PEMBROKE — Let the RCDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) work with you the parent, the educators, the child well-being experts and all our youth so we can all achieve as one.
The annual RCDSB PIC Achieving as One symposium is set for Saturday, Oct. 25 at Fellowes High School at 420 Bell St. in Pembroke and will feature a free, full day of collaborative discussion and workshops led by experts in child well-being based on the theme of Resiliency Through Relationships.
The day gets underway at 8:30 a.m. for registration and kicks off in earnest at 9 a.m. when Resiliency Initiatives President and Executive Director Dr. Wayne Hammond gives his keynote address. Dr. Hammond holds an adjunct status with the School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Over the past 20 years he has primarily worked with high-risk youth and their families with a focus on substance abuse, violence and mental health issues.
“Dr. Hammond’s talk will leave you with an understanding of what resiliency is,” RCDSB Parent Involvement Committee Chair Tracy Somes said. “As a parent himself he shares both his personal and professional perspectives on practical ways in which parents, teachers, coaches and community members can be involved in engaging youth.”
Dr. Hammond emphasizes the importance of parenting with a strengths-based approach. Dr. Hammond explains “the essence of this is not trying to protect your children so they survive, it is building into our children those qualities they need to thrive, no matter where they are, no matter what challenge comes down the road, they are actually going to embrace that challenge in a way that they actually learn from it, they get better for it, and those around them benefit as well.”
Following Dr. Hammond’s talk and lunch, attendees can choose between several collaborative workshops led by local experts including Elementary and Secondary Student Voice; Positive Discipline; Mental Health; Positive Self-Esteem; Self-regulation and Resiliency.
“Throughout the day there will be discussions and opportunities to connect with other parents and community members, to share practical advice and be involved in workshops that offer support on topics such as positive self esteem, positive discipline, self-regulation as well as mental health and wellness,” Mr. Somes said.
There will be free childcare on-site provided by the staff and family of The Children’s Garden and a complimentary light breakfast and lunch will also be provided. This event is funded by the Ministry of Education’s Parents Reaching Out Grant.
