Sexuality Education in Quebec’s Schools: Possible Roles for Librarians
Session C2 11:40 -12:25
Session Description:
This presentation will provide a brief overview of the aims in Sexuality Education and will explore strategies that can be used to select pertinent and adequate resources. The workshop will conclude with a showcase of actions that librarians in schools have done to support their school-team.
During the presentation participants will :
- Understand the importance and the “why” of teaching sexuality education
- Become familiar with the learning content for Sexuality Education by the MEES;
- Learn about strategies, tools and resources to select and evaluate books and material for sexuality education (especially in the case of sensitive topics or topics of concerns)
- Learn how your colleagues in various schools have supported their school teams.
Speakers Bios:
Jamie Quinn, Elaine Dalbec, and Mylaine Cardin are three consultants working on the Sexuality Education dossier in their respective School Boards (English Montreal, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Lester B. Person School Boards). They are joining their expertise and experience for this presentation.
Jamie Quinn is a pedagogical consultant who has been working with the English Montreal School Board since 2002. Before coming to Montreal, she started her teaching career in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she received her undergraduate degree at Saint Mary’s University and Liberal Studies degree at the University of Maine, USA. She taught at the Secondary level at LaurenHill Academy where she started teaching in Montreal. Jamie has always encouraged Sexuality Education in the classroom and continues to support all schools in the EMSB (Elementary and Secondary) with the implementation process. She has confidence in the partnerships, whom she will team up with, to encourage, maintain, and support teachers to create healthy school environments for students.
Elaine Dalbec has been working at the SWLSB as a Social Services Agent in Health Promotion and Drug Prevention since 2012, and also worked as a Special Education Technician at a SWLSB school in the Laurentians. She studied Leisure Studies at Concordia University, and while working in drug prevention in French and English schools, completed her certification in Drug Prevention – Intervention. Acquired from the community organizations domain, this is where she inordinately developed her expertise in referring, collaborating and networking. She strongly believes that working with internal and external resources is fundamental in supporting schools for the development of the child. Addiction, suicide and community resources and now sexuality education dossiers, all tie in naturally and logically with her beliefs … “Supporting the development of a healthy network, interests and PASSIONS is crucial for a well-balanced lifestyle.” Sex and Drugs can be Rock and Roll!
Mylaine Cardin, P.Dt. is a pedagogical consultant working for the Lester B Pearson School Board over the past 20 years. She holds a degree in science (major in dietetics) from McGill University, a postgraduate certification in public health from Laval University and is currently following a postgraduate micro-program in pedagogical counselling from Sherbrooke University. One of her dossiers is Sexuality Education. She is a fervent advocate for healthy, safe and caring schools and strongly believes in collaborative approaches when supporting schools in carrying out their mission.