GETCA 2025

In the last five years, North American Society has had an increased focus on Mental Health and Wellness. In nearly every segment of society a person’s mental health has been brought to the forefront of discussion when it comes to identifying issues that affect overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, while international research has come to understand that mental health and wellness struggles affect all ethnicities and cultures – there are many people both locally and abroad that have a lack of understanding as to how their own families are affected by these very real issues. This session will explore why some families tend to not see mental health affecting personal wellness and how we can communicate these very real issues to the parents of our international students when they arise in our schools and districts. This session will lay out best practices on how to communicate mental health issues to parents, especially those who are new to Canada.

We hear much about how social media is impacting our kids. In this presentation I give evidenced based research on how social media and the mental health of our students are linked, and how educators can navigate our students world of technology with practical tips that educators can easily apply.

At the peak of the pandemic, forty educational leaders from across Alberta united virtually with a common purpose: to foster hope. Through reflection, connection, and the power of story, we uncovered themes of Courage, Connection, Compassion, Curiosity, and Creativity. Join us to hear a metissage of excerpts from our recently-published anthology, Weaving Hope Through Our Education System, listen to a panel discussion, and participate in a sharing circle responding to the question: How do we foster hope in our education system?

Taking on a formal instructional leadership role such as principal, assistant principal, department head, curriculum coordinator or consultant includes additional responsibilities that require leaders to learn and/or refine certain skills; perhaps one of the most important roles is supporting teachers to create quality learning environments that ensures success for all students. How do we (individually and collectively) support teachers to become independent, collaborative, highly effective educators?How does this support look differently if the teacher is new to the profession?

Rooted in the land-based resources of the North, Inuit traditions and culture flourished despite the unforgiving Arctic climate. Demonstrating incredible resilience and ingenuity, the Inuit have a rich history that Goota enthusiastically shares through her vivid storytelling and genuine Inuit artifacts.

Join us for an engaging session dedicated to the rich tradition of Inuit games. Participants will delve into the cultural significance, historical roots, and the skills involved in these traditional activities. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on participation, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the games that have been passed down through generations, fostering community and resilience in Inuit culture. Whether you're learning about the endurance-testing Knuckle Hop, the strategic Blanket Toss, or the cooperative Seal Crawl, this session promises a fun and educational experience for all ages. Be prepared for an immersive journey into the world of Inuit games, where tradition meets play!

Teacher and student absenteeism is a critical issue facing school districts, exacerbating burnout and attrition among educators. Therese and Melissa aim to provide insights into teacher absenteeism and burnout to help districts address these challenges.

Growing Up in Nunavut Goota recounts her life in Kinngait, revealing the trials and triumphs of her early years. Please note that this powerful narrative may contain content unsettling for some audiences.