Annual Independent School Summit 2024
Enhance your knowledge as a leader in independent education with OFIS’s annual Independent School Summit, held this year on November 7th and 8th, 2024. This autumn we want to ask how we as independent schools stay true to our unique values while adapting to approaching changes. Our key touch points will examine agency, autonomy, hope and influence.
Enjoy inspiring talks from world-renowned speakers and take part in practical workshops designed to refine your skills and support you in shaping the future of your school within the evolving landscape of independent education.
This conference is open to leaders in independent education, including educators and board members, as well as anyone who has a vested interest in independent schools.
Date: November 7th and 8th, 2024
Time: 8 am - 4 pm
Location: Centennial College Event Centre, 937 Progress Ave, Toronto, ON, M1G 3T8
The Centennial College Event Centre is located at the new School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts. Parking is available and included with registration.
Fees and Registration: OFIS is proud to offer a high-calibre, valuable event for all Ontario independent school leaders and educators. OFIS members enjoy greater value with preferred fees. Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are included. Spaces are limited, so please do not delay your registration.
Registrants may be eligible for financial assistance through the OFIS Charitable Trust.
See fee and registration details.
Accommodations: Guests requiring accommodation can enjoy preferred rates at the Best Western Plus Executive Inn. Rates are guaranteed until October 6th, and availability is limited, so please book as soon as possible. See accommodation details.
Session Details:
Dr. Peter Bishop
Futures Thinking with Dr. Peter Bishop, Founder of Teach the Future
The University of Houston established the first degree in Foresight and Futures Studies in 1975. The Futures field as grown since then to more than 80 degree and certificate programs, three international and more than ten national and regional associations and thousands of foresight professionals. Isn’t time we shared what they teach to adults with young people in school? Dr. Peter Bishop, former Director of the Houston program, says YES. In fact, he established Teach the Future to do just that. He will share what they teach and why it is important that young people learn how to deal with change in this rapidly changing world.
Joanna DeJong VanHof
Current Trends of Independent Schools in Ontario’s Education Landscape with Joanna DeJong VanHof, Program Director of Education Cardus
Based on two recent publications published by Cardus, Joanna will share insights about Ontario’s growing and diverse independent school sector, including the prevalence of school type, subtype, and enrolment, and characteristics such as average school size, grade distribution, and geographic spread. Joanna will then explore the concept of school legitimacy within Ontario’s independent school sector through an investigation of a subset of schools commonly called “credit mills.” Do credit mills exist within the Ontario independent school landscape? How can the independent school sector work together to ensure quality and legitimacy? This session will be followed by a question-and-answer period.
Referenced publications:
https://www.cardus.ca/research/education/reports/naturally-diverse/
https://www.cardus.ca/research/education/reports/can-we-call-them-credit-mills/
Dr. Lesley Wilton
AI Literacy with Dr. Lesley Wilton, York University Faculty of Education, Technology and AI in Education
In this talk, Dr. Wilton will discuss why it is important for those in education to understand what AI is and what it does, in context. We will review the purpose and key principles of the AI Competency Framework for Teachers (CFT) (UNESCO 2024) and briefly examine the Acquire dimensions. The concept of AI pedagogy will be explored in consideration of the contexts of the attendees. Key issues in AI, such as the EU AI Act requirement for AI Literacy (Feb. 2025), and the raging debates about whether the newest version of OpenAI’s GPT 4.o (omni) and 01 can actually reason, will be highlighted. We will wrap up with a short discussion of AI Ethics in Education, model cards and some shared resources.
Dr. Ebrahim Bagheri
Grounding Socioeconomic Aspects of AI in Their Context with Dr. Ebrahim Bagheri
In his talk, Dr. Bagheri will address the complex interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and socioeconomic dynamics, drawing parallels from historical technological advancements. Through a series of examples, he will point to both the promise and peril of AI, examining how past innovations have shaped societies, economies, and individual lives. From the transformative power of industrialization to the ethical dilemmas of technology, he will explore lessons learned and insights gained, offering a nuanced perspective on navigating the evolving landscape of AI's impact on our world.
Julia Swaigen
Promoting Mental Wellness Across your School Community with Julia Swaigen, MSW, RSW, Founder of Attunded Families
The pressures on teachers have grown significantly over the years. Teachers are on the front line caring for and educating a generation of children with ever-growing needs. It’s no wonder we’ve seen staffing challenges in teaching. Julia will share her perspectives on how best to support, inspire and retain great teachers and will facilitate discussion to harness the expertise in the room to discuss best practices and how to navigate a very challenging time for schools and teachers.
Robert Harris
Stillpoints and Self-Regulation: Helping Neurological Challenges with Craniosacral Therapy with Robert Harris, Co-founder and Director of the Cranial Therapy Centre
Learn about stillpoints and the widespread benefits of Craniosacral Therapy (CST). Learn how to stillpoint and witness the deep, immediate relaxation possible. Learn how to bring one, with ease, for yourself or others. Understand how CST can help with learning disabilities, fine and gross motor skills, vestibular challenges, eye motor control and more. Learn from Canada’s leading practitioner and trainer, Robert Harris, RMT. With over 4 decades of experience, his insights and unique developments will empower and inspire us all as we gain new understandings and the ability to stillpoint and enter a state where the vagus nerve and para-sympathetics nervous system dominate, a true ‘portal zone’.
Kelly Brownbill
The Truth In Reconciliation with Kelly Brownbill, Indigenous Educator
In her workshop, renowned Indigenous educator Kelly Brownbill will illuminate the profound importance of acknowledging the land and its connection to Canadian/Indigenous history's enduring impact on Indigenous communities. With Kelly's guidance, you'll delve deeper into this history, crafting authentic land acknowledgments which are integral to the process of reconciliation. Discover how this meaningful practice can lead to ongoing opportunities for reconciliation within our schools, fostering an environment of cultural understanding, respect, and unity. Join us for this important and transformative experience and the chance to create a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Monthly Leaders’ Meeting with Tony DiLena
Experience our Monthly Leaders' Meeting like never before—live and in person! Join Tony DiLena and your fellow OFIS members to engage in real-time discussions on Ministry of Education updates, current events, and the unique challenges facing independent schools. This in-person format offers a rare chance to interact directly with peers, share experiences face-to-face, and delve into important issues that impact your leadership. Take advantage of this dynamic environment to connect, collaborate, and gain new perspectives in a way that only an in-person session can offer.
Tony DiLena
Thank you to our event sponsors:
