St. Paul's 4th Educational Conference

By: A. L. Nogueira

The fourth edition of the St. Paul’s education conference took place this year at school on 23rd, 24th and 25th March. The theme of the conference this year was “Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds”. Guest specialist speakers came from the UK and USA apart from all of the St. Pauls teachers that ran workshops, to explore the topic of wellbeing, and the importance of excellent pastoral care in schools. Similarly, spectators from all around brazil gathered to learn how to become a better educators. 
 
The school counted on some of its students to help out with the organizational aspect of the event, and I was one of these students. 
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On Friday, I assisted guests by giving directions and providing them bags and name tags at the welcome reception, as the speaker I was assigned to didn't arrive. Yet throughout Saturday and Sunday, I assisted Dr. Rose Drury, by providing her handouts, assisting with technical difficulties and by communicating requests or messages between her and others. As her talks took place, I verified the name of guests by using the guest list provided, making sure every visitor was signed up for her session unless there were spaces available.
 
Aside from a variety of talks, a debate panel, a book signing and a small exhibition took place thoghout present throughout the weekend.

​During the conference I was able to attend a talk by Ms. Watson called Techniques of the Medicine Wheel: learning through Ceremony. Paper pamphlets were distributed throughout the field and participants were asked to read them. Most chose to lie on the grass throughout the experience. It concluded with a tobacco ceremony and guests were offered tea and cake.

​It was an amazing experience that will likely be one of my favorite memories from school.