Workshops
OECTA - Sharing our time, talent and treasure: Exploring the connection between service projects and well-being
All grades, Administration, Chaplains
This presentation seeks to explore examples of how works of service positively impact well-being in our Catholic schools.
Karl Fernandes
WFMP Presenter
A1 - Exploring Indigenous Perspectives Through Secondary Art
9-12, Indigenous Education
In collaboration with HCDSB's Indigenous Advisor, Sherry Saevil, this session aims to provide participants with opportunities to create, present, and analyze art across diverse disciplines, including integrated productions that explore and reflect First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives and cultures.
Bridget Rowe, Sara Merritt
Halton CDSB
Meeting Room: Toronto A
A2 - From Play to Story: Inspiring Authentic Writing in Primary Classrooms
Early Years (K1), K-3
Children do not tell stories in order to learn how to write, they learn to write so that they can tell their stories. This session explores how play nurtures storytelling and writing. Walk away inspired to cultivate children’s faith-filled expression, a love of literacy, and celebrating the individuality of stories.
Jennifer Zack, Meghan Kerrigan
Dufferin-Peel CDSB
Meeting Room: New York
A3 - Nurturing Wonder and Cultivating Confidence in Mathematics
K-8
Discover how math can be experienced with wonder, confidence, and joy. This session offers faith-integrated strategies and lessons that reveal math in nature, students’ interests, and daily life—helping students see its beauty and relevance. Explore how Catholic values can nurture a classroom where every learner finds meaning in math.
Jeanette Kastoris, Maria Riverso
Dufferin-Peel CDSB
A4 - AI & Catholic Education: Stewards of Hope and Innovation
All grades, Administration, Chaplains
Discover how Catholic educators can use Artificial Intelligence to serve with integrity, creativity, and compassion. Grounded in Catholic values, this workshop shares insights from the OCSB’s AI journey, equipping participants with tools, discernment, and inspiration to lead hopeful, inclusive innovation in their own classrooms and communities.
Ashley Boivin
Ottawa CSB
A5 - Cultivating Resilience in Catholic Education
All grades, Administration
This session equips teachers with practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and cultivate resilience. Emphasizing actionable tools and reflective practices, it integrates Catholic values of compassion, community, and faith to foster positive change in personal lives, classrooms, and professional networks.
Michael Reich
Niagara CDSB
A6 - Encountering Christ on the Information Highway: Principles for Online RE In Grade 12
Administration, Chaplains
Using a team approach to this presentation, educators can see where their own talents and charisms can inform their pedagogy so that the treasures of our faith are found even in the online environment.
Dr. Anne Jamieson, Lisa Denomme
Institute for Catholic Education
A7 - Visual Journals
Early Years (K1), K-3, 4-6, 7-8, Special Education
Using visual journals as a catalyst to express understanding of content learned in all subjects using visually creative methods such as doodling, charts, drawings, exploring art techniques, reflection, etc. Strategies will be shared on how to use in the classroom, assessment, techniques, ideas, etc.
Laurie Sirois
Bruce Grey CDSB
A8 - Indigenous Influencers: new CVO resource
All grades, Chaplains, Indigenous Education
A new online resource: Indigenous Influencers provides educators with an opportunity to showcase how the incredible talents and gifts of Indigenous Peoples continue to illuminate their brilliance, diversity, sophistication and beauty.
Anne O'Brien, Jodie Williams
Other
A10 - CARFLEO.COM: Relaunched!
All grades, Administration, Chaplains
CARFLEO is excited to share the relaunch of its website, a valuable resource for religious and family life educators.
Mike Gundert , TBD
Other
A11 - What About Strand D – Writing?
3-6, 7-8, Instructional Coaches, Principals, Consultants
Add to your professional knowledge/ improve instructional practices to create a caring and respectful classroom where students can succeed. We will share time and ideas as a Catholic learning community, to learn more about how to help each of our students become an effective writer
Jennette MacKenzie
Other
A13 - I Can Dance: Supporting Emotional Health Through Expressive Play
K-3
Explore how expressive play can support students' emotional well-being, fostering emotional regulation, joy, and belonging. Learn practical strategies from I Can Dance, created by Hannah Beach, to create safe, compassionate classrooms rooted in Catholic values of love and dignity, meeting students' social-emotional needs and supporting the whole child.
Gina Marion
Other
Meeting Room: Paris
A14 - Feeling Seen, Feeling Safe: Supporting Educators in Cultivating MH Awareness
All grades, Administration, Chaplains, Special Education
This workshop offers a faith-based approach for Catholic educators to promote mental health awareness. Through reflection, dialogue, and practical strategies, participants will learn to create emotionally safe environments, recognize signs of distress, and foster a culture of care, rooted in Christ's teachings and Catholic social principles.
Kylie Roesch
Niagara CDSB
A15 - Integrating Faith and Social Studies: A Catholic Approach to Grade 6 Ontario Curriculum (Strand B)
Elementary
The approximately 14 lessons will provide classroom teachers in Ontario Catholic School Boards with faith-based approaches to exploring the curriculum, ensuring that students engage with social studies content through the lens of their Catholic faith. These lessons will serve as starting points for meaningful classroom discussions and deeper faith formation.
Caroline Thuss
CCC
A16 - Nurturing & Supporting 2SLGBTQ Students in the Light of Hope
9-12, Administration, Chaplains
Rooted in the truth that all people are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27), this workshop explores how Catholic schools can foster authentic belonging, compassion, and accompaniment for 2SLGBTQ students while remaining grounded in the Gospel.
Joe Rogers
CSCO
A17 - Wonder & Wisdom: Growing in Faith Through Creativity and Reflection
4-6, 7-8, 7-12, 9-12
Unlock the power of imagination, creativity, and wonder as pathways to deeper faith. Join author Caroline Pignat to explore journaling, poetry, imaginative prayer, and the power of story. Discover practical tools to build empathy, engage hearts and minds, and cultivate wonder and wisdom in yourself and your students.
Caroline Pignat
Novalis
A18 - Stewards of Hope in the Work of Justice
7-12, 9-12
Canadian Jesuits Internatioal offers a build-your-own-adventure workshop exploring how Global South Catholic Partners are stewards of hope, through their work for justice. By deepening awareness of the Church's call to accompaniment, esp. in marginalized communities, it offers a creative, curriculum-connected approach to engaging students in faith-based global citizenship/social justice education.
Juan Poveda
Other
A19 - Faith In Every Word: A Journey Through Morphology and Meaning
Gr 1-8
Using the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program as a foundational text, students will develop language and literacy skills within the context of Catholic teachings. By enhancing students' comprehension of religious texts and vocabulary, the project supports faith formation and literacy, two foundational pillars of Catholic education.
Robert Cannone
WFMP Presenter
Meeting Room:
B1 - Beyond The Screeners
All grades, Administration, Special Education
This workshop invites educators to collaborative discussion for what comes after screeners. Participants will learn to turn data into meaningful action, guiding responsive instruction, planning tiered supports, and differentiating effectively. Educators will also reflect on using their time, talent, and treasure to support the growth and success of every student.
Sam Smith
Nelson
B2 - We Are Unique, We Are The Same
K-3
This Grade 2 Social Studies workshop covers Global Communities, Changing Traditions, and Indigenous Traditions. Students research heritage countries, create a class book of family traditions, and explore Indigenous storytelling. Activities include an International Food Festival and Reconciliation Lapbook, fostering cultural awareness and community engagement.
Kim Zortman
Niagara CDSB
B3 - Celebrating our God Given Gifts and Talents through Work
9-12, Special Education
How does our faith shape the idea of a worker and what it means to be using God’s gifts given to us? This workshop will provide participants with resources for a Religion retreat for high school students in alternative classes that explore our gifts and value in society
Maria Liberatore, Alana Miraglia
York CDSB
B4 - In God's Image: Inspiring Stewardship in The Kindergarten Classroom
Early Years (K1), K-3
In the heart of Catholic education lies the profound belief that each child is created in the image of God, uniquely called to love and care for His creation. In God’s Image: Inspiring Stewardship in Catholic Education is a one-hour interactive workshop designed specifically for kindergarten educators who wish to nurture this divine identity in their young learners through the lens of stewardship. Musical liturgy with acoustic guitar will accompany discussion, hands-on activities, and shared reflections. Participants will explore how to foster a spirit of responsibility, compassion, and care for God's creation in the kindergarten classroom
Lori Anne Jansen, Anne-Marie McGeragle
Wellington CDSB
Meeting Room: Paris
B5 - Accompaniment + Early Reading Strategies: A Faith-Filled Approach
K-3
We will explore evidence-based, systematic instructional strategies for K-3 readers. Rooted in faith, we'll accompany educators respectfully, combining faithful presence with intentional reading strategies. Early interventions are crucial for at-risk readers, ensuring every child develops strong literacy foundations and shares their talents as stewards of hope.
Isabella Sorrenti, Cassandra Swit
Halton CDSB
B6 - Who Me...A Leader?
All grades
If you are discerning a leadership position in a Catholic school, join this session to learn more about CPCO's PQP course offerings, delivery options, content and engage in a case study debrief.
Jan Murphy
CPCO
B7 - Enhancing Math Learning in Young Students Through Our Faith
K-3
Educators will engage in math activities using manipulatives to support students in developing a strong foundation in number/spatial sense. Inspired by Gospel values and rooted in Catholic faith, these activities foster teamwork, nurturing students to become contributors who work effectively and actively to build a caring, inclusive classroom community.
Natalie Reid, Dan Allen
Durham CDSB
Meeting Room: London
B8 - Embracing Catholic Identity: AI and the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations
All grades, Administration
“[...] (Everyone) has received a gift, use it to serve one another [...]” I Peter 4:10 Students are called to use their gifts, reflecting on and internalizing the OCSGEs. Educators nurture this through implicit teaching, understanding, and application. Join us in leveraging AI to support students in understanding their Catholic identities.
Courtney Mellow, Kim Fitzmorris
St. Clair CDSB
B9 - Empowering Faith in Grade 9: Introducing the New Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ Program
9-12, Administration, Chaplains, French (Core or Immersion), Indigenous Education, Special Education
Discover the new Grade 9 Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program. This session supports Catholic educators with tools to nurture faith, hope, and stewardship in today’s classrooms using meaningful, engaging resources.
Terri Durham
Other
Meeting Room: Pearson
B10 - Catholic Curriculum Tool: Guiding Catholic Identity Across the System
All grades, Administration
Educators will learn to integrate Catholicity across the Ontario Curriculum using a "Catholic Curriculum Tool." This resource aids in planning instruction and assessment while considering Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Graduate Expectations, mental health strategies, and equity practices. Also helpful for trustees and leaders seeking to enhance Catholic Identity in schools.
Katharine Stevenson , Janice Thurston-Goodwin
Durham CDSB
B11 - Setting Direction: Faith-Framed Intermediate Science
Gr 7-9
The project, using existing curriculum, aims to ground science education in faith, justice, and ethical action, aligning with the OCSGEs and Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy. Each unit from Gr7–9 includes a CST, scriptural foundation, prayer, and saint whose life connects to the scientific and spiritual themes of the unit.
Catherine Shanahan
CCC
B12 - Coding for Creation: Empowering Students through Faith and Technology
7-12
Discover how the micro:bit empowers Grades 7–12 students to tackle environmental challenges through coding. Explore technology's role in fostering Catholic Social Teachings and Laudato Si’s call to care for our common home. Learn to integrate coding with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. No coding experience required.
Lisa Buczek, Eva Bruni
Dufferin-Peel CDSB
B13 - What's in your Tin? Sharing our Stories
All grades, French (Core or Immersion), Indigenous Education, Special Education
You are given a tin and asked to fill it with five meaningful items from a special place of your choosing. Where would you go? What would you put in that tin? Help students tell their own stories through a hands-on activity that brings connection and awareness of differing perspectives.
Marianne Braca
Huron-Perth CDSB
B14 - Jesus did D.E.I, and Rose Again!
All grades, Administration, Chaplains
DEI has recently come under greater scrutiny, and challenge. As Christians we must uphold the individual values of diversity, equity and inclusion! However, that does not mean that we ought not to evaluate it through a Catholic lens! This workshop explores a Catholic understanding of DEI.
Fr. Joseph de Viveiros, CR
Nipissing-Parry Sound CDSB
B15 - Creating a Culture of Encounter Through Catholic Online Courses
9-12, Administration
Imagining a culture of encounter, we might picture God reaching out, hoping we respond. Or we might envision meeting others, connecting deeply. Some argue that online learning prohibits this culture of encounter. You be the judge, as we share our journey of developing Catholic online courses for secondary students.
Rose Burton Spohn, Paul D'Hondt
Other
B16 - Blessed & Beloved and Unique! Fostering Stewardship Through Family Life Education
K-3
This session will explore how the new Family Life Education program, Blessed & Beloved, helps children to recognize that they are blessed by God, identify their unique gifts and talents, and explore ways they can use their talents to share God's love in their families, classrooms, and communities.
Amy McEntee
Other
C1 - Creating Classroom Community Through Relationships and Routines
New Teachers, Early Years (K1), K-3, 4-6, 7-8
Explore how our Catholic faith can guide the way we build routines and manage classrooms with care, compassion, and connection through intentional, faith-filled practices. Come ready to reflect, share, and leave with real strategies to help your classroom feel more like a family—and your teaching more like a ministry.
Niki Furfaro, Denise Davy
Wellington CDSB
C2 - Our 2 Year Journey in Hope with Kindergarten - Using Our Time Wisely
Early Years (K1)
As Stewards of Hope, we are Jesus' storytellers. Educator Teams will explore the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ 2-year Kindergarten program. A detailed continuum plan to enhance classroom connections, with lessons and songs to deepen children's relationship with God through Year A and Year B, will be provided.
Mary Mahler, Lisa Commisso
Halton CDSB
C3 - Coding with Compassion: Integrating Faith and Technology in the Classroom
K-3, 4-6
Join us to explore coding with Ozobot and Micro:bit, integrating Catholic Social Teachings and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Discover STEM activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, and moral responsibility. No coding experience needed—just curiosity and a passion for purposeful learning.
Michael Condotta, Nadia Tropea
Dufferin-Peel CDSB
C4 - Cultivating Hope through the Arts by encountering God’s presence through our different senses.
9-12, Chaplains
This session aims to empower staff and students to leverage art as a prayer form to respond to God and reflect on the interrelatedness of faith and wellness. Visio Divina prompts will be provided as practices to build belonging and provide hope in stressful times.
Mina Sangermano
York CDSB
C5 - Reading with Hope: Nurturing Young Minds through Structured Literacy and Catholic Stewardship
Early Years (K1), K-3
Discover how Structured Literacy supports early reading while nurturing faith. This session explores how Catholic educators can integrate stewardship, compassion, and dignity into literacy instruction, sharing their time, talent, and treasures to build strong, faith-filled readers rooted in Gospel values and the Ontario Language Curriculum.
Jenna Gubbels, Julie Dillman
London DCSB
C6 - Inclusive Religious Education Kit: Making Sacraments and Liturgy Accessible to Everyone
K-3, Special Education
The digital Inclusive Religious Education kit is made by teachers for teachers. It provides access to activities to help teach the foundational skills needed to participate in the sacraments and liturgy. Activities are ideal for complex learners or early learners with emerging skills. This is a partially bilingual resource.
Corrie Klapperich, Danielle Kozyra
Thunder Bay CDSB
C8 - IN TUNE WITH TRADITION a liturgical music experience
All grades
Explore traditional and contemporary Liturgical music in order to plan appropriate masses that enrich the congregation's faith experience.
Bob Longo
Toronto CDSB
Meeting Room: New York
C9 - Intermediate Literature Groups with Culturally Relevant and Responsive Texts
7-8, 7-12
Sharing of resources and a model for structured literature groups centered around culturally relevant and responsive texts, this workshop will allow students to explore concepts of Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, poverty, ableism, sexism and other issues that students experience in their daily lives and consume in the media.
Lucas LeBlanc, Alessa Saturno
Wellington CDSB
C10 - Leveling the Playing Field: Advancing DEI and Confronting Anti-Black Racism in High School Athletics
7-12
While high school athletics have the power to uplift, unite, and empower youth, these spaces can reinforce systemic inequities, Black student-athletes often navigate exclusion/stereotyping/unequal access to opportunities. Rooted in principles of justice and stewardship, workshop participants are challenged to move beyond slogans/performative gestures toward cultural change in athletic spaces.
Dr. Daniel Lumsden
St Michael`s College School
C13 - Passion for Prayer
Early Years (K1), K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12, Administration, Chaplains, Special Education
Passion for Prayer is dedicated to personal prayer, teaching our students new and exciting ways to speak to the Lord. It is an opportunity to celebrate our faith through creative prayer, learning many new and powerful ways in which we can experience God’s loving presence, bringing us closer to Him.
Carmelina Biundo
Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB
C14 - One Story, Many Voices: Connecting Classrooms Through a Whole Class Read Aloud
K-8
A whole-class Read Aloud can be used as a model for curriculum integration of explicit instruction. A system-wide pilot project that incorporates Language, Math and Religion curriculums into the whole-class Read Aloud will be explored. Participants will receive a framework for integration across curriculum and/or within a school or system.
Seung-Mi Jang, Kathleen Keenan
Toronto CDSB
C15 - Embracing AI in the Catholic Classroom: A “Fireside Chat” About a Faithful Approach to Innovation
All grades
Explore how AI can enhance your classroom within the context of a Catholic world view. This session provides K-12 educators with practical guidance on utilizing AI to create engaging, personalized learning experiences. Delve into ethical considerations and strategies to inspire hope and innovation in students.
Tom Dow, Sal Iacono
Durham CDSB
Meeting Room: London
C16 - Spirituality, Mental Health, and Intercultural Sensitivity in Ministry
Administration, Chaplains
This session explores how intercultural sensitivity and attention to mental health are essential to fostering pastoral wellbeing in today’s diverse contexts. Rooted in the spirit of Vatican II, the presentations highlight how supporting chaplains and teachers involves navigating cultural dynamics while nurturing personal resilience.
Heejung Cho, Michelle-Renée Genua
Other
C17 - Our Call to Love: 2SLGBTQIA+ Students in Catholic Schools
7-12, Administration, Chaplains
This workshop focuses on better outcomes for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff in the Catholic system. We will interactively share reflections and wise practices for GSAs an inclusion. With a balance of heart and humour, Yvonne and James demonstrate how Catholic educators can be stewards of hope for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Yvonne Runstedler, James Dixon
Other
C18 - Faith, Equity & Indigenous Education: Pathways for Accompaniment
All grades, Administration, Chaplains, Indigenous Education
As stewards of hope, we are called to walk alongside students, embracing the sacred responsibility of guiding their spiritual, academic, and cultural growth. This workshop explores how educators can embody the Emmaus model—rooted in listening, sharing, presence, and accompaniment—to foster inclusive, equitable, faith-filled learning environments.
Tenesia Benjamin, Michael Mooney
PVNC CDSB
D2 - Empowering Education: Partnering with AI in the Classroom
All grades
This workshop explores how AI can enhance teaching and learning by streamlining administrative tasks and incorporating student use of AI with projects and assignments. Grounded in the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations, educators will gain practical skills to use AI as a classroom partner to create dynamic and effective learning environments
John Schneider
Waterloo CDSB
D3 - Nature Journaling: Connect, Reflect, and Discover
All grades
Join Amy Agostini for a guided, interactive nature journaling session, experiencing the Earth as her students do! Use magnifying glasses to explore intricate patterns and prompts that spark metacognition. Enjoy a meaningful session of appreciation, deep breathing, and grounding.
Amy Agostini
Ottawa CSB
D4 - An Unending Jubilee: Keeping the Holy Year Alive in our Hearts and Schools
All grades, Administration, Chaplains
As this Jubilee Year winds down, how can we keep its rich message alive in our hearts, and in our schools? Together we will reflect on how we have celebrated this special year, and how we might "extend" it, continuing to deepen our appreciation of it Scripturally, theologically and liturgically.
Murray Watson
Simcoe Muskoka CDSB
D5 - The Power of Music in Liturgy
All grades
Music is a powerful and integral part of our Catholic Liturgical and Eucharistic celebrations. Connections to the theme, Stewards of Hope will be made through the music and connection to scripture.
Claudia Ferro, Jamie Marr
Dufferin-Peel CDSB
D6 - Virtuous Leadership
All grades, Administration
This study explores Catholic, Christ-centered leadership in education through personality assessments, Ignatian Discernment, and Alexandre Havard’s "Virtuous Leadership". It examines how virtue and faith guide servant leadership, aiming to foster integrity, humility, and purpose. The goal is to develop a deeper commitment to leading aligned with Catholic values.
Veronica Tuzi
Toronto CDSB
D7 - Weaving Mental Health and Well-Being into Your Everyday Practice
All grades, Administration, Chaplains, Special Education
This workshop empowers Catholic educators with practical strategies to promote mental health and well-being. Topics include mindfulness, prayer, social-emotional learning, cultivating hope, and self-regulation. Participants will gain hands-on tools to integrate these practices into their classrooms, fostering a supportive and compassionate school environment.
Charity Paolini
London DCSB
D8 - Teaching Social Justice to create Hope in Hard Times
All grades
For educators interested in creative and inspiring activities that incorporate social justice themes into classroom lesson planning. Discover exercises that help students recognize their capacity to make significant change and contributions, even during uncertain times. Foster a sense of hope while teaching about personal, social and global change.
Marshel Melappelly
Other