MERLIN

Curiosity in Action: Building Deeper Understanding Through Simulation and Inquiry-Based Learning
2026-09-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-22 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Winnipeg) | Virtual
*A Gizmo event from Explore Learning
Audience: 9–12
Today’s science classrooms must do more than deliver content. They must develop curious, analytical, and evidence-driven scientific thinkers. This interactive session explores how simulation-based inquiry examples (Grades 9–12) allow students to actively investigate scientific phenomena, test ideas, analyze data, and build deeper conceptual understanding through exploration and discovery.

Participants will experience engaging, curriculum-connected science investigations designed to support implementation of the new Manitoba science curriculum while fostering student curiosity, creativity, and critical scientific thinking. Through interactive simulations and visual models, educators will explore strategies for making complex and abstract scientific concepts more accessible across biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science classrooms.
The session will also highlight practical approaches for supporting classroom discussion, differentiation, assessment, and student engagement through inquiry-driven learning experiences. Educators will leave with ready-to-use ideas and strategies that help students think, question, and investigate like scientists.

For registration details and additional information, please contact MERLIN.

Curiosity in Action: Building Deeper Understanding Through Simulation and Inquiry-Based Learning
2026-09-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
*A Gizmo event from Explore Learning
Audience: 5-8
Today’s middle years science classrooms must spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help students make sense of the world around them. This interactive session explores how simulation-based inquiry examples (Grades 5–8) allow students to investigate scientific phenomena, making meaningful questions, analyzing evidence, and developing deeper conceptual understanding through hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants will experience engaging, curriculum-connected virtual science simulations designed to support implementation of the new Manitoba science curriculum while fostering student curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking. Through interactive simulations and visual models, educators will explore strategies for making abstract and difficult concepts more accessible and engaging across life, physical, earth, and space science topics.
The session will also highlight practical approaches for supporting classroom discussion, differentiation, assessment, and student engagement through inquiry-driven learning experiences. Educators will leave with new ideas and strategies that help students think critically, explore confidently, and build understanding like young scientists.

For registration details and additional information, please contact MERLIN.

Microsoft Accessibility and Learning Tools
2026-09-18 | SmartPark, Winnipeg
Designed for users who have familiarity with Microsoft and are interested in learning about how these features can increase accessibility for themselves, the colleagues they supervise, or their students.

Basic navigation and features through an accessibility lens

Microsoft Learning Tools / Learning Accelerators

Immersive Reader

Dictate

Language Translation

Math Solver

Live Captions across tools

General accessibility options

Microsoft Coaches / Progress

Reading

Speaker

Search

Contact us for more information.
Registration closes one month prior to training date.

Intro to AI
2026-09-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Designed for users that are new to using AI in a professional capacity and/or consider themselves “beginners”.

What is AI and how does it actually work?

Potential for AI in the classroom

Ethical considerations

Trends influencing education

General and MB focus

Reimagine education with AI

Contact us for more information.
Registration closes Thursday, September 3 at 12 noon.

MAETL Meeting
2026-09-17 | SmartPark, Winnipeg
Visit Manitoba Association of Education Technology Leaders (MAETL) Website for full details.

Tech Check
2026-09-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Designed for educators who consider themselves as beginner-intermediate technology users. Scheduled to assist educators who are planning to fine-tune their tech integration plans for the school year.

Addressing issues with “education” labelled software

7-step checklist for software selection

Contact us for more information.
Registration closes Tuesday, September 1 at 12 noon.

Mystery Lake School District - Topic: AI
2026-09-09 | Thompson
MERLIN will be working with Mystery Lake School District on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI).
Learn more about custom training sessions by visiting our Training webpage.

Labour Day
2026-09-07
MERLIN Closure

Back-to-School
2026-09-02 - 2026-09-04
Welcome back to our K-12 students and staff!
Welcome to the fall/winter semester for our post-secondary students and staff!

StormWind Studios PD - CANCELLED
2026-08-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
*Updated August 13, 2026: Unfortunately this event has been cancelled due to low enrollment.
Join StormWind Studios and MERLIN for a free virtual professional development session exploring StormWind Studios: a training solution to upskill your team by giving IT staff access to hundreds of courses, hand on labs, practice material, skill assessments, and certified learning that empowers them to grow and be more efficient every day.

In today’s dynamic landscape, high-quality and personalized learning can make all the difference in your team’s efficiency. This event features a 30-minute overview of StormWind Studios; including our updated course catalogue, new personalized learning experience platform (PLE), and more! We are also offering FIVE 30-minute one-on-one session slots where organizations can meet directly with our team to discuss your training goals, provide personalized demos, and answer your questions to help you get the most out of StormWind. Whether you are new to StormWind or looking to better understand our new offerings, this session is designed to help educational organizations strengthen their technical skills by providing a smarter path to the skills that matter.

For registration details and additional information, please contact MERLIN.

Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, August 12th.

Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
2026-08-17 - 2026-08-20 | SmartPark, Winnipeg
Learn how to investigate, respond to, and hunt for threats using Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Defender for Cloud. In this course you will learn how to mitigate cyberthreats using these technologies. Specifically, you will configure and use Microsoft Sentinel as well as utilize Kusto Query Language (KQL) to perform detection, analysis, and reporting. The course was designed for people who work in a Security Operations job role and helps learners prepare for the exam SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst.
Contact us for more information.
Registration closes one month prior to training date.

Web Content Filtering
2026-08-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Lead by the MERLIN technical team; this session will be a “deep dive” on how to fully configure your system. Strengthen your use of this important security tool before the 26/27 school year begins!
Our web content filtering through Palo Alto allows partners to block or allow specific websites based on categories, URLs, or external blacklists; empowering administrators to prevent access to inappropriate or harmful online material.
This service protects users against malicious and evasive web-based threats; both known and unknown. It provides granular URL filtering, visibility into user activity, safe search enforcement, and phishing prevention.
Contact us for more information.
Registration closes Wednesday, July 29 at 12 noon.

Terry Fox Day
2026-08-03

Basic Hosted Firewall
2026-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Lead by the MERLIN technical team; this session will be a “deep dive” on how to fully utilize the firewall options available to clients. Strengthen your use of this important security tool before the 26/27 school year begins!
Based on a Palo Alto Networks firewall and currently serves 34 educational organizations. It includes all the protection of MERLIN’s vulnerability protection service and provides the following additional benefits:

Layer 7 next-generation firewall technology which provides application visibility. Clients can identify and classify application traffic from applications such as Facebook, YouTube, Dropbox, iTunes, X (formerly known as Twitter), FaceTime, Pinterest, Instagram, BitTorrent, and Netflix.
User identification through the firewall’s User ID functionality. This connects to a division’s user directory and provides the ability to apply application control rules to the appropriate users and groups.
Application control by user or group which provides flexibility on how, when, and to what destinations they are allowed. Applications can be blocked, allowed, or limited based on the application’s category and the educational need.
Visibility of internal device addresses which increases the client’s ability to track down and identify the source of malicious traffic and unwanted applications.
Content filtering by user or group allows for multiple unique content filtering profiles within a single school or site.
Secure VPN with MFA access to internal systems for staff.
Advanced vulnerability, anti-virus, and spyware protection

Contact us for more information.
Registration closes Wednesday, July 8 at 12 noon.

Managing Windows Environments with Group Policy - CANCELLED
2026-07-13 - 2026-07-17 | SmartPark, Winnipeg
*Updated June 12, 2026: Unfortunately this event has been cancelled due to low enrollment.
On completing this course, attendees will be able to:
• Apply both local and remote management techniques to Windows 11 and Windows Server environments
• Describe Active Directory architecture as it pertains to Group Policy planning and troubleshooting
• Design organizational unit structures that support effective Group Policy delegation and administration
• Plan, implement, and maintain a Group Policy infrastructure aligned with organizational requirements
• Understand Group Policy processing order, scope, and conflict resolution, and apply that understanding to real-world troubleshooting
• Manage applications through Group Policy using current supported mechanisms, and understand the practical positioning of AppLocker, App Control for Business, and Smart App Control
• Configure user environments using Group Policy, with awareness of modern alternatives where legacy technologies have been deprecated
• Configure security through Group Policy, including account policies, user rights, security options, Windows Defender Firewall, and BitLocker
• Maintain Windows 11 through Group Policy, with current understanding of the Windows Update management landscape
• Use Group Policy Analytics and related tooling to assess existing Group Policy estates for Intune migration candidacy
• Apply a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving Group Policy application issues using current troubleshooting tools
Contact us for more information.
Registration closes one month prior to training date.

Canada Day
2026-07-01

Summer Break
2026-06-30
Wishing our K-12 students and staff a restorative summer break!

Rolling River School Division - Topic: AI
2026-06-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
MERLIN will be working with Rolling River School Division on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI).
Learn more about custom training sessions by visiting our Training webpage.

Portage la Prairie School Division - Topic: AI
2026-06-29 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
MERLIN will be working with Portage la Prairie School Division on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI).
Learn more about custom training sessions by visiting our Training webpage.

Fuel User Group Networking Luncheon - Palo Alto Networks
2026-06-23 11:30 - 13:30 | Winnipeg
Join Palo Alto Networks for the exciting re-launch of the Fuel User Group in Winnipeg!
This user group is designed for professionals interested in Palo Alto Networks products to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. During the event, we’ll dive into discussions on the Prisma Browser and explore the Strata Cloud Manager and the Migration Tool, offering valuable insights and hands-on tips. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to expand your network, share experiences with others in the local InfoSec community.
Lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP and we look forward to seeing you there!

CIRA: Canadians Connected
2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Winnipeg
Canadians Connected, CIRA’s premier event series for internet aficionados, is coming to the Peg.
The details:
What:Canadians Connected: Winnipeg, an event bringing together Canada’s internet community for networking and learning opportunities. You’ll experience:

Networking, nibbles and cocktails
A pop-up shopping experience from local .CAs
A panel discussion on digital sovereignty

Who: we hate to name-drop but…you’ll get the opportunity to network with people like:

Byron Holland and the CIRA leadership team, Courtney Comber, Elisha Dacey, Bianca Wylie and more!
Local businesses: Coconut, Souvenir Handmade, Josiah Galleries, Bunns Creek Pottery, Prairie Potions, Slow Stories, We Heart Winnipeg, Tamara Dates, Utku, Wood & Grain Winnipeg, Bead N Butter, The Butter Tart Lady and SoulStoked.

When: Thursday, June 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. CT
Where: Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 85 Israel Asper Way
Cost: Completely free, just register!

NotebookLM for Education, new features, uses and best practices
2026-06-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
Imagine a space where your documents, notes and teaching resources become a knowledge base you can query and share, but also a starting point for creating audio podcasts, study guides, infographics and many other differentiated resources, all shareable with colleagues or directly with your students. NotebookLM is the AI tool that makes all of this possible, built around your own content.
This one-hour webinar offers a complete overview of NotebookLM’s possibilities, including the platform’s new features. You will explore uses designed for both teachers and students, best practice examples, and how to integrate NotebookLM directly into Google Classroom for effective sharing with your groups.

Google 2026 H2 Roadmap
2026-06-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Target Audience: IT and Instructional Leadership
Discover how Google for Education is transforming teaching and learning in 2026 and beyond. This confidential online meeting offers a first look at new features, product updates, and a chance to get your questions answered live.

Gemini in Google Classroom
2026-06-10 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Unlock the power of Gemini directly in Google Classroom!
In this one-hour webinar, you’ll discover how this seamlessly integrated tool can instantly simplify your lesson prep and boost student engagement. Learn how to create dynamic content that can be easily shared directly in Classroom with your students.
We’ll explore creative, time-saving strategies like generating personalized quizzes, crafting differentiated materials, and creating engaging audio lessons with just a single click. Join us to see how these powerful, built-in tools can transform your daily teaching workflow!

Partner Program Meeting
2026-06-04 | SmartPark, Winnipeg
Join us for the last Partner Program event of the 25/26 school year as we bring our partners together to share updates, network, and learn.
Full details will be sent out via email.
Learn more about our Partner Program by clicking HERE.

Bitwarden Admin PD
2026-05-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join MERLIN for a free virtual professional development session exploring Bitwarden Password Manager—a secure and easy-to-use platform designed to help organizations safely store, manage, and share passwords and sensitive information.
In today’s cybersecurity landscape, strong password practices are more important than ever. This one-hour session will provide an overview of Bitwarden’s core features and administrative tools, including password management best practices, secure sharing, user onboarding, enterprise policies, reporting tools, and more.
Topics will include:
• Understanding vaults and item types
• Autofill and secure password sharing
• Collections, permissions, and user management
• SSO, MFA, and authentication workflows
• Enterprise security policies and reporting
• Access Intelligence and monitoring tools
Whether you are new to Bitwarden or looking to better manage your organization’s deployment, this session is designed to help educational organizations strengthen password security while simplifying access management.
For registration details and additional information, please contact MERLIN.
Secure passwords. Stronger protection. Simpler management.

Sunrise School Division - Topic: AI
2026-05-26 | Beausejour
MERLIN will be working with Sunrise School Division on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI).
Learn more about custom training sessions by visiting our Training webpage.

Scholastic Esports Expo
2026-05-21 - 2026-05-22 | RRC Polytech
The inaugural Scholastic Esports Expo (SEE) took place in May of 2023. Since then, SEE has attracted 19 unique schools and over 400 attendees. Hosted at the Red River College Polytechnic’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, the event has already led to a significant surge in MSEA membership and participation, with projected doubled registration numbers for future seasons.
◾ Each day has its own tournament, with two game titles for the Middle Years and two for the Senior Years.
◾ Schools bring one team for each title offered, playing in a round robin with three matches guaranteed, while the top teams move up towards the playoffs.
◾ There are keynotes and panel discussions to provide more information to teacher, students, and parents about various topics.
