Bringing technology into education isn’t always easy — it takes time, support, and a willingness to learn new things. In Anglophone North School District, we’re working to create more space for teachers and students to explore what digital tools can do in the classroom. That means trying new things, building skills, and learning alongside each other.
A big part of that has come from partnering with groups who share our interest in creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning. From hands-on workshops for teachers to songwriting camps and student-led projects, these opportunities are helping us grow in ways that feel practical and meaningful.
This piece shares a few of the ways those efforts are starting to take shape across ASD-N.
Empowering Educators Through Digital Upskilling
This year, Anglophone North School District partnered with the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick to offer a series of hands-on professional learning opportunities designed to help teachers build their digital skills. Through the Teacher Digital Upskilling Bursary Program, over 75 educators took part in sessions on creative tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, GarageBand, and artificial intelligence applications. This number represents almost 10% of the teachers in ASD-N. Thanks to generous support from the McKenna Institute, these sessions were offered at no cost to teachers, with full supply coverage and travel expenses included.
Educators explored innovative ways to bring creativity, storytelling, and media production into their classrooms. They also had the chance to earn platform-endorsed certifications such as Canva Design School badges, SchoolAI Levels 1 and 2 certified educator, and Adobe’s integration courses in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers praised the engaging facilitators, time to explore, and the immediate classroom relevance of what they learned. This growing partnership is helping to build a strong foundation of digital expertise across the district, supporting our shared goal of preparing students for a tech-driven future.
ASD-N is excited to continue working with the McKenna Institute to expand these offerings and equip even more educators with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital learning environments. The McKenna Institute has expanded this initiative to ASD-W and will be expanding to ASD-E. The program itself was born out of a partnership between the McKenna Institute and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) that began in 2022, which is part of the McKenna Institute’s sector strategy supported by the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour. The partnership launched the Digital Learning Network and the Tech for Teaching summer conference, in which ASD-N teachers participate.
Innovation in Action: Students Lead the Way with The Block
At James M. Hill Memorial High School in Miramichi, students are taking ownership of their learning through an innovative, project-based program called The Block. Designed to foster independence and creativity, the program allows students to meet curriculum outcomes through self-directed projects.
After an initial phase of teacher-led instruction, students move through four phases: Ideas, Planning, Action, and Product. The program culminates with an Exhibition of Learning Night, where students showcase their work to the public.
One standout project this year came from Grade 12 student Erica Carroll and classmates Peter Matchett and Alexis Watling, who developed a machine that repurposes plastic soda bottles into filament for 3D printing. Using modified open-source plans, salvaged printer parts, and self-printed components, the team created a sustainable, eco-friendly solution to a real-world problem.
Carroll’s leadership and innovation earned him the $75,000 Currie Scholarship and a nomination for the prestigious Schulich Leader Award as he prepares to study Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. ASD-N is very proud of our students’ accomplishments.
Brilliant Songwriting Camps Empower Youth Through Music and Mentorship
An exciting partnership between Anglophone North School District, the Department of Early Education and Childhood Development (EECD), and Brilliant Labs is giving students a powerful new outlet for expression through the arts. Since their inception, the Brilliant Songwriting camps have guided New Brunswick students in writing over 100 original songs, offering a powerful outlet for creativity, identity, and connection.
The program pairs students with acclaimed East Coast musician/producer Chris Kirby and other artists such as Kim Dunn, Nicole Ariana, Matt Andersen, Joel Plaskett, and Terra Spencer, who mentor and guide them through the songwriting process.
These songwriting camps culminated with a collaboration between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia students and musicians in Halifax. The group wrote songs together and travelled to Joel Plaskett’s Fang Recording Studio in Dartmouth, where an original song written during the camp called Can You Hear Me?, was professionally recorded.
The results have been nothing short of inspiring. Students showcased their original music at major public events like the Brilliant Labs Innovation Fair, Harvest Music Festival, and East Coast Music Awards Weekend in Charlottetown, gaining confidence and experience on professional stages.
“These camps are changing lives,” said one parent, “Our kids didn’t just find their voices — they found their people.”
More than a music project, the camps create safe and inclusive spaces where students can explore their emotions, collaborate with peers, and feel truly seen and heard.
Discover Conference Will Highlight Innovation and Student Voice in Education
On May 9th and 10th, 2025, educators, students, and school leaders will gather for The Discover Learning Conference in Miramichi, a two-day event focused on innovation, digital learning, and the power of student voice.
The conference will bring together participants from across the region to explore how technology and creativity are shaping the future of education. The event is designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate learning in action.
A key focus of the two days will be student-led presentations and showcases, offering a unique look at how learners are using digital tools to tell stories, solve problems, and share ideas. Educators will also have opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations about teaching practices that prepare students for the future.
The McKenna Institute will be sponsoring pre-service educators to attend from UNB’s Bachelor of Education program. They will participate in digital upskilling prior to the Discover Conference and will attend the event to explore how the province’s education system is at the forefront of technology and innovation.
The Discover Conference is set to be an inspiring, forward-thinking event that champions creativity, connection, and the future of learning.
This article is also available on the McKenna Institute Blog found here.
