About SHBE
SHBE 2020 Convention
TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK
February 21 and 22
Colleen Kessler


Colleen Kessler is an explorer, tinkerer, educator, writer, creator, podcaster, and a passionate advocate for the needs of gifted and twice-exceptional children. She has a B.S. in elementary education, a M.Ed. in gifted studies, and is the founder of the popular podcast and blog Raising Lifelong Learners, Raising Poppies, a community of support for parents of gifted children, and The Homeschool Help Desk, a community of support for new homeschoolers.
The author of more than a dozen books for teachers, parents, and kids, Colleen left teaching after more than a decade to write and speak about parenting, education, giftedness, and hands-on learning and play. Homeschooling is an adventure she hadn’t planned on, but she has embraced the opportunity to learn alongside her kids every day, and is inspiring other moms and dads to do the same.
Her recent book titles include Super Smart Science: 180 Days of Warm-Ups and Challenging Activities(Prufrock Press), Real-Life Science Mysteries (Prufrock Press), and The Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Backyard Activities Ever! (Page Street Press/Macmillan).
Her popular mini-course series “A Crash Course” features 6-8 week email and video lessons to help parents raise their quirky kids to be the amazing adults they’re meant to be!
Loving Your Differently-Wired Child for Who He Is
Homeschooling and Parenting gifted, twice-exceptional, and intense children.
Do you feel like all you ever do is yell at and correct your children? And that every time you praise them, you’ve already berated them 15 times? And you’re completely exhausted before you’ve even finished your first cup of coffee? Me too! So, what do we do? Well, God gave you your children for a reason. They are already perfectly and wonderfully made. They are here for a purpose. Our job as parents is to harness all their quirks and intensities for good, without breaking their spirit. We are called to raise them up in the way they should go as we love them for who they are and where they are. It’s not always easy, but you can do it, and the effort is worth it!
Deadlines, Diapers, and Dishes
Finding Beauty in the Chaos
If you’re anything like most moms today, you’re running in circles trying to fit it all in, often working an outside or in the home job on top of parenting (and possibly homeschooling). Is it even possible to live a life where everything is getting all the attention it needs and nothing’s getting missed? Well… no. BUT, Colleen has been juggling babies, homeschooling, writing, and building business for years and can help you find the beauty in all you do — even while chaos reigns around you and it doesn’t feel like the kitchen will ever be mopped again.
Parenting With Wonder and Exploration
It’s so easy to get caught up in all the “shoulds” of parenting, and we forget to just enjoy discovering the world with our kids. This anecdote-filled talk will encourage parents to get the things done that need done, all while embracing the wonder of childhood alongside their kiddos, teaching them to appreciate simple beauty.
Simplified Parenting for Peace and Balance -Drop Everything and Play
Go, go, go… do, do , do…
There’s a lot of pressure to be all things to all people, and to be on the run all the time, but there is beauty and peace in simplicity. AND simple isn’t boring. Let Colleen help you simplify your parenting strategies so you’re more relaxed, your kids are happier, and peace permeates your home.



WORKSHOPS
As workshop information is
confirmed, we will be adding them to the website.
Information is subject to change.
TEEN CONVENTION
Ages 13+
We are welcoming the teens to join the adult sessions this year, as there are so many that both age groups will enjoy! The Blair Nelson room will be set aside as a social room for our teens, with games and puzzles provided for them to use while they spend time with their friends, if they choose to take a break from the sessions in order to socialize with their friends.
Information is subject to change.
CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS
Ages 5-12
This year’s Kid’s Track is going to be filled with fun activities for children ages 5-11. Children registered in the children’s program are considered under the supervision of their parent/guardian. They are not to be unattended in the convention area but are more than welcome to accompany their parents in the Exhibitor Hall during shopping hours. Mothers with nursing babies are welcome throughout the convention. Please make childcare arrangements for your children not registered for the children’s program.
Information is subject to change.
CAN I REALLY DO THIS WORKSHOP
This popular homeschooling workshop is the ideal place to start. This workshop will answer questions from those who are thinking about homeschooling and from those who are ready to start their homeschooling journey. We will answer common question like the following:
- Is homeschooling legal?
- Am I qualified?
- Where do I start, and how do I start?
Join us Friday, February 21, 2020, from 10:00–11:30 am.
This workshop is free, but to attend any other parts of the convention, you will need to register.
CHILDREN
The children's program is for ages 5-12. Children registered in the children’s program are considered under the supervision of their parent/guardian. They are not to be unattended in the convention area. Mothers with nursing babies are welcome throughout the convention. Please make childcare arrangements for your children not registered for the children’s program.
MEAL INFORMATION
A boxed lunch will be provided on Saturday during the AGM in Salon A. If you have a dietary restriction, please indicate the information on your registration form and your meal will have your name on it.
Coffee will be available at the opening of the convention on Saturday morning, served in the Grand Salon area. Also, during the final shopping hour coffee will be served in the Exhibit Hall. There is a Tim Hortons in the lobby of TCU Place that will be available on Friday.
Meals are available if received by February 11, 2019. There are no meals for walkups.
USED BOOKS
One of the benefits of conference attendance is the privilege of being able to sell or purchase used curriculum at the convention. Please indicate in your registration form if you want to sell used books, and an inventory code and form will be emailed to you. For further information or any questions, email Francie Munchinsky.
The LAST DAY to request a Used Book code is February 18.
Friday | 9:30 am | Registration Opens |
10:00 am | Workshops | |
12:30 pm | Opening Plenary | |
4:45 pm | Supper Break | |
6:00 pm | Graduation Ceremony | |
6:30 pm | Workshops Continue | |
8:00 pm | Convention Closes | |
Saturday | 8:30 am | Convention Opens Coffee Served |
9:00 am | Plenary and Workshops | |
11:30 pm | Lunch & SHBE Annual General Meeting |
|
12:30 pm | Workshops | |
5:00 pm | Convention Closes |
HOMESCHOOL COMPLETION RECOGNITION CEREMONY
This year we are excited to announce an update in our Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Friday at 6pm to honor the students who will be completing their formal homeschool studies in the spring of 2020. Immediately following will be a celebration for the grad and their family in Salon C. Tea, coffee, and cake will be provided for a ticket price of $50 per grad. Grad families are welcome to invite all their friends and family to partake in this special celebration! A photographer is also provided and will be taking photos throughout the event. Please contact Sandy.
More information to come...
SASKATCHEWAN
HOME BASED
EDUCATORS (SHBE)
SHBE is the official voice of home-based educators in Saskatchewan. We assist in creating a positive social network and a positive political environment for all those who choose home-based education. We also provide supportive, social, and instructional resources for our members.
The volunteer directors of SHBE are home educators and are available to help you.
General Inquiries: help@shbe.info
Board member email addresses and contact information can be found at www.shbe.info
ACCOMMODATIONS
A block of rooms have been booked at the Hilton Garden Inn at a rate of $124 for a standard room with two Queen beds or 1 King bed. Parking is available for the special rate of $8/day. Phone (306) 244-2311 to book your stay.
A block of rooms has also been booked at the Home Inn & Suites at a rate of $124 for a standard room. Features a free breakfast and a pool with a waterslide. Phone (306) 657-4663 to book your stay.
Please note that due to budget considerations, we are not able to offer any exceptions to the convention registration fee. There are no one-day fees or shopping only fees. Attendees are welcome to attend all or a portion of the convention, as their schedules permit; however, we are unable to provide discounts for persons choosing to participate in less than the full conference. Thank you for your understanding.
Individual Adult: $120
Adult Couple (living together at same address): $190
(This amount includes your $35 annual membership)
Grandparents of registered attendees: $70
Teens (13 & up): $70
Children (5-11): $70
Grad Ceremony Participation: $50 per family
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Consent:
Please note- by providing an email address you are consenting to being contacted by SHBE regarding items of interest relating to your membership. You can opt out of SHBE communications at anytime by emailing help@shbe.info
Refunds:
Up to February 7, 2020, all but $35 per form will be refunded upon written request to registrar@shbe.info. After that date, NO REFUNDS will be given.
Attendance:
No one-day fees
No shopping-only fees
Attendees are welcome to attend all or a portion of the convention as their schedules permit; however we are unable to provide ANY discounts other than the early bird discount.
Meals:
Saturday lunch is included with your registration, if received by February 11, 2020. There are no meals for walkups.
Note: Your payment will be processed using a secure application hosted on a third party website. SHBE will not retain any credit card information.
SHBE 2020 Convention
TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK
February 21 and 22
Colleen Kessler
Colleen Kessler is an explorer, tinkerer, educator, writer, creator, podcaster, and a passionate advocate for the needs of gifted and twice-exceptional children. She has a B.S. in elementary education, a M.Ed. in gifted studies, and is the founder of the popular podcast and blog Raising Lifelong Learners, Raising Poppies, a community of support for parents of gifted children, and The Homeschool Help Desk, a community of support for new homeschoolers.
The author of more than a dozen books for teachers, parents, and kids, Colleen left teaching after more than a decade to write and speak about parenting, education, giftedness, and hands-on learning and play. Homeschooling is an adventure she hadn’t planned on, but she has embraced the opportunity to learn alongside her kids every day, and is inspiring other moms and dads to do the same.
Her recent book titles include Super Smart Science: 180 Days of Warm-Ups and Challenging Activities(Prufrock Press), Real-Life Science Mysteries (Prufrock Press), and The Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Backyard Activities Ever! (Page Street Press/Macmillan).
Her popular mini-course series “A Crash Course” features 6-8 week email and video lessons to help parents raise their quirky kids to be the amazing adults they’re meant to be!
Loving Your Differently-Wired Child for Who He Is
Do you feel like all you ever do is yell at and correct your children? And that every time you praise them, you’ve already berated them 15 times? And you’re completely exhausted before you’ve even finished your first cup of coffee? Me too! So, what do we do? Well, God gave you your children for a reason. They are already perfectly and wonderfully made. They are here for a purpose. Our job as parents is to harness all their quirks and intensities for good, without breaking their spirit. We are called to raise them up in the way they should go as we love them for who they are and where they are. It’s not always easy, but you can do it, and the effort is worth it!
Deadlines, Diapers, and Dishes; Finding Beauty in the Chaos
If you’re anything like most moms today, you’re running in circles trying to fit it all in, often working an outside or in the home job on top of parenting (and possibly homeschooling). Is it even possible to live a life where everything is getting all the attention it needs and nothing’s getting missed? Well… no. BUT, Colleen has been juggling babies, homeschooling, writing, and building business for years and can help you find the beauty in all you do — even while chaos reigns around you and it doesn’t feel like the kitchen will ever be mopped again.
Parenting With Wonder and Exploration
It’s so easy to get caught up in all the “shoulds” of parenting, and we forget to just enjoy discovering the world with our kids. This anecdote-filled talk will encourage parents to get the things done that need done, all while embracing the wonder of childhood alongside their kiddos, teaching them to appreciate simple beauty.
Simplified Parenting for Peace and Balance -Drop Everything and Play
Go, go, go… do, do , do…
There’s a lot of pressure to be all things to all people, and to be on the run all the time, but there is beauty and peace in simplicity. AND simple isn’t boring. Let Colleen help you simplify your parenting strategies so you’re more relaxed, your kids are happier, and peace permeates your home.



CAN I REALLY DO THIS WORKSHOP
This popular homeschooling workshop is the ideal place to start. This workshop will answer questions from those who are thinking about homeschooling and from those who are ready to start their homeschooling journey. We will answer common question like the following:
- Is homeschooling legal?
- Am I qualified?
- Where do I start, and how do I start?
Join us Friday, February 21, 2020, from 10:00–11:30 am.
This workshop is free, but to attend any other parts of the convention, you will need to register.
Friday | 9:30 am | Registration Opens |
10:00 am | Workshops | |
12:30 pm | Opening Plenary | |
4:45 pm | Supper Break | |
6:00 pm | Graduation Ceremony | |
6:30 pm | Workshops Continue | |
8:00 pm | Convention Closes | |
Saturday | 8:30 am | Convention Opens Coffee Served |
9:00 am | Plenary and Workshops | |
11:30 pm | Lunch & SHBE Annual General Meeting |
|
12:30 pm | Workshops | |
5:00 pm | Convention Closes |
TEEN CONVENTION
Ages 13+
We are welcoming the teens to join the adult sessions this year, as there are so many that both age groups will enjoy! The Blair Nelson room will be set aside as a social room for our teens, with games and puzzles provided for them to use while they spend time with their friends, if they choose to take a break from the sessions in order to socialize with their friends.
Information is subject to change.
CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS
Ages 5-12
This year’s Kid’s Track is going to be filled with fun activities for children ages 5-11. Children registered in the children’s program are considered under the supervision of their parent/guardian. They are not to be unattended in the convention area but are more than welcome to accompany their parents in the Exhibitor Hall during shopping hours. Mothers with nursing babies are welcome throughout the convention. Please make childcare arrangements for your children not registered for the children’s program.
Information is subject to change.
MEAL INFORMATION
A boxed lunch will be provided on Saturday during the AGM in Salon A. If you have a dietary restriction, please indicate the information on your registration form and your meal will have your name on it.
Coffee will be available at the opening of the convention on Saturday morning, served in the Grand Salon area. Also, during the final shopping hour coffee will be served in the Exhibit Hall. There is a Tim Hortons in the lobby of TCU Place that will be available on Friday.
Meals are available if received by February 11, 2019. There are no meals for walkups.
USED BOOKS
One of the benefits of conference attendance is the privilege of being able to sell or purchase used curriculum at the convention. Please indicate in your registration form if you want to sell used books, and an inventory code and form will be emailed to you. For further information or any questions, email Francie Munchinsky.
The LAST DAY to request a Used Book code is February 18.
HOMESCHOOL COMPLETION RECOGNITION CEREMONY
This year we are excited to announce an update in our Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Friday at 6pm to honor the students who will be completing their formal homeschool studies in the spring of 2020. Immediately following will be a celebration for the grad and their family in Salon C. Tea, coffee, and cake will be provided for a ticket price of $50 per grad. Grad families are welcome to invite all their friends and family to partake in this special celebration! A photographer is also provided and will be taking photos throughout the event. Please contact Sandy.
More information to come...
ACCOMMODATIONS
A block of rooms have been booked at the Hilton Garden Inn at a rate of $124 for a standard room with two Queen beds or 1 King bed. Parking is available for the special rate of $8/day. Phone (306) 244-2311 to book your stay.
A block of rooms has also been booked at the Home Inn & Suites at a rate of $124 for a standard room. Features a free breakfast and a pool with a waterslide. Phone (306) 657-4663 to book your stay.
Please note that due to budget considerations, we are not able to offer any exceptions to the convention registration fee. There are no one-day fees or shopping only fees. Attendees are welcome to attend all or a portion of the convention, as their schedules permit; however, we are unable to provide discounts for persons choosing to participate in less than the full conference. Thank you for your understanding.
Individual Adult: $120
Adult Couple (living together at same address): $190
(This amount includes your $35 annual membership)
Grandparents of registered attendees: $70
Teens (13 & up): $70
Children (5-11): $70
Grad Ceremony Participation: $50 per family
Consent:
Please note- by providing an email address you are consenting to being contacted by SHBE regarding items of interest relating to your membership. You can opt out of SHBE communications at anytime by emailing help@shbe.info
Refunds:
Up to February 7, 2019, all but $35 per form will be refunded upon written request to registrar@shbe.info. After that date, NO REFUNDS will be given.
Attendance:
No one-day fees
No shopping-only fees
Attendees are welcome to attend all or a portion of the convention as their schedules permit; however we are unable to provide ANY discounts other than the early bird discount.
Meals:
Saturday lunch is included with your registration, if received by February 11, 2019. There are no meals for walkups.
Payments are processed using a secure application hosted on a third party website (PayPal). SHBE does not retain any credit card information.


Used Book Sale
NOTE: The LAST DAY to request a Used Book code is February 18.
SHBE is again providing its membership with the opportunity to buy and sell used educational resources at the upcoming convention. It is SHBE’s policy that you hold a valid membership in order to sell or purchase used curriculum at the convention.
Please bring only materials that will help others in their homeschool goals. All items should be in good sellable condition. Please DO NOT bring student books that have been written in. DO NOT bring any FREE items to give away, as there will not be a place to display them. Materials should be educational (textbooks, literature, computer programs, games, puzzles, music, crafts, DVD’s, CD’s, etc). SHBE reserves the right to refuse to display any material deemed inappropriate.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday, resources may be dropped off and organized for the sale. The Used Book room will be closed at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, and unsold materials must be picked up between 5:00-5:30 p.m. Any materials left after this point will become the property of SHBE. While every effort will be made not to have losses, SHBE will not be responsible for any damage that may occur or items not found at the end of the convention.
Any questions should be directed to Francie Munchinsky.
Homeschool Completion Recognition Ceremony
Please send your paragraph and picture by February 10, 2020.
We are pleased to once again host the Homeschool Completion Recognition Ceremony. There will be some changes this year, including a reception to follow the ceremony (there will be a small fee per family, yet to be determined).
The ceremony will take place on Friday evening. Both parents and grads will be introduced with a paragraph provided by the family (See below). The paragraph will be read aloud as the student is escorted to the stage by their parents. There will be background music as you proceed to the stage. The group will assemble on the stage for a photo session after all students have been introduced.
If you wish to participate in this event, please compose a paragraph (between 150 and 250 words) about each student. The paragraph may include name, age, town, years homeschooled, siblings, personal interests, future aspirations, and God’s role in your family life. Please include parents’ names and a picture of the student graduating. The paragraph will be read aloud as the student is escorted to the stage by their parents.
- You are welcome to bring guests who are family members (siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc).
The guests are not to arrive more than 15 minutes before the event begins. - Caps and gowns will not be provided.
The dress code is at your discretion, but formality (i.e. preferably no sloppy jeans) and modesty (i.e. preferably no low cut dresses) are suggested. - Please meet at (TBD), in Salon B at the back.
Graduates and their parents should stand in front of the graduate’s name which will be posted on the wall. Further instructions will be given at that time. - Please contact Sandy if you have any further questions.
EXHIBIT HALL


EXHIBIT HALL
The Exhibit Hall will be open the following hours:
Friday
11:00 am to 6:30 pm
Saturday
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
SHBE is very grateful for our exhibitors who come to the convention.
Please support them!

