Thames S.S.
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Conference empowers student leaders to make a difference
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 – About 200 students and teachers at this year’s Youth Safe Schools Conference will be encouraged to stand up for positive school culture and healthy relationships. Joel Hilchey, founder of The Beanstalk Project – a youth engagement initiative to promote global citizenship, develop youth leadership and create positive social change – will be featured as this year’s keynote speaker. With a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Hilchey brings a unique mix of technical savvy, social awareness and practical business insight to the discussion of student leadership and character. His experience as a juggler and musician make the lessons entertaining. “Our programs get more students more involved in a way that actually works, Hilchey says in a video on his website. The theme of Friday’s conference is Upstanders Make a Difference! and aims to empower youth to take on leadership roles in other Safe School initiatives at their own school. The Safe Schools program develops partnerships among staff, students, parents and the community who are committed to strategies related to violence prevention and intervention. Violence prevention is addressed in the curriculum and there is a consistent, coordinated approach to handling violent incidents that occur in schools. Organizers believe the conference provides an opportunity for students and teachers to network and learn more about effective initiatives that have been organized at schools throughout the school district. What: Youth Safe Schools Conference – Upstanders Make a Difference! Where: Thames Room, the Education Centre When: 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012 The Youth Safe Schools (YSS) conference has been held annually for several years. Participating students are selected at each school by the teaching staff. For more information: Susan Dale, Learning Coordinator – Safe Schools
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