The Canada Goal - Keynote Speaker - Teacher Andre - Background
Mindset & Perspective Note: It is a common practice to ask yourself when considering a guest speaker... "Who are they? What have they done? What are their credentials?" In this case, please keep in mind the knowledge is the key FOCUS and the speaker is similar to many extraordinary teachers across the country with the ability to teach with an impact. Another common preliminary question evaluating the value from a cost perspective: "Is the speaker worth the investment?" Once again, the speaker should not be the main consideration. In this case, most of the consideration should be put toward the extent of the production (sound, lighting/video) theatrical factors & appearance. This is not done for materialistic reasons. It is carefully considered as a key component that helps to create a 'mindset' that is stimulated and ready to obtain/remember what is being experienced. Similar to a student that has difficulty paying attention in a classroom but they can sit still for 2 hours in a movie theatre with little to no difficulty at all. Furthermore, they will likely remember parts of that movie moving forward...
You can call me Teacher Andre... : ) I can be described as an individual with a desire to contribute to health & well being across the country. As far back as I can remember thinking for myself, I can recall being aware of the importance of mindfulness, trying my best to be helpful and to think carefully about what to do with this most wonderful opportunity called life... Speaking of thinking far back, recently I watched the movie called "It's a Beautiful Day in The Neighbourhood" with Tom Hanks - A story about Mr. Rogers. This movie helped me to realize only now (looking back) the significant role Mr. Rogers had toward impacting the health and well being of his 'T.V. Neighbours'. From the perspective of a wholehearted friendly neighbour approach, I can relate to the inspiration of Mr. Rogers and The Canada Goal is the travelling production set ; ) Focusing on the unique details of my particular life story appears to be far less valuable when compared to focusing on spending time teaching an individual to realize this opportunity for themselves... Ideally, as soon as possible along the process of growth, as this deeper sense of value (inner strength/energy) can directly impact an individual's successful growth process.
"The individual and professional growth over the years has been very rewarding. As I continue to reflect on what is important to me, others closest to me and the world around me... It appears that some of the 'root' most important aspects of life are:
1. Life Learning and awareness of the process of growth
2. Self Awareness/Discipline and sense of purpose
3. Positive Attitude/Mindset and understanding of vibrational influence
4. Healthy Habits & Routines and the ability to know the difference
With these key aspects in mind, The Canada Goal has become a primary focus and platform of expression & creativity leading to a truly unique learning experience for schools across Canada."
"To BE or not to BE...?" (Shakespeare)
The 2020/2021 school year marks the 15th year of action in Canada. Special thanks/recognition to those who've supported this initiative and its growth over the years.
What sets The Canada Goal apart from other school presentations?
I enjoy interacting with people as more of a friendly neighbour/teacher with a comfortable and caring energy. I'm an 'average' individual with common challenges similar to many Canadians. Having lived independently from the young age of 15 years old, I've had to take control of my life experience including disciplining myself to complete/value education (graduate), find ways to earn a living for myself and look into the future with hope/enthusiasm. It would appear to me that many can relate to the challenge of looking at our individual life situations/surroundings with difficulty at times especially if we're observing/experiencing a lack of support from family/leadership... At the end of the day (each day) I've decided that regardless of any 'lack of focus/support/values' that can be observed along our path... I will continue to choose to see the light of each day as an opportunity to focus on being the best I can be for me & the world around me...! The challenges of life have not led me to feel anger for others but rather they fuel a desire to be part of the solution(s) as a primary focus. A wise administrator from Central Butte Saskatchewan provided a relevant quote after one of our school visits;
"Like boomerangs - our thoughts, actions and words return to us eventually with astounding accuracy..." (In short - what goes around comes around and it is important to be MINDFUL each day along the way...)
I've had my share of life learning experiences to speak of. Sharing a short story from time to time that relates to the topic at hand will help to connect with participants. However, the presentations are not about me. The majority of the content (slides/visuals/artistry) was created by me but it is designed to FOCUS on the essential KNOWLEDGE at hand. Coincidently, I'm told one of my best talents is the ability to clearly and articulately explain something to help make it easier for learners to comprehend. Additionally, vast involvement with technical production and theatrical events over the past 20 years helps me to create a enhanced learning environment. This enhancement will help to stimulate the minds of participants and improve their ability to pay attention (focus), learn and remember key concepts within the presentations. Furthermore, a background as a professional entertainment - event production planner & artist has adapted me with the ability to entertain others with success. (www.greattimesevents.com) When not focusing on The Canada Goal, I'm focusing on bringing forward excellent quality events/entertainment across the country including school special events & graduations. (Oh yeah... and landscaping!!! LOVE helping to create magical outcomes for others and their places of peace/rejuvenation... : ) (www.integritylawncare.ca)
How did The Canada Goal come to be?
... I was an employment consultant for a non-profit organization trusted with the task of helping individuals on social assistance create/reach their work (career) goals. After a few years of assisting many adult individuals I realized - if one reaches their adult stage of life not having developed healthy (productive) habits & routines, it can become increasingly less likely the individual will be motivated to develop these important aspects of life as time goes on. This realization lead to a conclusion that my time and skill set would be best spent working with younger individuals that are still in their prime-time 'development' stage of life. After some focused planning and preparation I began contacting schools across Canada with the first draft 'special event presentation'. The original idea was to concentrate on high school (Sr) students as I thought the key concepts within the sessions were most relevant at their stage of learning and life preparation/development. As I began presenting to (Sr) students the feedback from teachers, administrators and parents encouraged me to expand my focus to include middle school (Jr) students. Main reason being - studies show this is the 'prime time' stage to nurture the development of (healthy) habits and routines. As I began presenting to Jr & Sr students there would occasionally be a (K-12) dynamic and it was often decided to not leave anyone out. After running into this dilemma from time to time, it became clear that I needed to focus deeply thinking about how to be most effective at the primary (K-4) stage of learning. After 15 years of diligent focus/effort - I'm confident this experience is effective at the 'primary' 'junior' and 'senior' stages of learning/development.
