2026 FSTA - Skills for a Changing World

This session is intended for the tasks of ONLY the planning and hosting team(s) of the Professional Association.

Nourish NS will be joining us this morning to focus on elementary aged students. How we talk about food and bodies with children and youth matters. This session highlights the importance of using neutral, inclusive language when exploring these topics in classroom settings. Educators will explore how everyday conversations can shape students' relationships with and perceptions of food. Through foundational and interactive learning, this session will explore practical ways to approach food and nutrition education that are age appropriate, center student engagement, encourage curiosity, and respect for diverse experiences. Educators can expect to gain tools and strategies to create classroom environments that support students in developing positive, informed, and lifelong relationships with food and their bodies. Learn More: www.nourishns.ca Watch Our Video: Nourish Nova Scotia

Instructor: Denise Bekkers Denise is a self-taught spinner and dyer of her homegrown fleece Participants will have the opportunity to spin yarn from hand processed and machine processed fibres with a drop spindle and try their hand at spinning on a spinning wheel. We will talk about spinning terminology and what you need to know to get started. We will also finish a sample of yarn so that it is prepped for knitting or crocheting. If there is interest and time, we can also explore dyeing wool fibres.

Chef Luke and General Manager Tyler from Antigonish Piper's Pub are taking the reins for a full day of hands-on culinary exploration. Both bring experience from celebrated kitchens across the West Coast and right here in Halifax — and have been the driving force behind the rebrand of Pipers Pub. We’re diving into sushi techniques, breaking down the craft in a way that’s fun, approachable, and seriously impressive. On top of that, we’ll be pairing it all with creative mocktails while exploring the art (and science) of mixology in a high-energy, vibrant setting. This is more than just a class — it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or just try something new, you’ll walk away with techniques and confidence to be the talk of your next dinner party.

In this session, participants will explore the renewed Healthy Living 9 curriculum with a particular focus on outcomes that play a role in gender-based violence prevention and bystander intervention education. Together, we will actively engage with recommended learning experiences and resources in the GBV Moodle and practice tools and techniques to engage youth with this material in safe, fun, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed ways. Participants will leave this session knowing how to navigate the GBV Moodle with ease, build familiarity with the teaching and professional learning resources. This session aims to build further comfort and confidence to engage youth in this important curriculum.

Bring a crochet hook and a ball of yarn! Get ready to dive into the world of crocheting. Participants will learn the basics and they can begin a project of their own. Join a few local ladies to have some fun and lots of laughs!

Get ready to move, stretch, and feel strong! Foundations of Strength is a fun, energizing one-hour class co-created by Britt and Loreen that blends the best of mindfulness and strength training into one seamless experience. We'll kick things off with a relaxing yoga flow to wake up your body and clear your mind, then build the energy with a mix of balance challenges, functional strength exercises, and resistance training designed to make you feel powerful and capable. We'll wrap it all up with a soothing yoga cool-down, leaving you refreshed, recharged, and grounded. This class is all about finding that sweet spot between strength and mindfulness-working hard, having fun, and feeling good while doing it. Wear comfortable clothing, bring your yoga mat, and get ready to enjoy the movement. All other equipment will be provided! This session will be place in the gymnasium.

Deena Jewers is a P–12 School Counsellor, as well as a Registered Counselling Therapist who also works in private practice during evenings and weekends. In this session, we will explore how mindfulness can support both our personal well-being and professional practice. Participants will gain a brief understanding of the history and foundations of mindfulness, learn about the connection between mindfulness and anxiety reduction, and explore practical strategies that can be used both personally and with students. As anxiety and stress continue to impact students and educators alike, this session aims to provide simple, accessible tools that can be implemented immediately to help foster calm, resilience, and emotional awareness in everyday life.

This interactive session will explore the key role of nutrition in all things brain health including learning, mental health, brain fog, and preventing cognitive decline. Laura Reid, MEd, RD (she/her) is the Dietetic Program Director and Dietetic Educator in the Department of Human Nutrition at StFX University. A Registered Dietitian for over 25 years, she has an interests in nutrition in mental health, eating disorders, and women's health. She has a BA in Psychology, BSc in Applied Human Nutrition with Integrated Dietetic Internship, and Master's in Adult Education.

Get ready to sweat, move, and have a blast! This fun, high-energy Bootcamp session is designed to get your heart pumping and your muscles working. Using a mix of resistance bands, dumbbells, slam balls, and bodyweight exercises, you'll build strength, boost your cardio, and improve mobility-all in one dynamic workout. The class is structured with interval training, keeping things exciting and effective while allowing you to challenge yourself at your own pace. Expect a mix of movements that keep your body guessing and your energy up from start to finish. And of course-music is a must! We'll keep the playlist pumping to keep you motivated and moving. Come ready to work, have fun, and leave feeling stronger than ever. This session will take place in the gymnasium.

In this session we will learn about and discuss key components from the book ‘Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD’ by Dr. Eli Lebowitz. Chris Gilham, PhD is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at St Francis Xavier University. Chris has been working in education for 30 years. He taught grades 3 to 9 and was a school-board consultant. He enjoys working with others to create, implement, and evaluate practical, school-based mental health programming for educators and students. Chris teaches courses on inclusion, mental health literacy, and critical research literacy. Chris is involved in several team projects. He is researching effective ways to increase the mental health literacy of educators and the impact this has on educator's mental health. He is evaluating the impact of boys' specific programming on their mental health and sense of school belonging. He is supporting larger research teams investigating effective substance use programs for schools, and prevention of partner-based violence programming for youth.

Learn more about NSCC’s Health and Wellness programs and how they connect with the current labour market in Nova Scotia. We’ll walk through admission requirements, program differences, academic pathways, and community involvement/experiences that help better prepare your students for their next steps. This session is a great way to get the latest updates so you can help your students choose a path that fits their interests and goals. Facilitator: Megan Collins, BA, BEd Student Recruitment Coordinator Registrar's Office/Student Recruitment

At Nourish Nova Scotia, we believe every young person deserves the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to build positive, healthy relationships with food. Creating positive food experiences by offering fun, age‑appropriate activities that connect directly with school food programs is a wonderful way for educators to support learning in meaningful, hands‑on ways. 
This session will offer educators an introduction to Nourish Nova Scotia's resources for educators, including our new What’s for Lunch? Cookbook, and a range of tools and hands-on activities related to growing, cooking and preparing food.  Participants will leave with a copy of our Nova Scotia School Lunch Cookbook. 

Denise is a self-taught spinner and dyer of her homegrown fleece. Participants will have the opportunity to spin yarn from hand processed and machine processed fibres with a drop spindle and try their hand at spinning on a spinning wheel. We will talk about spinning terminology and what you need to know to get started. We will also finish a sample of yarn so that it is prepped for knitting or crocheting. If there is interest and time, we can also explore dyeing wool fibres.

Join NSCC chef and culinary arts instructor, Jacob Rand as he walks through the process of preparing Macarons with ganache filling. Hope you have a sweet tooth for this delicious and delightful session!

This two-hour workshop explores how gender-based violence (GBV) can be addressed thoughtfully within language arts classrooms in grades 10-12. Using a text-based approach, the session considers how literature and media can support the critical analysis of complex social issues while maintaining a focus on student well-being. Participants will examine considerations for selecting and using texts that depict GBV. The workshop will also highlight strategies for facilitating discussion, framing analysis, and supporting diverse perspectives. Time will also be provided to consider how curriculum outcomes and assessment practices can support this work through a focus on analysis, representation, and authorial choices. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of how GBV-related themes can be addressed through purposeful, text-centered instruction, along with ideas for integrating this work into their existing practice in ways that are responsive and respectful. Facilitator: Tracy Giffin

Come and join some locals on an adventure in crazy patch sewing. All materials will be supplied, unless participants would like to bring their own fabric. This session will be a fun and interactive way to learn skills in quilting in an inclusive and fun atmosphere.

Brit’s style of yoga is a combo of Kundilini, awakening practices, vinyasa flow, and embodied movement - woven together through mindfulness movement and breathwork. Each practice is designed to help you reconnect to your body, regulate your nervous system, and tap into your inner wisdom. Expect a balance of strength and softness,movement and stillness, effort and ease. This is less about “getting it right” and more about feeling into what is true for you.

Deena Jewers is a P–12 School Counsellor, as well as a Registered Counselling Therapist who also works in private practice during evenings and weekends. In this session, we will explore how mindfulness can support both our personal well-being and professional practice. Participants will gain a brief understanding of the history and foundations of mindfulness, learn about the connection between mindfulness and anxiety reduction, and explore practical strategies that can be used both personally and with students. As anxiety and stress continue to impact students and educators alike, this session aims to provide simple, accessible tools that can be implemented immediately to help foster calm, resilience, and emotional awareness in everyday life.

Mental Health Literacy (MHL), HeartCare Planning, Social Connections, and your Well-being -In this session we will learn about and discuss key components of these three topics and discuss how they can support your well-being. Chris Gilham, PhD is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at St Francis Xavier University. Chris has been working in education for 30 years. He taught grades 3 to 9 and was a school-board consultant. He enjoys working with others to create, implement, and evaluate practical, school-based mental health programming for educators and students. Chris teaches courses on inclusion, mental health literacy, and critical research literacy. Chris is involved in several team projects. He is researching effective ways to increase the mental health literacy of educators and the impact this has on educator's mental health. He is evaluating the impact of boys' specific programming on their mental health and sense of school belonging. He is supporting larger research teams investigating effective substance use programs for schools, and prevention of partner-based violence programming for youth.