A major conversation about artificial intelligence is coming to local classrooms, as the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board prepares to host a two-day summit focused on the rapidly evolving technology.
Set for April 9-10, the initiative will bring together secondary school students, educators, and families to better understand how AI is shaping everyday life. Rather than simply introducing the basics, the event is designed to dig deeper, encouraging participants to think critically about how these tools should be used.
The summit reflects priorities outlined in the board’s current strategic plan, with a strong emphasis on keeping people at the centre of decision-making, as opposed to technology. That includes guiding students to approach AI through the lens of ethics, human dignity, and Catholic values, while also exploring how it can be used for the broader good.
Students will also have an opportunity to hear from leading voices in the field. International technology strategist Giancarlo Brotto is set to headline the event, speaking directly to students at both district secondary schools and later addressing families. His message underscores a key theme of the summit: while technology continues to advance rapidly, it cannot replace human purpose.
Alongside student-focused sessions, the board is also making space for parents and caregivers to engage with the topic. A special evening event on April 9 will offer guidance for families navigating the challenges of raising children in an AI-driven world. The session is expected to touch on maintaining balance, supporting mental well-being, and helping young people develop healthy relationships with technology.
Board officials say the broader goal is to ensure students are not only prepared for future careers but also equipped to use emerging technologies in ways that strengthen their communities.
