Sustaining Leadership in Schools: A Priority for School Leaders

TORONTO , Nov. 12 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Principals' Council opens its 12th Annual Odyssey Conference, the largest leadership symposium of its kind in Canada dedicated exclusively to the needs of public school leaders. Principals and vice-principals from Ontario will be joined by colleagues from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Australia , Ghana , Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago for Sustainable Leadership - What Matters Most.

This year's conference will welcome over 400 school leaders, continuing in the tradition of providing an array of informative, insightful and practical workshops to help schools become even better places of learning. Odyssey 2009 will include workshops on topics such as transformational coaching, restorative practices, school improvement, school/community partnerships and e-learning.

    
    The conference will also feature three keynote speakers:

    -   Mike "Pinball" Clemons, Vice-Chair of the Toronto Argonauts
    -   Neila Connors, an educator, consultant, professor and researcher
    -   Dr. James Orbinski, a veteran of many of the world's humanitarian
        emergencies.
    

"Leadership in the field of education involves many challenges. Meeting these challenges requires that school leaders envision the future, anticipate needs, plan ahead, build capacity and create opportunities for all our students," said Steve Poling , Principal in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and Chair of the conference committee.

The Ontario Principals' Council is the voluntary professional association representing more than 5,000 principals and vice-principals in Ontario's public elementary and secondary schools. Established in 1998, OPC advocates on behalf of public education and provides professional supports to its Members. In 2011, the OPC will host the 10th World Convention of the International Confederation of Principals in Toronto .

For further information: Peggy Sweeney, [phone] (OPC office), [phone] (cellular)