Peace Conference Planning
Student
Peace Conference
A student peace conference is organized along the lines of any other conference. There may be a keynote speaker who addresses the group as a whole and several workshops are offered. Students may or may not get to select which sessions they attend. Usually, teachers assign students to a group that is comprised of 15-18 students from grades 3-6. The group, with a staff leader, stays together and travels from workshop to workshop. The younger students remain as a class and the presenters come to them.
Sample
Timetable
8:45- Students assemble in the gym and sit with their group.
8:55- Keynote address
9:10- Students report to first session
9:15-9:45- First workshop
9:45-10:15- Second workshop
10:15-10:30- Nutrition Break*
10:35-11:05- Third workshop
11:05-11:35- Final workshop
11:35-11:45- Presenters are thanked, students return to homerooms
*Students remain in the same room as their second workshop and parent volunteers serve juice and a snack. Presenters gather for coffee and treats.
Some
Possible Workshops and Facilitators
Bullying Frank Zinck, Mike O’Leary, Cst. Atwell
Anger Management Donna Rutledge, Mel White
Conflict Resolution Basinview Players, Irondale Ensemble, Sue MacKay,
Makiko Chiasson
Active Listening Dale Armstrong, Natalie Milligan
“I” Messages Mary Jean Cavicchi, Bill Hatcher
Peace Olga Locke (peace bingo) Cst. Simmons
Peer Mediation Shannon Park Peer Mediators, Beaver Bank-
Monarch Drive Peer Mediators (many others)
These speakers are to be found within the Halifax Regional School Board.
Possible
Topics for Younger Students
Cooperative games Phys. Ed. teacher with help from student leaders
Music Music teacher – may teach a peace song
Art Making peace signs- cranes, peace pipes, helping
hands
“I” Messages Scaled down to meet level of students
Videos The public library has several that are appropriate and
may be used for large group viewing
Hands are for helping
Afternoon
Student Showcase
As students enter the gym they sing a song that they have previously practiced. *
Student emcees welcome participants and guests and oversee the events.
Students, as a class or as individuals, present to their peers.
Student of the
week/month awards can be presented.
*Songs that we have used successfully include:
Heal The World
Let There Be Peace On Earth
Song For Peace
Sample
Program
“Say Hello” sung by primary classes
Composting demonstration – Grade 4
Choir- Songs of peace
Peace Alphabet - Grade 3
Readers’ Theatre Presentation – Grade 5 (many scripts are available on
“the internet”)
Presentation of student awards – Principal/Vice Principal
Poetry readings by students – Original or selected
Cooperative play – Grade 2 (skipping, parachute games etc)
Choir
Skits – Grade 6 - Original – or selected
Students leave the assembly singing.
For more information on student conferences or help with contacting possible facilitators, contact Monarch Drive School in Beaver Bank.