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Bio: Amy Orth has been an educator for 20 years, working in a number of rural communities.  She is currently the principal at Aberdeen Composite School and was recently elected as a member of the STF provincial executive.  Amy is passionate about adult learning, public education and leadership.  In her spare time, she can be found making snacks for the small people that live with her.

Being vulnerable and taking time to build a strong foundation helps to nurture the change you want to see in your school.  As leaders, we really have to think about who we are, who we want to be, how we want to work with our staff.

Tansi, my name is Jackie Durocher, an Indigenous Educator, leader and advocate for Northern Saskatchewan. I am a proud member of Lac La Ronge Band and Buffalo Narrows is my home community. My two children and 4 Grandchildren are what drive my passions in creating a better Saskatchewan for them and future generations. For the past 32 years, I have navigated the education system in Northern Lights School Division #113. Serving in diverse capacities ranging from elementary teacher, Principal, and currently serving as the Superintendent of Education. I have served over 14 communities in Northern Saskatchewan in the past 7 years. My passion for education is rooted in Mental Health Education and the Decolonization of Education.

Leading Against the Grain: Understanding Racism and Embracing Anti-Racist Leadership explores how educational leaders can confront systemic, structural, institutional, and interpersonal racism. Grounded in Ibram X. Kendi’s work on racist ideas and policies, and George J. Sefa Dei’s ten principles of anti-racist education, the presentation also introduces intersectionality as a lens for understanding marginalization. Participants will reflect on their leadership practices and consider strategies for creating more equitable, inclusive learning environments.

Dr. Ayodeji Osiname is an Assistant Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on anti-racist leadership, inclusive educational practices, support for newcomers, and the promotion of social justice and equity in education. His work aims to create transformative educational spaces where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. Dr. Osiname advocates for leadership that responds to systemic inequities and empowers students to become active agents of their own transformation and advocacy.

This session will demonstrate how property and casualty insurance interacts with education systems, facilities and structures to provide support to schools and school leadership in delivering education to students.  Risk management strategies and concepts that support students in classrooms will be highlighted.  Your risk management role as a school leader will be explored. 

Jeff McNaughton and Innocent Ihenyen have managed the SSBA’s General Insurance Plan (GIP) for over 10 years and have developed a robust risk management program that supports publicly funded schools throughout the province.  Jeff, as the Director, General Insurance Plan provides strategic direction for the overall program, and Innocent, as a Certified Insurance Professional, provides operational risk management support to school divisions.
Jeff McNaughton	Innocent Ihenyen

In the early days of leadership, one of the most meaningful investments we can make is in the people closest to the learning—our early years educators. This session explores how emerging leaders can confidently and competently steward the essential work of early learning through intentional support of the teachers at its heart. Grounded in the belief that leadership is a journey built on foundational skills and consistent growth, we’ll explore practical strategies for creating collaborative cultures, engaging families, and nurturing professional agency. Whether you're just beginning your leadership journey or seeking to strengthen your foundation, this session will equip you to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose in service of powerful early learning.

Jennifer Wilde is the proud principal of Lawson Heights School in Saskatoon and a dedicated leader with a deep passion for supporting educators and building strong, collaborative teams. With a career rooted in both classroom experience and system leadership, Jennifer has served as a Coordinator of Early Learning as well as a Coordinator of Mathematics and Assessment with Saskatoon Public Schools. Formerly known as Jennifer Brokofsky, she brings a wealth of insight into the intersection of curriculum, pedagogy, and professional growth. Jennifer is especially passionate about the foundational importance of early learning and the critical role leaders play in empowering the educators who shape children’s earliest school experiences. In her current leadership role and throughout her career, she has championed a relational, strengths-based approach that nurtures teacher agency and fosters a sense of shared purpose. Outside of school, Jennifer is the proud mom of three children and is engaged to her best friend Jason. Her session will draw on both lived experience and leadership practice, offering heartfelt and practical guidance for aspiring and early career leaders supporting early years education.

This session supports early career and aspiring principals in developing foundational leadership practices that cultivate a strong learning culture. Rooted in the belief that leadership is a developmental journey, this session explores how mindful leadership—practiced with intention and reflection—can empower teachers, foster belonging, and steward school culture with confidence.

Understanding Mindful Leadership
Explore how mindfulness strengthens leadership presence, enhances decision-making, and supports the emotional well-being of staff. Learn strategies to reduce decision fatigue and remain grounded in your first 100 days.

Building Leadership Capacity and Belonging
Discuss how stewarding people begins with listening and learning. Discover ways to build teacher agency, nurture a sense of belonging, and encourage a culture of shared leadership that grows over time.

Empowering Teachers to Lead Learning
Learn how to engage teachers in meaningful conversations about practice. Explore practical strategies to offer autonomy, invite collaboration, and create space for reflective, professional growth.

Action Planning for the First 100 Days
Develop an initial action plan to steward people and learning in your school context. Reflect on challenges and supports and begin identifying your next steps as a leader.

Susan Plant began her career in education in Meadow Lake in 1997. She brings a deep commitment to supporting teacher growth and student learning. Susan holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has conducted research on effective professional development through a McDowell Foundation research grant. Throughout her career, she has mentored and coached teachers as U of S Cooperating teacher, Learning Coach, Catalyst Teacher, and School Administrator. Now serving as a Superintendent of Learning with the North East School Division, Susan works alongside a dynamic team of principals, teachers, and division staff to enhance student learning, assessment practices, and teacher capacity across the system. She balances her professional life as the mom of a teenager, a proud grandma, and an acreage-dweller who loves gardening, home projects, golfing, and time outdoors.

Research clearly shows the important role the school leader plays in advancing education priorities and bringing them to life. As such it is critical that school and system leaders engage in anti-racist education work. Through the use of art, this session will support school and system leaders to reflect on their learning and leading journeys in creating more equitable schooling experiences.

Dr. Jordan Raymond is a cis-gendered male who identifies as queer, neurodivergent, and has Metis ancestry. His unique perspective adds a fresh dimension to his work as an anti-racist and anti-oppressive educator. Jordan has a wealth of experience in public education, and he is currently a lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. He has presented professional development at events, conferences, and universities across Canada and around the world.

The session will overview the role of a school principal when managing fundraising revenues and school-based funds. We will also discuss the types of fundraisers that are acceptable and how to manage public perceptions when requesting funds.

Joel Lloyd joined Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools in 2013 in the position of Chief Financial Officer and Information Technology. In his role, he has executive responsibility for the school division’s finances, facilities, transportation, payroll, insurance, and legal matters. Joel has always promoted transparency in school finances and the prioritization of funding to support classrooms whenever possible. Prior to joining Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, he worked for Living Sky School Division and Light of Christ School Division which are both located in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Joel resides in Saskatoon, with his wife Ashley and two children, Maya and Hudson. When not working, Joel can be found at his family cabin, the rink, or the ballpark.

Through the voices of early career vice principals from provincial and First Nation schools, panelists will explore their transitions to leadership, the challenges that they encountered, and the skills and knowledges that helped them to build their confidence and competence. Our panellists will inspire delegates with their humility, resilience, and their generosity in sharing how they encountered new roles and expectations. They will offer advice for aspiring and newly appointed school leaders and educational partners to better support onboarding into the crucial roles of leaders that ensures our schools are welcoming, equitable, effective, and continue to be the foundation of a healthy and prosperous democratic society.

Jason Bear
Kate Clements is the vice principal at Mount Royal Collegiate and a proud Métis educator with kinship ties to Lac Pelletier, Willowbunch, Batoche, and Red River. She graduated from SUNTEP Saskatoon in 2011 and spent ten years teaching grade 9 homeroom and senior Indigenous Studies before moving into administration. In 2022, she completed her Master of Education with a focus on anti-racist and anti-oppressive leadership. Kate is committed to equity and building strong school communities where staff and students feel empowered, motivated, and supported in their teaching and learning. Outside of school, she and her husband stay busy raising three young children, spending much of their time driving to all the activities and trying to squeeze in some time for camping, golfing, canoeing, and just being outside.
Dan Howie has served as Vice Principal at Traditions Elementary in Warman, SK for the past five years. Prior to becoming an administrator, Daniel Howie had over a decade of experience as a Senior Math and Science teacher in rural schools in Prairie Spirit School Division. Daniel Howie has also taken on the role of Learning Facilitator, supporting teacher development and instructional growth and Complexity Support Teacher, supporting students through social emotional learning.
Erin Manovich is a dedicated educator who works for the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Education here at the University of Saskatchewan, and currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Educational Administration. Erin serves as Vice Principal and Grade 8 Classroom teacher at St. Anne Inquiry School, where she is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for students and staff, inspiring success both n and outside of the classroom.

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Celia Deschambeault has been an educator for over 20 years. She has worked in many capacities from being an elementary teacher, high school teacher, vice-principal, principal, coordinator, consultant, superintendent and finally director of education. She holds a Bachelor of Education with distinction, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree at the University of Regina. Celia is currently the Director of Education for Nisto Awasisak Memorial School in Cumberland House Cree Nation. She has made phenomenal changes in the school which includes making Swampy Cree language and Land-Based Education a foundation. Those changes support decolonization and the revitalization of Swampy Cree Language. Celia is also a Cree Language resource developer and has recently supported Saskatoon Catholic, Sask. Rivers, Northwest School Division and Meadow Lake Tribal Council in Language and decolonization. Her passion is making meaningful change in education.

Navigating Your First Year as a Principal" is designed to equip new school leaders with the essential strategies and insights needed for a successful first year. This session covers setting a vision, building relationships, managing time effectively, and addressing common challenges, to ensure a smooth transition into your principalship role.

Dallas Puto (B.Ed. M.Ed.) is a retired high school & elementary school principal in Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Red Deer Catholic Schools. He has also served as an Executive Director for a non-profit and an Educational Advisor for the WHL. Raised on a farm near Hafford, SK, Dallas now works as a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan, as a consultant and copywriter.

Dr. Sawchuk will lead participants through a series of perspectives on parent and family engagement.  Participants will develop skills in developing their own framework to work with community to support learning outcomes for students.  Family, school, and leadership components of family engagement will be explored based on both research and practice.  The four articles that this presentation is based upon are attached for participants' consideration. 

Bio: I am a researcher interested in anything to do with education, building community, and the social determinants of health. I am a social justice theorist and a mixed methodologist. I completed my master’s with a thesis in Curriculum Studies at the U of S and recently completed a Ph D in Health Sciences from the College of Medicine. For the last 34 years I have worked in the context of elementary schools while going back to university. I have been a school-based administrator for the last 22 years. My husband Barry and I have five daughters in a blended family, a grandson, and I can’t forget our dog, Daisy!

Eric Campbell

In this session, participants will have an opportunity to enhance their capacities as leaders to work towards supporting Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer young people in schools. The presentation will include an overview of terminology, history, statistics, research, resources, and strategies for implementation. This session is an opportunity to work towards reconciliation in schools, ask questions, and feel more confident working with Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer young people. 

Jade Hupé B.Ed., M.Ed., (she/her) is a Métis educator and Co-Lead of ITTSY. She works at the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Saskatchewan after previously teaching French Immersion with SPSD.
Tanzy Janvier B.Ed., (they/them), a Two-Spirit Denesuline from Clearwater River Dene Nation in Treaty 8, is the Lead Organizer and Founder of ITTSY. They serve as a resource teacher with Saskatoon Public School Division, promoting inclusive education.

Jennifer Altenberg

This session will consider school leadership from a human resource management perspective.  Participants will share in discussion focused on processes and perspectives that support staff and students schools.

Davin Hildebrand is currently the Deputy Director of Education with the Northwest School Division.  He has been a LEADS member for the past 11 years working on a number of portfolios, including Human Resources.  Davin also teaches sessional courses at the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, University of Alberta, Brandon University and Western University.  He has three busy children and is married to Courtney, a school principal.

This session explores the financial landscape of First Nations education finance, highlighting historical underfunding and funding disparities. It examines the impact of disparities in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and student outcomes First Nations schools often deal with. Recent policy developments and funding reforms are discussed, alongside the need for sustainable investment and Indigenous-led solutions. The presentation emphasizes the importance of equity, self-determination, and government collaboration in transforming First Nations education finance.

Patrick Bugler Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Nephew. Member of Red Pheasant Cree Nation, with a 25 year career in education. Bachelor of Education and Masters in Educational Administration. Has had roles of teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal, Instructional Coach, Superintendent, and Director Education. Former First Nations and Metis Advisor at the Ministry of Education. Currently the Chief Executive Officer with Treaty Six Education Council, an organization providing second level education support services to 13 Nations across west-central Saskatchewan.

The backbone of the Saskatchewan Principals’ Short Course is the community of leaders that selflessly offer their time and expertise to guide the learning of our delegates. Their demonstrated capacity to lead in complex times and to help define Saskatchewan provincial and First Nations schools as some of the best in the world ensures that delegates are engaging with theory and practice as they develop their own capacities and dispositions to leadership. Throughout the week, delegates will raise key questions that we will put to our facilitators to share their knowledges, experiences, and insights. As we give the “last word” to our facilitators, we will be reminded that leaders are those who mobilize their vision through relationships, dedication and hard work, and being purveyors of hope and catalyst for change in professional and community circles.