MSLA - Building Bridges: Spaces, Places, and Possibilities

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FULL - Keynote - Rob Malo (TiBert)

Keynote: Rob Malo (TiBert)

Rob Malo, also known as TiBert, is a Franco-Manitoban Métis storyteller, author, stage performer, juggler, poet, and community builder who shares his passion for history and culture with people of all ages. A seasoned and recognized master storyteller, Rob gave a masterclass for Storytellers of Canada - Conteurs du Canada in 2019, and was Storyteller-in-Residence at the University of Manitoba in 2020. Rob draws on his background as an Educational Programs Developer at the Manitoba Museum and as a Professor in the Tourism Department of l'Université de St.Boniface to delight audiences. Rob has been awarded Certificates of Excellence from Interpretation Canada for
both TiBert le Voyageur live presentations and digital educational tools available to teachers through the Province of Manitoba DREF website.

His latest project is a multilingual augmented reality audio tour app of St.Boniface called Histoire cachée - In Plain Sight, and this will be the focus of his presentation. The audience will learn how Rob was able to build new relationships with indigenous partners to ensure that the creation process was a community effort that offers a more balanced view of local French-Métis history.

Immerse yourself in Winnipeg’s vibrant past with “Histoire cachée – In Plain Sight,” a groundbreaking multilingual AR audio tour app! Delve into St. Boniface’s rich and diverse history at your own pace, experiencing stunning visuals in Augmented Reality and engaging oral stories in French, English, and French Méchif. Discover the dramatic moments that shaped the community’s past, such as mail carrier Elzéar Goulet’s heart-pounding chase from Wolseley’s men; step into the lively world of Métis homesteads, and join gatherings of voyageurs and their families. Learn about the generational impact of the residential school system as you hear the stories of those who were affected by this dark chapter in Canadian history. This interactive mixed-reality walkthrough of St. Boniface is designed to captivate and enlighten. The app features a range of themes that encompass family, cultural tensions, reunion, tragedy, tradition, and colonialism. With “Histoire cachée – In Plain Sight,” you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the area’s complex and intertwined histories while experiencing the power of augmented reality (AR) technology. Collaborating with community groups, including Indigenous elders, the app’s creators have worked diligently to ensure that the stories shared are accurate, respectful, and inclusive of all perspectives. This commitment to authenticity and reconciliation shines through in every facet of the app, making it an essential tool for exploring Winnipeg’s multifaceted history. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey through time with “Histoire cachée – In Plain Sight.” Begin your interactive mixed reality walkthrough at St. Boniface today!

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: All Educators

FULL - A1 - Introduction to Manga for Classroom and School Libraries

Students are crazy about it, but do you know how to choose Manga for your classroom or school library? This session will introduce Manga as literature and a tool. A short history of Manga, how to read it, how to navigate the different types, how to recognize vocabulary associated with this genre and finally, the importance of symbolism in Manga. There will be a display with examples of Manga series by age group with time to discuss them and ask questions. It is everything you never knew you wanted to know about this genre!

Presenter: Heidi Cromwell - Library Technician - École Secondaire Oak Park High School - Pembina Trails School Division.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - A2 - Manitoba Education & Early Childhood Learning Presentation

This presentation will cover three topics. An overview of copyright including educator rights and responsibilities, as well as resources to help navigate copyright in an education setting. A short presentation on Manitoba Education's Alternate Formats Collection that will detail the resources and services that can be accessed for students with print disabilities. Finally, a review of the research and video streaming platforms Manitoba Education has available for educators and students.

Presenter: Nancy Girardin is a Librarian with Manitoba Education & Early Childhood Learning

Session Location: Online/Virtual – link to be provided to participants closer to the conference date.

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - A3 - Reading for Global Students

Let's look at some books that you can recommend to your students in K-12 to help grow the next generation of global citizens! We'll discuss our annual Global Student Reading List and how you can use all of MCIC's educational resources to learn and teach more about global citizenship and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will also go over our reading and library contests and some fun prizes that you and your students could win!

Presenter: Amanda Benson is the Education Specialist with the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC), running sustainability education programs for both students and educators throughout the province. MCIC aims to engage and collaborate with Manitobans for global sustainability.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - A4 - Technology Integration in an Elementary Classroom

Participants will discover a range of strategies, tips, and tools that leverage technology to engage learners. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-life examples, attendees will delve into the creative approaches for incorporating technology into their lessons. From fostering collaboration and critical thinking to promoting creativity, this session will equip educators with the necessary skills to leverage technology as a catalyst for meaningful learning experiences.

Presenter: Lindsay Stewart is an elementary school Teacher-Librarian in the Pembina Trails School Division.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years

FULL - A5 - Diversity and Cataloguing for Diversity

Presenters: Debbie Smith, Supervisor, Library/Media Services, St. James-Assiniboia SD and Jonine Bergen, Teacher-Librarian, St. John's Ravenscourt.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - A6 - Unleashing Curiosity: Building Inquiry-Based Bridges

In this session, we will demonstrate the power of inquiry-based learning and showcase how classroom teachers can collaborate with teacher librarians to unlock a wealth of accessible and fuss-free inquiry projects for students in grades K-5. During the presentation, we will share practical ideas, strategies, and resources that can be easily implemented in your schools and classrooms. From designing investigative projects to facilitating research-based activities, we will explore a range of inquiry-driven approaches that empower students to take ownership of their learning.

Presenters: Tanya Humphries, Teacher Librarian, Candace Rea, Principal, Pacific Junction teachers.

Session Location: Online/virtual - link to be provided to participants closer to the conference date.

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years

FULL - A7 - Leading in a Good Way: An Introduction to Mamahtawisiwin

In what ways can we honour and embed Indigenous histories, stories, culture, and pedagogy in our classrooms and schools? Join Colleen Nelson, Kara Dueck, and Kim Bryson for an Introduction to Mamahtawisiwin, Manitoba's Indigenous Education Policy Framework, followed by an interactive gallery walk of readily available resources, lessons, and reflections. In order to take full advantage of the gallery walk please bring a well charged phone and/or handheld device and compatible headphones.

Presenters: Kim Bryson, Kara Dueck, and Colleen Nelson.

Kim Bryson is a Teacher-Librarian at Linden Meadows School in Pembina Trails School Division. She is passionate about designing and delivering engaging learning experiences that promote critical thinking, and nurture independence, through inquiry and exploration.

Kara Dueck is a K-5 music teacher at Linden Meadows School in Pembina Trails School. She has a passion for fostering critical thinking in the arts, and empowering young learners to elevate their creative potential through music.

Colleen Nelson is a middle years teacher at Linden Meadows School in Pembina Trails School Division. She is also the author of many middle grade novels, including this year's MYRCA nominated Harvey Takes the Lead. Colleen brings her experience as a writer into her teaching practice by modelling the things good writers do: lots of hair pulling and pressing delete on her laptop. She is a big fan of using inquiry-based projects to encourage curiosity in her students and collaborating with her amazing colleagues.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - B1 - Freadom to Read Podcasts

We'll look at how you can bring the issue of book banning to life with a podcast in your classroom. Teachers can expect a ready-to-use lesson that examines social issues like freedom of speech and book banning at a middle-grade level. https://cnelsonf.podbean.com

Presenter: Colleen Nelson is a middle years teacher at Linden Meadows School in Pembina Trails School Division. She is also the author of many middle grade novels, including this year's MYRCA nominated Harvey Takes the Lead. Colleen brings her experience as a writer into her teaching practice by modelling the things good writers do: lots of hair pulling and pressing delete on her laptop. She is a big fan of using inquiry-based projects to encourage curiosity in her students and collaborating with her amazing colleagues.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - B2 - Cataloguing Corner - The Manitoba Edition

This will be a forum to ask questions and discuss best practices in cataloguing and library standards. We'd like to ask anyone interested to submit questions before hand.

Presenters: Kim Marr, Colleen Einarson, Roberta Chapman, and Christine Janzen (moderator).

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - B3 - Tools To Help Students Decipher Online AI and Misinformation/Disinformation Using Lateral Reading Strategies and Recognition of Bias Vulnerabilities

This workshop covers the addition of lateral reading strategies and lessons on AI and misinformation/disinformation related to students building recognition of bias vulnerabilities. These are being added to our Critical Thinking and Evaluating information lessons that use the CRAAP and TRAAP checklist and the scientific method. This is for grades 4 to 12.

Presenter: Kathy Miller, a long-time classroom teacher, now a curriculum consultant.

Session Location: Online/virtual - link to be provided to participants closer to the conference date.

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - C1 - The Micro:bits of Technology in the Classroom

In this session, we will explore the use of technology in the classroom and applications using Micro:bits. With a focus on effective pedagogical practice, participants will begin by learning how to program a Micro:bit to create a name tag and will then progress to other activities that can be used in various subject areas likes math, science, social studies, French, and physical education. Participants will primarily be working with MakeCode (block-based) editor, but for those who are experienced with coding, they can add the challenge of using Python or JavaScript. Additional cross curricular ideas will be shared, and participants will leave with their very own Micro:bit to bring back to their classroom. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to use during the session if they have one, otherwise laptops will be provided.

Presenters: Melissa Smith is a teacher at College Beliveau, teaching science, math and computer science based courses. Caleigh Bell is the Program Administrator with WISE Kid-Netic Energy, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) youth outreach organization located at the University of Manitoba.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - C2 - The Lessons Leading to Fusion

Author and playwright, Primrose Madayag Knazan, will share her experiences as a first generation Filipinx-Canadian Jewish woman and how they led to writing her MYRCA-nominated novel, Lessons in Fusion. She will read excerpts from her novel and plays that focus on diversity and identity and share insights on the intersectionality of culture, religion, gender, and generation.

Presenter: Winnipeg-based playwright and author, Primrose Madayag Knazan (she/her), writes from a Filipinx-Canadian, Jewish, and woman’s perspective. Her work has been featured at Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Winnipeg International Writers Festival, CBC Radio, and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. She won the Jewish Canadian Playwriting Competition and her plays have been published by Scirocco Drama and Playwrights Canada Press. Her novel, Lessons in Fusion, debuted on McNally Robinson’s Best Seller list and was nominated for the Manitoba Book Awards, the Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Awards, and the Manitoba Young Readers Choice Awards.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - C3 - The Pebble Project: Fostering a Culture of Kindness and Connection

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” - Dalai Lama

The Pebble Project is an inquiry-based kindness project that was created in response to a need for more compassion, empathy, and connection in our post pandemic middle years classrooms and school communities. Guided by the essential question, "What is the best way for you to create a culture of kindness to promote a happier, healthier, more connected school and community?", our students delved into the science of kindness, its impact on individuals and communities, and applied their learning to develop and implement strategies to foster a culture of kindness within our school. From redesigning and renovating our little free library, running sports camps, musical performances, reading to younger classes at snack and story time, and weeding our gardens to morning high fives, our junior highschoolers tapped into their interests and strengths and shared them with our school community.

Join Kim Bryson and Alex McGavin for an introduction to The Pebble Project where they will review the course materials, provide examples from this past year, and share their takeaways and insights as co-creators. The presentation will be followed with a Q + A session and self-guided planning time, and Kim and Alex will be on hand for further discussions, questions, and support. A laptop or similar device is recommended but not mandatory, and a digital file of Pebble Project materials will be available to attendees.

Presenters: Kim Bryson is a Teacher-Librarian at Linden Meadows School in Pembina Trails School Division. She is passionate about designing and delivering engaging learning experiences that promote critical thinking, and nurture independence, through inquiry and exploration.

Alex McGavin is a grade 7/8 math and science teacher at Linden Meadows School, in Pembina Trails School Division, and has previous experience teaching across grades 4-8. She believes in fostering curiosity and a deep understanding of concepts through an inquiry-based approach, coupled with hands-on project-based activities.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School Library
Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years

FULL - C4 - Conversations with a Teacher Librarian (FI/E/K-12)

Need a new read-aloud? Curious about using a mentor text for a new inquiry unit? Want something to inspire writers? Planning to use graphic novels or novels in verse? Bring your questions, network with other teachers, and hear about e-Resources to bring your planning to life! Bring a laptop or device to use during this session.

Presenters: Suzanne Beauregard is the K-8 Teacher-Librarian at Van Walleghem School, a French Immersion and English K-8 community in Pembina Trails. She expertly weaves in inquiry projects, social justice topics, and engaging Canadian literature to support curricular outcomes.

Michelle Carlos is the Library Learning Commons Consultant and a Digital Coach in Pembina Trails School Division. She is passionate about engaging readers and writers through a variety of text, including audiobooks, e-books, graphic novels, and more.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years

FULL - D1 - Reshaping School Libraries to Serve Gen Z and Gen Alpha: A Conversation

As the educational landscape evolves rapidly, it is essential to understand the evolving needs, preferences, and expectations of today's young learners. In our presentation, we explore the strategies to create a school library environment that engages and empowers Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, enabling them to thrive academically, creatively, and socially.

Presenters: Nidhi Srivastava, Library Technician at General Byng School, Pembina Trails School Division, Rosemarie Schwarz, Library Technician at Fort Richmond Collegiate, Pembina Trails School Division, and Mikaela Oldenkamp, Library Technician at Ralph Maybank School, Pembina Trails School Division.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years

FULL - D2- Embracing Diversity Through Literature: Empowering Voices, Tackling Book Challenges, and Censors

A book in your classroom or school library has been challenged. Now what? In a world where book challenges and censorship attempts are on the rise, educators need to be prepared and aware. Get ready to arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to protect intellectual freedom. This session will provide strategies and information for handling book challenges. We will examine the MSLA’s Collection Diversity and Reconsideration Policy Toolkit as well as book challenge policies that exist in some Manitoba schools and libraries as a reference point for moving forward. We will also explore the Centre for Free Expression’s Library Challenge Database. But this session isn't just about information – it's about collaboration. Please bring your questions and ideas. Together, let's ignite a revolution to defend diversity and safeguard diverse book collections.

Presenter: Brandi Bartok has been a Teacher-Librarian for over a decade and currently serves as President on the Manitoba School Library Association executive.

Session Location and Room Number: Linden Meadows School, Room TBD

Grade Level: K-12