OPSBA’s 2019 Public Education Symposium was held from January 24 to 26 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, in partnership with the Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO).
Featuring outstanding speakers, including Don Drummond of Queen’s University, Canadian Football League legend Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Minister of Education Lisa Thompson, and media training consultant Eric Bergman, the conference provided an engaging and informative professional development opportunity for more than 300 public school trustees and senior school board staff.
Outstanding student entertainment was provided
by the TDSB’s Runnymede CI Steel Pan Band and the CS Viamonde Jazz Band Le
Caron of l’École secondaire Le Caron in Penetanguishene.
In addition, former Algoma DSB Trustee Graham Lidstone and former Waterloo Region DSB trustee John Hendry were the recipients of OPSBA President’s Award, which recognizes trustees with 25 years of service to public education in Ontario.
View photos on Instagram: #PESym19 and @OPSBA_Official
Feedback received from attendees included:
I just want to give everyone at OPSBA a huge thank you for a great opportunity for trustees across the province to get some PD and networking opportunities. This was one of the best I have ever attended.
George Saarinen, Lakehead DSB Trustee
You are all doing a fantastic job! This is an amazing symposium.
Kate Baggott, DSB Niagara Trustee
Sessions were relevant, and engagement from everyone in attendance made for the best PES I’ve attended.
Alana Murray, Director of Education, Bluewater DSB
I am better informed, met Trustees from across Ontario and feel inspired to tackle our biggest challenges in education.
Harpreet Gill, Toronto DSB Trustee
Thanks to the @OPSBA team for a great #PESym19 conference! As one of many first-time trustees (40% of us!) the sessions gave some great insight into our new roles and helped build a foundation for the type of support network we have. Lots to think about, and still lots to learn!
Garrett Elliott, Limestone DSB Trustee
This was my 5th #PESym19 and it was outstanding as usual. Thank you @OPSBA for always providing enriching PD for Trustees across Ontario.
Parthi Kandavel, Toronto DSB Trustee
Future OPSBA Events
We look forward to seeing you at future OPSBA events. Save these dates today!
Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Symposium 2019 (Registration now open)
April 4 and 5, 2019, Toronto
2019 Canadian School Boards Association Congress, National Trustees Gathering on Indigenous Education and OPSBA Annual General Meeting (Registration open soon)
July 3 to 7, 2019, Toronto