping them feel connected to themselves, their classmates, and Mother Earth.

Speakers

Nicole Chang

Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator, Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Nicole joined ACEE in 2022 as the Northern region Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator. She has a BSc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences and a BEd. in Secondary Education. She has most recently worked as a teacher in St. Albert and Edmonton and previously... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-819

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Environmental & Outdoor Education (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

1:00pm MST

Cross-Curricular Five Senses Drawing

Limited Capacity filling up

If you want to make your students love Language Arts, this is an ideal workshop for you! This fun-generating, hands-on project will let enhance students’ learning. The level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the grade level taught. Excellent for teachers of grades 4-12. You will leave the workshop with completed artwork and links to a PowerPoint presentation and a video for your classroom. All supplies will be provided by the instructor at the workshop for a fee of $5. The registration fee is to be sent at the following email transfer address: orzelski@ualberta.ca

Speakers

Izabella Orzelski

Generalist, Fine Arts Council

Izabella Orzelski is an accomplished artist, educator, and award-winning portraitist. With an MFA and Ph.D., she combines her passion for art and education to inspire others. Her commissioned works and collaborative projects have been exhibited across Canada. With 20 years of teaching... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-932

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Art (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

1:00pm MST

Using Games for ELA

For this session we will look at the skills that be aquired from playing games, both board games and video games. For the first half of the session we will look at cooperative board games and how they can develop skills of speaking and listening. I will also discuss how I use cooperative board games as a story starter. Then we will look at how video games can be used as a tool to learn the elements of story writing. By using video games in the classroom, students who may be reluctant readers or writers may become more engaged and understand how these skills can help in future careers such as video game design. If there is time maybe we can play some of the games.

Speakers

Michael Saretzky

Teacher

I have been teaching since 2005, coming to Alberta from BC. During my time in teaching I have had stops in Fox Creek, Hinton and now Red Deer. Over the past, almost 20 years, I have taught a plethera of subjects and grades, from grade 3 to grade 11 math, science and English. Also... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Red Deer Polytechnic-1503

Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)