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InSchoolWear
SOLD OUT!!
We are pleased to announce that we have officially sold out of tickets to the 2026 National Leaders Conference. Thank you to everyone who has registered to attend.
There are still pre-conference workshops tickets available for sessions happening on Saturday, April 11th.
If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for conference tickets, please reach out directly to Hailey Francis at hfrancis@cais.ca.
National Leaders Conference
The annual National Leaders Conference brings together school leaders to explore a theme related to issues, trends, challenges and opportunities currently facing independent schools. Each year, the conference focuses on either School Operations or Education Program.
Over three days, participants will have the opportunity to hear from leading experts in keynote speeches and panel discussions, and collaborate with their colleagues from other independent schools in smaller sessions that relate to their specific area of school function.
Registration Now Closed
Dates: Sunday, April 12 - Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Location: Hilton Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, QC
Audience: Educational Leaders
Location: Hilton Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, QC
Audience: Educational Leaders
The 2026 CAIS National Leaders Conference is now sold out.
Pre-conference workshops on Saturday, April 11 remain open and spaces are still available.
If you would like to be added to the conference waitlist, please contact Hailey Francis.
Conference Theme
Leadership in Action: Rooted in Community, Ready for Tomorrow
The 2026 National Leaders Conference invites school leaders to explore what it means to lead with clarity, purpose, and humanity in a time of constant change. Grounded in the lived realities of independent schools, the conference will examine how strong communities, thoughtful leadership, and shared values can support meaningful learning today while preparing schools for what comes next.
Through research informed perspectives and practical dialogue, the conference will focus on leadership that is responsive, collaborative, and anchored in the needs of students, staff, and school communities.
Thank You to the 2026 Planning Committee
Planning Committee Chair
James Whitehouse
James Whitehouse
- Patricia Alviano
- Nathasha Bathgate
- Vance Boisjoli
- Briana Bolt
- Emily Breite
- Hazel Chee
- Jen Frickey
- Jodi Hafenbrak
- Kate Knight
- Denise Lamarche
- Dianna Lee
- Chantale Lewis
- Amalia Liogas
- Ron Neufeld
- Craig Pinches
- Nadia Robinson
- Kimberley Tavares
- Nickie Thompson
- Sean Tohme
- Kimberly Tulloch Wynn
- Vanessa Wade
- Tim White
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
CAIS is grateful for our sponsors. Their support allows CAIS to provide valuable Leadership Development opportunities to our members. We invite you to click on their logos below to explore their websites and learn more about them. To discover how you can become a sponsor, visit our CAIS Corporate Sponsorship Program page or contact Hailey Francis at hfrancis@cais.ca.
Platinum Partner
Visionary Sponsors
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Blackbaud
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ISM Inc.
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UBIQ Education
Collaborator Sponsors
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MySchool
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Intellischool
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SAGE Dining
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Studyo
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Toddle
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Top Marks
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Veracross
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vbs apparel
VS
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Wayground
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Wintergreen Learning Materials
Supporter Sponsors
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Aramark
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Edvance Software
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Logics Academy
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Reach Student Life Management
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Team Litzen
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Terra Education Program Abroad
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TISE Timetabling Services Inc.
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Virtua Immersive Learning Solutions Inc.
Virtual Sponsor
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A.W.G Dewar
2025 National Leaders Conference
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 National Leaders Conference: Leading Tomorrow's Schools, Today
From April 6 to 8, 2025, CAIS welcomed more than 300 operational leaders from across the country to the Hilton Toronto for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. With inspiring keynote speakers, engaging sessions, and opportunities to reconnect in person, the conference delivered practical insights and strategies to support leadership in CAIS schools.
A big thank you to the schools that supported their leaders in attending this event. Your commitment to professional learning strengthens our entire community.
We are also incredibly grateful to our dedicated planning committee and to all of our speakers for making this event such a success.
Photo Gallery
We’re pleased to share this gallery of photos capturing the energy and connection of our time together. Special thanks to our talented photographer, Mimi Tsirkin, for beautifully documenting the experience!
Thank You to the 2025 Planning Committee
Eric Petersiel (Chair), The Leo Baeck Day School
Janet Duga, The Bishop Strachan School
Jennifer Irwin-Jackson, Elmwood School
Shirley Garcia, Havergal College
Eric Hawthorne, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School
Arjuna Kadawathage, Crescent School
Kathy LaBranche, Trinity College School
Shay Matters, Brentwood College School
Suzanne Morrison, Armbrae Academy
Catherine Ruby, Collingwood School
Isabel Sankaran Wee, Stratford Hall
Afzal Shaikh, The York School
Jacqueline Stevens, Halifax Grammar School