Join us in August 2025 at The Flourish Conference, where you will engage with the science and practices of positive psychology for youth, teachers, leaders and yourself.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today. Click the link below to register and be part of this transformative experience.
In today's fast-paced world, youth, parents and leaders face increasing pressures that can negatively impact our wellbeing, relationships and learning. The science of positive psychology offers evidence-based tools and practices to become more resilient, to foster meaningful connections and promote overall wellbeing, helping individuals and communities to thrive despite life’s challenges.
A few challenges we aim to address at this conference include:
Prioritizing your wellbeing isn’t selfish. It’s vital to allow you to be at your best so you can support the needs of your students, your staff and your family.
Inspiring Featured Guests: Hear from and engage with thought leaders and learn how to apply the science of positive psychology and positive education to your life, your home and your workplace culture.
Thought-Provoking Workshops: Dive deep into practical sessions that will equip you with the tools to implement positive education practices right away. Conference streams:
Wellbeing for workplace culture
Wellbeing for educators
Wellbeing for youth
Wellbeing for leaders of teams
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals to share experiences, exchange ideas and build invaluable professional connections.
Interactive Experiences: Experience positive psychology in action while networking with peers through a series of interactive games and activities or while exploring the beautiful Niagara Region.
Conference Registration Fee: $700
Please note that all fees are listed in Canadian dollars.
We are pleased to offer a special room rate for conference attendees at the following locations close to the Outlet Collection at Niagara and White Oaks Resort and Spa for extra value added to your stay. Shuttle service to and from the conference will be available for those staying at either of these hotels.
At Ridley College, we believe the primary aim of education is the cultivation of human flourishing. As such, this has been at the heart of our approach to learning for over a decade.
We define 'flourishing' as PERMA-V, the human development theory developed by Dr. Martin Seligman. Each of the letters represents pillars of wellbeing that are foundational to everything we do at Ridley.
Integrating positive education practices into a school culture offers a wide range of benefits for both students and educators. Here are some of the key advantages:
Improved Wellbeing: Positive education fosters emotional resilience, self-awareness, and stress management skills, leading to improved overall mental and emotional wellbeing among students and educators.
Enhanced Academic Performance: When students are emotionally and mentally healthy, they are better able to focus on their studies and engage in the learning process, ultimately leading to improved academic performance.
Positive School Climate: Implementing positive education practices creates a more inclusive, respectful, and harmonious school environment. It reduces instances of bullying, conflict, and disciplinary issues.
Character Development: Students develop important character strengths such as empathy, gratitude, perseverance, and kindness, which contribute to their personal growth and prepare them for success in various aspects of life.
Increased Motivation: Positive education encourages a growth mindset, fostering a love for learning and a sense of purpose, which significantly increases students' motivation to excel academically.
Teacher Satisfaction: Educators who implement positive education practices report higher job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and reduced burnout. They feel more supported and fulfilled in their roles.
Long-Term Impact: The skills and values instilled through positive education can have a lasting impact on individuals, helping them make meaningful contributions to society and promoting positive change in the world.
The inaugural Flourish Conference, hosted by Ridley College in partnership with the Canadian Positive Psychology Association in June 2019, brought educators from across North America to Ridley College to advance their understanding and application of the science of Positive Education.
The event featured keynote speakers Professor Lea Waters and Dave Mochel, along with invited speakers Louisa Jewell, Emiliya Zhivotovskaya, Greg Evans, Juan Arenas and Tamara Lechner.
| Watch Recap | View Photos |
If you have questions about the conference, please email [email protected] or visit our frequently asked questions webpage.
Positive education fosters emotional resilience, self-awareness, and stress management skills, leading to improved overall mental and emotional wellbeing among students and educators.
When students are emotionally and mentally healthy, they are better able to focus on their studies and engage in the learning process, ultimately leading to improved academic performance.
Implementing positive education practices creates a more inclusive, respectful, and harmonious school environment. It reduces instances of bullying, conflict, and disciplinary issues.
Students develop important character strengths such as empathy, gratitude, perseverance, and kindness, which contribute to their personal growth and prepare them for success in various aspects of life.
Positive education encourages a growth mindset, fostering a love for learning and a sense of purpose, which significantly increases students' motivation to excel academically.
Educators who implement positive education practices report higher job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and reduced burnout. They feel more supported and fulfilled in their roles.
The skills and values instilled through positive education can have a lasting impact on individuals, helping them make meaningful contributions to society and promoting positive change in the world.
