CATCA 2025: Full Schedule

11:40am MST

Demystifying Autism

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST

Autism is a brain-based difference that affects communication and behavior regulation. In this session, we’ll explore key insights to foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and how they impact everyone in the classroom.
Key Topics:
• Characteristics of Autism: Including real-life, lived experiences.
• Understanding Ableism: How society perceives and treats individuals with developmental disabilities like ASD.
• Executive Functioning: Its effect on day-to-day living, with a focus on classroom challenges.
• What You'll See in the Classroom: Recognizing behaviors and communication patterns that impact teachers and students.
• Coping Strategies: Practical techniques for both school and beyond to help autistic students succeed.
• Resources & Tools: Books, websites, posters, and sensory tools like finger fidgets will be shared, with some items available for display.
• Social Skills Survival: Learn how to teach the "unwritten rules" of social interactions.
Join us to better understand autism and create an inclusive, empathetic learning environment!

Speakers

Terri Robson

After overcoming challenges to accept and understand the impact of Autism (Asperger Syndrome) in her own life, Terri Robson was inspired to help others. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, she uses her determination to engage in projects aimed at raising awareness... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2503

9:00am MST

Co-Authors of The Valley of the Birdtail

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

Why are outcomes for Indigenous students so unequal? Join authors Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) and Andrew Stobo Sniderman for a discussion about their acclaimed book, Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation. This book follows multiple generations of two families, one white and one Indigenous, and weaves their lives into the larger story of Canada. Valley of the Birdtail is about how two schools became separate and unequal—and what it means for the rest of us.

Speakers

Andrew Stobo Sniderman

ANDREW STOBO SNIDERMAN is a writer, lawyer and Rhodes Scholar from Montreal. He has written for the New York Times, the Globe and Mail and Maclean’s. He has also argued before the Supreme Court of Canada, served as the human rights policy advisor to the Canadian minister of foreign... Read More →

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii)

DOUGLAS SANDERSON (AMO BINASHII) is Beaver Clan, from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He holds the Prichard Wilson Chair in Law and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Professor Sanderson has served as senior Advisor to the government of Ontario, in the offices... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), All Divisions | Keynotes and Special Events, Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), All Divisions | Diversity, Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), All Divisions | Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), All Divisions | Social Studies (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), All Divisions | Language Arts (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), All Divisions

9:00am MST

In the International Kitchen with Jeff & Kimi

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:30pm MST

Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame Food Lab 1515

Come and join us in the kitchen for a day of international cooking. Join with a friend or be ready to make a new ones while we cook some international delights including:
- Homemade Ramen with handmade noodles and garnishes
- Authentic chicken curry with rice & samosas
- Parisian gnocchi with vodka sauce
- Pavlova and fresh berries
The class will run from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Notre Dame High School - 50- Lees Street, Red Deer AB.

The menu is subject to change without notice due to ingredient availability.
You are encouraged to bring take out containers for leftovers.
There will be breaks to eat and visit. You will not need to bring lunch!

There is a $25 non-refundable ingredient fee for the class and must be paid by etransfer to jeff.lerouge@rdcrs.ca to secure your spot.

Act quickly there are only 20 spots available!

Speakers

Jeff Lerouge

Career Pathways Teacher, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

I've taught high school culinary arts for over 15 years and have been fortunate to travel with my family as well as students on numerous tours and cultural exchanges. I love to taste and travel and would never pass up a great risotto! I truly believe in pushing students to try new... Read More →

Kimi Abreu

Long time teacher with a love for cooking. Looking forward to working with Jeff again to deliver this international cooking class; I am happy to continue to share my cultural dishes.

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:30pm MST
Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame Food Lab 1515

10:20am MST

Leading for Equity: Unpacking Leadership Models, Gendered Expectations, and Bias in Alberta Schools

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

This session explores diverse leadership models and the traits that define effective school leaders, with a focus on how gendered expectations shape leadership roles and responsibilities. Participants will delve into the ways in which bias and gendered assumptions influence school leadership dynamics, particularly in the context of Alberta's education system. Through critical reflection and discussion, attendees will gain insights into how these factors impact not only leaders but the broader teaching profession. The session aims to provide actionable strategies for fostering a more equitable environment for all and promote leadership that is inclusive, supportive, and fair.

Speakers

Lisa Everitt

Executive Staff Officer, Government

Dr. Lisa Everitt has dedicated her career to the field of education, commencing with working as a teacher in both the North West Territories and in Parkland School Division. Since 2006, she has served as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association. Throughout... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

11:40am MST

Autism 101

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 2501

Autism 101 gives the opportunity to gain a basic overview of autism and neurodiversity. It is an introduction to what autism is and gives information on how autistic individuals may interact with others and the world around them. More specifically, the presentation covers the following topics:
• Overview of Autism
• Characteristics of Autism
• How Sensory Processing Works
• Sensory toolbox
• Language to Use
• Introduction to Visual Supports

Speakers

Douglas Parsons

Douglas Parsons is the Training and Resource Manager for Autism Edmonton. He lends his expertise in providing learning opportunities for the Autistic community (and those wanting to learn about Autism) around the world. Under his management umbrella is the Housing portfolio where... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2501