That’s a wrap on QACVE 2024!

Hello everyone!

Were you at the QACVE 2024?  I can’t believe that it was a month ago!  Held at the beautiful Hotel du Domaine at Thetford Mines, the conference was a lovely few days of learning, sharing, connecting, and having fun!  Over 150 vocational training teachers, consultants and partners came together on May 16-17, 2024 for a buffet of professional development and extra-curricular activities.  There is a lot to share and we will explore this through multiple posts over the next few weeks that will touch on different aspects of the conference experience.  Here’s the breakdown:

• Post 1:  Conference highlights
• Post 2:  Session highlights
• Post 3:  Poster highlights
• Post 4:  Staying connected 

You are more than welcome to add your thoughts and experiences to the blog posts – just use the responses feature below the posting.  You can also head on over to the QACVE group on VT.PROCEDE.ca to see pictures, check out the shared resources, and have a discussion with the presenters!

Conference Highlights

After an inspiring keynote speech by Isabelle Fontaine on tapping into the energy we have within through music and movement to develop emotional fitness, we moved to the sessions where many presenters were vocational training teachers offering insight into how they teach their trade, highlighting elements they felt made a difference and areas they want to continue to develop.  In the first session block, we explored topics ranging from mitigating stress in students to accessibility in technology to using simulations for training purposes.  In the second session block, we discussed creating inclusive learning environments, using Universal Design and Learning (UDL) in assessments, and explored mixed reality/artificial intelligence tools for teaching, learning and work.  In the third session block, we learned about the role of psychological safety in student success, innovative partnerships in education, and understanding performance expectations.  The sessions closed with a walkable poster session where we had conversations with presenters about how to apply their topics our specific vocational teaching realities. 

One of the most memorable moments of the conference is the evening cocktail party where vocational training teachers take time to recognize their hard work and commitment to teaching their trade. The QACVE conference committee received 7 nominations for the QACVE Peer Recognition Award which celebrates VT teachers that make a difference in student learning experiences.  All nominees are deserving of an award and choosing the winners is difficult!  After tallying up the responses, the three winners are presented with an award plaque and a cheque for spending on educational needs in their centre.  Congratulations to all!

Nominees and recipients

• Cesar Brunet, Automobile Mechanics teacher at Lester B. Pearson School Board
• Serge DaCosta, Starting a Business teacher at Riverside School Board
• Vanya De Andrade, Hairdressing teacher at Lester B. Pearson School Board and 2024 winner
• Catalin Farcas, General Building Maintenace teacher at Lester B Pearson School Board
• Gilles Phaneuf, Machining teacher at Eastern Townships School Board and 2024 winner
• Sean Stewart, Welding and Fitting teacher at Western Quebec School Board
• Jeremy Theodore, Heath, Assisstance and Nursing teacher at Riverside School Board and 2024 winner

Conferences are not without their informal moments and with lovely weather over two days and lots of outdoor activities available, we were able to take time at different moments in the day to go rock climbing, mountain biking, golfing, hiking, walking and participating in morning yoga.  In the evening this included fun on the dance floor to some great dance music!  We organized a friendly team competition to encourage people to join in the activities, collect points for participating in as many activities as they could and the winning teams were recognized with a small trophy and a lovely gift.  It was a great excuse to have some fun with colleagues and enjoy the spring sights and smells of rolling hills, pine forest, and new growth!  

All in all, it was a memorable few days and it felt great to take some time to connect with colleagues around the province, experience a change of pace, and share in learning!  Comments from the participants emphasized how much you enjoyed it and we are all looking forward to the next QACVE conference on May 14-15, 2026! 

What are your highlights?  Favourite moments?  Key takeaways?

Thanks for the read,

📱👩‍🍳 Robin