Spark Night
SMUS has invested in connecting the latest in research to the education and well-being of students from Junior Kindergarten to graduation and life after school. Spark Nights are free learning events at SMUS that are open to the Greater Victoria community.
Upcoming Spark Night: Dr. Allison Rees Shares Family Communication Strategies
Join us for an evening with Dr. Allison Rees, a Victoria-based parent educator, counsellor, and author who has spent more than three decades supporting families and training professionals. Known for her grounded, candid, and engaging approach, she brings insight, humour, and meaningful audience interaction to every presentation.
Drawing on highlights from her widely respected Sidestepping the Power Struggle course, Dr. Rees will help unpack the everyday challenges families face and share practical strategies to strengthen communication at home. The session will also explore the growing impact of technology on family dynamics and the realities of raising children in an increasingly digital world.
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Location: SMUS Chapel (3400 Richmond Road)
Time: Light refreshments at 6:00 pm; presentation 6:30-8:00 pm
Recent Presentations
| DATE | SUBJECT | SPEAKER |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 2, 2026 | Safer Schools Presentation | Safer Schools Organization |
| Jan. 28, 2025 | What Artificial Intelligence means to parents. View video of this event. | Dr. Peter Scott |
| Jan. 16, 2025 | The Anxious Generation: Facilitated Discussion | SMUS Personal Counselling team |
| Oct 1, 2024 | The Learning Blueprint for Teachers and The Learning Blueprint for Students. View video of this event. | Dr. Jared Horvath |
| May 7, 2024 | Cultivating Potential: Fostering Executive Functioning Skills in Your Children | Erin Kline |
| February 6, 2024 | Safer Schools Together. This session focussed on all things digital. | |
| November 23, 2023 | Screenagers Under The Influence - a movie addressing vaping, drugs and alcohol in the digital age | |
| May 11, 2023 | Gender Diversity, Allyship, and Inclusion | Facilitator and speaker, Kingsley Strudwick |
| March 16, 2023 | Youth Drug Exposure | Leslie McBain, co-founder of Moms Stop the Harm |
| December 5, 2022 | The Impact of Technology on the Brain | Scientist, teacher, mentor and brain researcher Dr. Paul Mohapel |