TORONTO, Aug. 27, 2013: A two-day conference at York University aiming to strengthen the dialogue between communities and schools to support students’ educational and social well-being will bring together educators, parents, students and community members, Aug. 27 and 28.

Community and School Collaborations Supporting Student Educational and Social Well Being, organized by the York Centre for Education and Community, will include workshops led by York University faculty members, and by representatives of school boards and community organizations. It will also present two panels featuring students and community members.

Ontario Ministry of Education, Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Toronto Catholic District School Board, York District School Board, Black Creek Community Health Centre and Success Beyond Limits are among the community partners in the project.

Gen Ling Chang, associate director of TDSB will offer a keynote speech focused on how “teaching, leading and learning to diversity” can help students to become high achievers, and also acquire knowledge, skills and values to become responsible members of society.

WHAT: Community and School Collaborations Supporting Student Educational and Social Well Being, a two-day conference
WHERE:TEL Building (basement), York University, Keele Campus (building 39 on map)
WHEN:Tuesday, Aug. 27. 12, 2013, 1:00pm-4:00pm:
Leading, Teaching and Learning to Diversity: 1:15 pm-2:15 pm, keynote speech by Gen Ling Chang, associate director, TDSB

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, 9:00am-3:45pm:

Community Perspectives on the School / Community Relationship: 9:15am to 10:30am, community panel
Perceptions and experiences on Communities and Schools Working Together: 1:15pm to 2:15pm, student panel
For complete schedule including workshop topics and timings, click here.

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca