For the first time since its amalgamation in 2006, Prairie South School Division is bringing together all employees for a learning day that will feature a respected psychologist and educational instructor.
The division-wide event occurs Monday, Aug. 29, at the Hildebrand Chapel on the Briercrest Campus in Caronport and acts as the kickoff to the 2022-23 school year.
The day’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, who is described as one of the most sought-after, engaging, thought-provoking, and transformative international speakers and scholars in her field.
She is a multi-award-winning psychology and education instructor with 16 years of experience as a university teacher and researcher specializing in resiliency, navigating stress and change, and personal wellness.
Her keynotes also provide practical strategies grounded in global research and case studies that help foster resiliency within people.
Ryan Boughen, director of education, explained that the day helps the division have a better shot of experiencing a normal school year after nearly three years under the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s kind of an exciting time for us,” he stated. “And we have the opportunity to have Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe here with us in person, so that’s super exciting because the school division has done some work with her … on resiliency.”
Hanley-Dafoe will review the information she provided staff last year and then weave in the concept of “work-life integration,” Boughen continued. This concept is similar to the idea of “work-life balance,” but her view is people integrate those ideas because life is more than just work.
The education research will also discuss how employees can remain healthy at work and have equilibrium in their lives.
“It’s exciting that we get to hear her talk about that because she’s an expert in that area. And it’s a message that has the opportunity to resonate with all staff,” the education director said.
The division usually starts new school years with a teaching assessment and instructional session because the organization’s core function is student learning and well-being, Boughen continued. Normally that brings together only teachers, but health and well-being affect everyone at work regardless of position.
“It’s really exciting for us that we can bring everyone together and have that opportunity … ,” he remarked.
Prairie South is holding its learning day on Briercrest Campus in Caronport because after Hanley-Dafoe has finished speaking, schools and departments will break into smaller groups to discuss the information she shared and learn from it, Boughen added.
Near the end of the day, comedian Kelly Taylor will perform for division staff. His performance is called “The Fifth Pillar of Resiliency: Humour.”
