Inside Scoop Live!

An Education Consultant for over a decade, Monika Ferenczy helps students and parents make decisions regarding learning and education. Her

practice focuses on finding the best solution to meet the needs of students, young or mature, to help them reach their full potential, providing relevant and timely information for sound decision-making.

Considered an expert in the education sector, with certificates in Education Law and Human Rights for Education Professionals from Osgoode Hall, York University, principal’s qualifications, a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Ottawa and over 25 years of educator experience in elementary and secondary special education positions, Monika effectively supports families with special needs children and youth.

She served as an elected member of the governing Council of the Ontario College of Teachers (the regulatory body of the teaching profession in Ontario) as Vice-Chair of the Discipline Committee, and the Editorial Board for the publication Professionally Speaking. She has also served on panels of the Fitness to Practice and Teacher Program Accreditation Committees.

Monika offers education expertise in separation and divorce proceedings, presents workshops for parents and advocates for improved educational practices, policies and legislation. Through an analysis of systemic gaps in the students’ best interest and recommendations to government, her contributions to advocacy and social justice initiatives are growing.

Monika is often invited to comment in print, radio and television media about education related trends and issues in Ontario and across Canada, and she was commissioned to write a comprehensive report on rural education in 2021.

As an author, she has published four books:

• How to Advocate for your Child in Public Education (May, 2024) • The Guide to Hosting International Students in Canada (2020) • 12 Tips for International Students Living and Studying in Canada (2019) • Lillian and Noah’s Great Moving Adventure (2018)

Learn more about Monika Ferenczy and her work at https://horizoned.ca/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

• About "How to Advocate for Your Child in Public Education" and the inspiration for writing the book.
• What everyday advocacy might look like for a parent within the school system
• Barriers often encounted by parents and ways to work through them
• Debunking myths in Education
• Fostering a collaborative relationship amont students, parents and educators.
• Services offered
• What's next for Monika Ferenczy

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

What you need to know as a parent. Master the art and science of advocating for your child or youth, and model and teach advocacy to them as a lifelong skill. Learn about positive phrasing and neutral language, why you should not say "please" but always say "thank you," and why you should never address emails and letters "to whom it may concern." Reading this guide will enlighten and empower parents to know what to ask, and who to ask to ensure concerns are addressed quickly and resolved.

William J. Birrell is a longtime educator, teaching at a well-known Canadian university for over 20 years. In addition to holding several university degrees, including a graduate degree in Education (M.Ed), William has also developed a passion for writing and telling stories. He is the proud father of three adult children and six young grandchildren. He currently lives in the Niagara Region, nestled in the heart of Southern Ontario

Learn more about William burl and his work at https://williamjbirrellauthor.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• About "The King and the Ogre" and the inspiration behind the story.
• Choosing characters that would not be likely friends
• Silly Dragons
• Kindness and Acceptance towards those different from us
• The gorgeous illustrations
• What's next for William J. Birrell?

THE KING AND THE OGRE

This tale is an unlikely story about a king and an ogre who, by the forces of nature, become lifelong friends. Together they care for the nearby villagers in their charge. Every year, the king generously invites these townspeople to a harvest celebration, and every year they are interrupted by a group of silly dragons who live in the mountains nearby, until one day the king and the ogre come up with a plan to bring those antics to an end.

James Marck was a journalist, author, artist and musician. He was a devoted husband, brother, uncle and friend to many. James was a kind and gentle person with a huge heart. James grew up in Burlington, Ontario and moved to Toronto to pursue his career as author and editor with Now Magazine.

James interviewed many interesting authors, politicians, actors and musicians incuding Harry Belafonte, Garth Brooks, Kate Bush and The Tragically Hip to name a few. While James had immense respect for the famous people he met, he never appeared starstruck. James put people at ease by being approachable and down to earth. He was known for getting the most interesting, unique and authentic interviews.

The following people were instrumental in publishing"A Day at the Waterhole":

Carol Perdic came across James’ original hand-written story in her archives and after re-reading it nearly 30 years later, felt the message of friendship, collaboration, and harmony was even more relevant today and worthy of getting into the hands of young readers. Carol had a vision of getting this story told and had the good fortune of meeting a new friend, Chris White.

Chris White is a talented illustrator and artist who has a passion for drawing, sketching, writing, and creating. Chris said he always wanted to illustrate a children’s story. After reading A Day at The Waterhole, his dream came true. Chris’ hand drawn, colourful, vibrant works of art will surprise and delight readers of any age. Chris guarantees that no animals were harmed during the creation of this book, except for the frogs, and they were delicious!

With special thanks to editor, Sandy White, who has been involved with book publishing, selling and marketing for over 50 years. Sandy generously devoted her time, energy and expertise editing this book. Learn more about A Day at the Waterhole at https://adayatthewaterhole.com/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

• About "A Day at the Waterhole"
• A decades old discovery prompts the publishing of a book with timeless relevance
• Delightful humor, amazing characters, important lessons.
• About the illustrations!
• Interactive activities for all ages
• Continuing the author's legacy.
• What's next for the jungle animals in "A Day at the Waterhole"?

A DAY AT THE WATERHOLE

The jungle is full of adventure and there is a big fight about to take place between two big bull elephants. Can these two elephants learn to get along? Can peace and harmony be restored in the jungle community?

Professor Sticky Feet and her friends will take you through this whimsical book full of adventure and surprises. Follow the captivating cast of colourful characters and find out what happens one day at the waterhole.