PRINCIPALS GATHER TO ENGAGE THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES

TORONTO, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - The 13^th annual Odyssey Conference, a unique leadership symposium dedicated exclusively to the needs of principals and vice-principals, opens today in Toronto.  School leaders from Ontario will be joined by colleagues from across Canada, Peru, Ireland, Australia and the United States for Inclusive Leadership - Engaging Your School Community.  

Hundreds of elementary and secondary school principals and vice-principals will be provided with an array of informative, insightful and practical workshops to help schools become even better places of learning.  Odyssey 2010 will focus on improving literacy learning; increasing numeracy learning; creating pathways to post-secondary destinations; and creating within schools a sense of community, culture and caring supportive of student engagement.

The conference will also feature three keynote speakers:

• Trevor Wilson, a thought leader and global diversity and Human Equity strategist
• Michael Kerr, one of North America's leading authorities on creating healthier and more productive working environments and
• Dr. Samantha Nutt, a medical doctor and founder/Executive Director of War Child Canada.

The extraordinary learning experiences offered throughout the conference are specifically focused on meeting the leadership needs of principals and vice-principals," said Alice McDowell, Principal in the Avon-Maitland District School Board and Chair of the conference committee.  "There will be opportunities to learn new practices, access current resources, network with colleagues and benefit from the insightful and practical workshops tailored to professional development." 

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, the OPC advocates on behalf of public education and provides professional supports to its Members.  In 2011, the OPC will host the 10^th World Convention of the International Confederation of Principals in Toronto.

For further information:

Peggy Sweeney
[phone] (OPC office)   
[phone] (cellular)