On Wednesday May 25, 2022 NISPA hosted its AGM at the Weston Golf and Country Club. After 2 years online, it was lovely to meet the members that were able to attend, in person.
The first half of the AGM dealt with the business portion of the meeting. NISPA Chair, Domenica Coppa, welcomed all attendees and went through the agenda. There were two items that were voted on during the meeting. Our financial summary was shared by the Treasurer and event highlights were shared with the group.
We would like to thank our outgoing NISPA Board members for their dedication and contributions to advancing our NISPA initiatives including Jackie Sklenka and Jo Hanna. We also would like to welcome three new incoming Board members – Kathy Leeder (St. Michael’s College), Alnar Meghji (Havergal College and Upper Canada College) and Emily Bernhard (Country Day School).
NISPA BOARD
We are pleased to present the following as our incoming NISPA Board members:
Past Chair – Domenica Coppa
Chair – Tanya Giaquinto
Vice-Chair – Kathy Vucic
Treasurer – Susan Ianni
Secretary – Kathy Leeder
Directors – Krystie Robinson-Vincent, Nicol Andrea Domingues, Alnar Meghji, Emily Bernhard
GUEST SPEAKER – JESSE JONES
After the AGM, Jesse Jones joined us for a fireside chat. The discussion was casual and informative as all members participated in sharing on our topic: As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, the ramifications of COVID-19 have been profound and its ripple effects will be with us for a very long time. As leaders and volunteers in our school communities, how do we move forward in a way that fosters true belonging and connection following more than two years of disconnection?
Jesse Jones is steadily becoming one of Canada’s go-to connectors and media personalities. Known for his thought-provoking, inquisitive and approachable conversation style, Jesse gets to the heart of important conversations taking place across the country by creating a safe and non-judgemental way into the topics on the minds and hearts of Canadians.
NISPA Theme 2021/22: True Belonging
As described by Brené Brown in her book Atlas of the Heart, True Belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.
NISPA Theme 2022/23: Connection
Connection, also described by Brené Brown in her book Atlas of the Heart, is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.