Joel Hilchey, founder of The Beanstalk Project – a youth engagement initiative to promote global citizenship, develop youth leadership and create positive social change – was 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 made the lessons entertaining.

The theme of the conference was "Upstanders Make a Difference!" and aimed 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.

The Youth Safe Schools (YSS) conference has been held annually for several years. Participating students are selected at each school by the teaching staff.

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2. Fresh take on a Shakespeare classic

3. 2013 Award of Distinction

4. Clarke Road student wins Brain Bee

5. Wheable student’s Tru success

6. Walk/Run for prostate cancer awareness

7. Meet the 2013-2014 Student Trustees

8. Thames Valley kicks off Education Week

9. Show you care on Toonie Tuesday

10. London South alumni return for class

11. School Within A University open for 13-14

12. Orchard Park intermediate students GetREAL

13. A.B. Lucas celebrates 50th reunion in May

14. TVDSB students off to int. science fair

15. Arthur Voaden visits the United Kingdom

16. A Principal's testimonial for The Caring Fund

17. Cartier PS class greens classroom website

18. TVDSB staff member earns Navy promotion

19. How to go green with a waste audit

20. Find your voice volunteering

21. TVDSB says “no” to unnecessary waste

22. Show you care on Toonie Tuesday

23. Recycle your old batteries

24. Reduce waste by going paperless

25. Wilfrid Jury Community Forum

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