NSSBA's 56th AGM to focus on students

DARTMOUTH, NS, May 27 /CNW/ - The Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) will host the 56th annual general meeting and conference of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association (NSSBA), May 28-29, 2010 at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre in Cornwallis, NS.

Students: Our Passion, Our Future is the theme of the event, which is chaired by Hank Middleton, a CSAP school board member. Approximately 90 board members and administrators will gather in Cornwallis to celebrate students, learn from workshops, enjoy networking opportunities and attend the annual general meeting.

Ron Marks, NSSBA president, believes that the AGM is the perfect time for school board members to catch up and learn from each other. "We are bringing in leading experts to talk about all aspects of the student experience," said Marks. "This will enhance our ability to support our educators in motivating students with the skills they need to thrive in our global world."

Lise Paiement, a leading expert in education psychology, will deliver the keynote address. Using anecdotal evidence and testimonies, she will demonstrate the need to create a learning environment that encourages leadership, student accountability and active community participation.

Carole Olsen, the superintendent of the Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB), will deliver a breakfast address on the skills students need in the 21st century. Under her leadership, the HRSB has made significant progress in improving student achievement.

Throughout the conference, CSAP will be highlighting French and Acadian students from around the province. The robotics students from École Rose-des-Vents in Greenwood will demonstrate their award winning Lego robots on Friday morning. A group of student performers from Dartmouth's École du Carrefour will entertain on Friday evening. Popular Acadian dance troupe, La Baie en Joie, will also perform.

The annual general meeting will take place on Saturday, May 29. The new executive for NSSBA will be determined at that time and the resolutions package will be discussed.

The NSSBA is the provincial voice for school boards.

For further information: Sharon Findlay-MacPhee, Communications Manager, NSSBA, [phone] (O), [phone] (C); Ron Marks, President, NSSBA, [phone] (H), [phone] (C)