PHE Student Leadership Conference invaluable, education students say

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Attending the national Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE) Student Leadership Conference in Bancroft, ON, has provided skills that will be invaluable in their upcoming teaching careers, say 10 education students.

StFX education professor Dr. Dan Robinson, the faculty advisor for the trip, says this annual conference provides students with a chance to learn and network with the most influential mentors and peers in the physical and health education field.

Through a variety of leadership sessions, students are challenged on such issues as thinking outside the box, putting leadership theory into practice, and being aware of how to nurture the talents of all children.

“For me, it really refueled and put the gas in the fire to want to be a teacher,” says participant Collin Dillon.

“It really lights a fire under you. It’s really cool to be there for this leadership training. It’s by far one of the most worthwhile things I’ve ever done.”

Kieran Gallivan says one of the best parts of the conference is the ability to network, meet professors, and see the different careers available in the field.

All students highly recommended the experience.

“The four-day experience is an incredibly moving and transformative occasion for our student leaders,” says Dr. Robinson.

The conference brings university students from across the country and up and coming leaders, especially related to the physical education field, together to work alongside mentors to develop their leadership capacity, he says.

“It is really meant as a place to enable and empower people who are already showing potential,” he says.

This year’s participants included Kieran Gallivan, John MacKenize, Ryan Chisholm, Collin Dillon, Brad Bell, Ericka Webb, Scotty Bowman, Jason White, Dennis Byrne, and Lyndsay Hines.