Academy in School Mental Health As an educator your aspiration is to be a leader, role model, sounding board, voice of encouragement and mentor to the hundreds of students that cross your path. Lately though, you are facing more and more instances of students who aren’t able to be active participants in their learning because of emotional or mental health concerns and this may leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, fatigued, under supported, ill informed or powerless. Often, these and other behaviours are linked to diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health challenges. Teachers can play a very important and supportive ongoing role in the lives of students struggling with mental health problems – when provided with training, tools and techniques that make sense to educators and students. The Academy in School Mental Health was conceived by a team of experts that wanted to offer a forum for educators to get solutions to these and other concerns around school mental health.
This summer workshop will provide you with: A practical understanding of the most prevalent adolescent mental health disorders Discussions of strategies for learning and social success In classroom applications of effective tools and techniques An understanding of how to talk to youth and parents about mental health We’ll be providing opportunities to engage in discussion with leading mental health professionals, teachers, youth with lived mental health experiences and a network of colleagues from coast-tocoast that will become a strong resource for you.
To register, contact Jeff O’Neill slfc@iwk.nshealth.ca (902) 233-7692 or visit
Academy in School Mental Health Separating Fact from Fiction: Mental Health, Mental Disorders and the Media Discuss the role of positive mental health in learning and how educators can enhance positive mental health. Understand mental disorders and signs of early detection to help improve the current and future lives of students.
Dr. Stan Kutcher, MD, FRCPC, FCAHS
Learn how to evaluate scientific research and media reports related to health care.
Medication Use and Abuse Review the good, the bad, and the ugly of psychotropic medications.
VENUE: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia MEALS: Continental breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided
Explore the process of medication selection and treatment monitoring.
DATE: July 11-12, 2011 or July 14-15, 2011
Participate in a dialogue about psychotropic medications for school-aged children.
TIME: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Dr. David Gardner, PharmD, MSc
FEE: $250.00/per educator
Finding Zen: Anxiety Strategies for the Classroom Gain an understanding of anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and teens. Learn how to recognize anxiety in children and teens. Identify skills and strategies to manage anxiety in a classroom and school-setting. Dr. Alexa Bagnell, MD, FRCPC
ACCOMMODATIONS: Risley Hall or Howe Hall: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia For bookings, call 1.888.271.9222 or email accommodations@dal.ca. Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites: Halifax, Nova Scotia For bookings, call 1-800-565-2020 or visit www.lordnelsonhotel.ca.
Riding the Rollercoaster: Mood Disorders 101 Understand the basic causes and treatment of mood disorders. Learn to recognize the signs of a mood disorder in your students and how you can help. Learn about how mood disorders can affect performance and some typical strategies to assist students with their learning as they recover from a mood disorder. Dr. Suzanne Zinck, MD, FRCPC
To register, contact Jeff O’Neill slfc@iwk.nshealth.ca (902) 233-7692 or visit
TEENMENTALHEALTH.ORG
Academy in School Mental Health When Everything Seems Unreal: Psychosis at School Review the history of psychosis and psychotic disorders, current definitions and symptoms. Know the markers that help identify youth at risk for psychosis and psychotic disorders. Discuss the importance of early identification and treatment of youth with psychosis and psychotic disorders. Dr. Sabina Abidi, MD, FRCPC
Let’s Talk: Opening the Doors for Discussion Examine positive communication and collaborate strategies for working with parents of children with mental health difficulties. Explore ways to discuss the special needs of children with their parents and caregivers.
Alan McLuckie, MSW, RSW
Identify the ways in which educators can be involved in the assessment and treatment of child and youth mental health difficulties.
Eating Disorders: Harm vs. Help Understand the complexities of eating disorders
Lunch & Learn Opportunities with:
Laing House www.lainghouse.org and
Yoo Magazine www.yoomagazine.net plus
Networking Opportunities with Academy Presenters Daily breakout strategy sessions with educators that specialize in mental health and addictions Daily Q&A and Panel Discussions Evening Wine and Dine opportunities
Get advice on what to do if you suspect a student is suffering from an eating disorder. Discuss what works in prevention and what is potentially harmful. Dr. Stephanie Casey, MD, FRCPC
Sit Still and Learn: ADHD and Disruptive Behaviours Understand ADHD and its link to the development of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. Understand management strategies and the importance of supporting healthy behaviour as well as the use of accountability training.
Dr. Wade Junek, MD, FRCPC
Learn about the important role that teachers play in identification and management of these disorders.
Dr. Penny Corkum, BSc, MA, PhD
TEENMENTALHEALTH.ORG
Academyconference in School Mental Health schedule DAY 1 Time 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:45 am 9:00 am 10:15 am 10:45 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm
- 8:45 am - 8:45 am - 9:00 am - 10:15 am - 10:45 am - 2:00 pm - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Presenter Registration Breakfast Dr. Stan Kutcher Dr. Stan Kutcher Break Dr. David Gardner Lunch Dr. Alexa Bagnell Dr. Suzanne Zinck Break Teachers Panel
Interest Area Welcome and Goals of the Academy Separating Fact From Fiction: Mental Disorders and the Media Medication Use and Abuse Networking Opportunity and Workshop Sign Up Finding Zen: Anxiety Strategies for the Classroom Riding the Rollercoaster: Mood Disorders 101 Networking Opportunity Classroom Strategies From the Frontline Questions, Discussion and Wrap-Up
DAY 2 Time 8:00 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm
Presenter
- 8:30 am Breakfast - 9:00 am Dr. Stan Kutcher Alan McLuckie - 10:00 am Break - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Dr. Corkum & Dr. Junek Lunch - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Dr. Stephanie Casey - 3:00 pm Dr. Sabina Abidi Break - 3:30 pm Teachers - 4:30 pm Panel - 5:30 pm
Interest Area Review First Day’s Activities Let’s Talk: Opening the Doors for Discussion Sit Still and Learn: ADHD and Disruptive Behaviours Laing House - Guest Speaker Eating Disorders: Harm vs. Help When Everything Seems Unreal: Psychosis at School Networking Opportunity Classroom Strategies From the Frontline Questions, Discussion and Wrap-Up
To register, contact Jeff O’Neill slfc@iwk.nshealth.ca (902) 233-7692 or visit