Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
January 2013 Issue 1 www.mfnerc.com
THE ARROWNEWSLETTER OF THE MFNERC
January // 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
School Profiles 3
Special Education Unit 2
Wapaskwa 4
Hot off the New Press 7
Suicide Prevention 7
Welcome to the brand new newsletter of the MFNERC, formerly known as the Principals’ Newsletter, The Arrow! We are proud to showcase
a School Profiles section in each issue. This section will highlight First Nation schools who receive service delivery from the MFNERC, promote school activities and their outstanding programs.
We would also love to share with you the launch of the newly designed MFNERC website, www.mfnerc.com. Our hope is to have the website more accessible so that you are able to easily navigate and discover all the new and interesting activities the MFNERC has been up to.
With growing access to internet, MFNERC has decided to cancel the MFNERC Bi-Weekly Bulletin, which was previously faxed to schools, and be more green by sending an eNewsletter out once a month. Feel free to sign up for news and bulletins on our website
Happy New Year!On behalf of the staff and management of the Manitoba First Nations
Education Resource Centre, it is my hope that you are well rested and had a
wonderful holiday season.
by scrolling to the bottom of the webpage. There you will find a blue “Connect” banner which you simply click and then fill in the required information. Past MFNERC Newsletters are also accessible on our website.
With January here, the MFNERC specialists are busy and back in the communities. Many events are up and coming including:
The Opaskwayak Regional Education Conference (Jan. 17-18). The theme, Looking Back – Thinking Forward: Supporting Contemporary Education with Traditions.
The 11th Annual Science Fair (Feb. 15-16) at the Max Bell Centre, University of Manitoba.
For information on other events check out the calendar on our website or contact us at [email protected]
I wish you all a successful year in 2013!
Lorne C. Keeper Executive Director
Special Education Unit
THE ARROW Newsletter of the MFNERC THE ARROW Newsletter of the MFNERC
// 02 // 03
www.mfnerc.com www.mfnerc.com
January 2013 Issue 1January 2013 Issue 1
The past few months have been a busy time for MFNERC’s Special Ed. Specialists and Speech Language Pathologists.
This is the 6th year the Unit has hosted the Speech Language Regional Workshop, which was held November 28 and 29, 2012 at the Victoria Inn, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Resource teachers, Speech Language Educational Assistants, Classroom Educational Assistants, Classroom teachers, and a Vice-Principal attended the workshop, representing twelve First Nation communities from Manitoba. The first day unfolded with MFNERC’s Speech Language Pathologists - Rachel North Wavey and Loretta Sinclair - presenting an introductory session to the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). PECS is a form of augmentative and alternative communication, which is used to help those who have difficulties communicating through spoken or written language. PECS is typically used as an aid in communication for children with autism and other special needs. The system has been used with a variety of ages including preschoolers, adolescents and adults who have
a wide array of communicative, cognitive and physical difficulties. After the informative morning session, Reading Clinician Richelle Lovegrove was invited to present with Loretta Sinclair on Vocabulary Development. Rachel North Wavey rounded out the afternoon with a presentation on stuttering, and how to work with students who experience it and help them overcome it. The next Speech Language Regional Workshop will be held February 13 and 14, 2013 in Thompson, which is a repeat session.
The Special Education Unit has also held numerous other informative sessions, throughout the Fall and Winter, on a variety of topics including: different ways of assessing students’ cognitive skills, behavior intervention, addressing student diversity and developing a health services plan for a child’s specific needs. As the Unit looks forward to 2013, it continues to work closely with the First Nations Schools in order to discover their needs, and build programs to address these needs while reflecting First Nations values.
For more information contact Margaret Scott at [email protected].
School ProfilesSoutheast Collegiate, Winnipeg, MB and Otetiskiwin
Kiskinwamahtowekamik, Nisichawayasihk Cree NationThe MFNERC provides resources and training to 56 First Nations run schools across Manitoba. We are please
to showcase these schools in each issue of The Arrow - Newsletter of the MFNERC. If you would like to see your
school highlighted in The Arrow please email us at [email protected].
Southeast Collegiate, Winnipeg, MB
Established in 1995, Southeast Collegiate is a school where First Nation Youth can attain a good education in an environment that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to their needs. The school boasts 160 students from grades 10-12, with a staff population of 17. The school strives to maintain a community of life-long learners who, upon graduation, can contribute positively on both local and global levels. Athletic programming is another major focus of SEC, with volleyball, basketball and other sporting events happening throughout the year.
www.secollege.ca
Otetiskiwin Kiskinwamahtowekamik (O.K.), Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
“Our school is a community school. Our aim is to provide a warm, safe, loving, and caring environment for students.” Around 650 students from in and around Nelson House enroll at O.K. each year. The school offers N-8 programming that is consistent with First Nations traditions, laws, customs, culture and philosophy. The school works in partnership with parents and the wider community to provide students with a high standard of education. This inclusive approach helps students meet today’s challenges, and helps O.K. achieve its goals.
www.nhea.info
Southeast Collegiate Otetiskiwin Kiskinwamahtowekamik
Island Lake Regional Education ConferenceHolding onto Values – Navigating the Trends
St. Theresa Point School, ManitobaFebruary 26 & 27, 2013
Contact: Marcella McCorrister(204) 594-1290 ext. [email protected]
The Manitoba First Nations 11th Annual
Science Fair February 15-16, 2013
Max Bell Centre,University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, MB
Guest Speaker:Actor Solomon Trimble
of “Twilight”
For more information call:Rudy Subedar
or Wilfred Buckat (204) [email protected]
THE ARROW Newsletter of the MFNERC THE ARROW Newsletter of the MFNERCwww.mfnerc.com www.mfnerc.com
// 04 January 2013 Issue 1 // 05January 2013 Issue 1
Wapaskwa Virtual CollegiateWapaskwa Virtual Collegiate (WVC) is now in its fourth year, and is offering nine courses this semester. Enroll now for 2013 Semester 2 Courses!
At WVC, students take high school courses entirely over the Internet in a fully interactive virtual classroom format, with the daily presence of an online teacher. Classes are held during a specific time of the school day and use media such as video conferencing, webinars and text chat live. All participants arrive at the appointed time for the lesson, and students begin by logging into their “virtual learning environment”. Here they have the ability to speak or text live with the teacher and peers in their online room. Teachers and students can write on the shared interactive whiteboard or raise their hand when they wish to speak with the teacher.
WVC teachers are provincially certified teachers and trained to conduct the online classes. Courses are designed for 70 minutes of instruction per day (Monday-Friday), following a traditional semester system.
WVC was created to help First Nation students in Manitoba access new sources of education and find new learning opportunities. The Collegiate gives students a wider range of academic options for courses that may not be offered where they live or do not fit within their current class schedule. Courses can be taken for credit recovery or course enrichment and do not require prior online course experience to participate.
WVC is accepting registrations for the February start date.
Grade 9 Mathematics (10F) is a foundation course to prepare students for multiple possible pathways in Grades 10 to 12. The course builds on the understandings from Kindergarten to Grade 8 Mathematics. The learning outcomes are divided into four strands of Number; Patterns and Relations; Shape and Space; Statistics and Probability. For instructional purposes, the outcomes are arranged into eight units: Number Sense, Polynomials, Powers, Linear Relations, Statistics and Probability, Symmetry, Geometry and Circle Geometry. There are no prerequisites.
Grade 9 English Language Arts (10F) English Language Arts enable each student to understand and appreciate language. Language proficiency generates confidence and competence in communicating in a variety of situations, as well as facilitating personal satisfaction and learning. Students become confident and competent users of all six language arts through many opportunities to listen, speak, read, write, view and represent in a variety of combinations and relevant contexts using a variety of texts. Grade 9 ELA 10F is a required foundations course.
Grade 9 Social Studies (10F) Grade 9 students will focus on the opportunities and challenges at the core of Canada’s contemporary plurality. They begin with an overview of Canada today, including its demographics, geography, and political organization. They examine the evolving stories of interaction among the people of Canada, and the influence of the land on the development of Canada. They explore the historical and contemporary complexities of citizenship and identity, considering the challenges and opportunities that emerge when groups with differing identities and perspectives interact with one another. Contemporary Canadian questions and issues are examined within the global context.
Students are given opportunities to explore how they may become involved in Canadian issues. Through this inquiry, they are enabled to become informed decision makers actively involved in their local, national, and global communities.
Grade 9 Science (10F) This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and electricity, and to relate science to technology, society and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to reproduction and heredity; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.”There are no prerequisites.
Grade 10 Introduction to Applied & Precalculus Mathematics (20S) is intended for students considering post-secondary studies that require a math pre-requisite. The topics studied form the foundation for topics to be studied in both Grade 11
Applied Mathematics and Grade 11 Pre-Calculus Mathematics. Components of the curriculum are both context driven and algebraic in nature. The learning outcomes are divided into three topics of Measurement, Algebra and Number and Relations and Functions. For instructional purposes, the outcomes are arranged into nine units of study: Graphs and Relations; Number Sense; Linear Measurement; Trigonometry; Relations and Functions; Polynomials; Coordinate Geometry; Surface Area and Volume and Systems of Equations. Grade 9 Mathematics 10F is a prerequisite.
English Language Arts (20F) The English Language Arts enable each student to understand and appreciate language. Language proficiency generates confidence and competence in communicating in a variety of situations, as well as facilitating personal satisfaction and learning. Students become confident and competent users of all six language arts through many opportunities to listen, speak, read, write, view and represent in a variety of combinations and relevant contexts using a variety of texts. Grade 10 ELA 20F is a required foundations course.
Social Studies (20F) In Geographic Issues of the 21st Century, students focus on a variety of issues and challenges of the contemporary world. They explore the nature of geography and develop skills related to geographical thinking. Students use the methods and tools of geography, including geographic information systems (GIS) to examine issues and problems and to propose solutions. They study concepts related to ownership and development of natural resources, production and distribution of food, development of industry and trade, and increasing urbanization. Students consider these issues in the context of Canada, North America and the world. Through their study, students become aware of the importance of the environment, stewardship, and sustainable development, as well as the social, political and economic implications of their personal choices.
Grade 10 Science (20F) is the final compulsory course for students in the Senior Years. Grade 10 Science consists of four thematic clusters: Dynamics of Ecosystems; Chemistry in Action; In Motion; Weather Dynamics. There is also a Skills and Attitude cluster. Further credit courses in science for Grade 11 and 12 students become optional and focus on specific science disciplines of Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Prerequisite: Grade 9 Science 10F.
Grade 11 Precalculus Mathematics (30S) is designed for students who intend to study calculus and related mathematics as part of post-secondary education. It builds on the topics studied in Grade 10 Introduction to Applied and Pre-calculus Mathematics and provides background knowledge and skills for Grade 12 Pre-calculus Mathematics. The learning outcomes are divided into three topics: Algebra and Number; Trigonometry; Relations and Functions. For instructional purposes, the outcomes are arranged into eight units of study: Quadratic Equations, Radicals, Quadratic Functions, Sequences, Rationals, Trigonometry, Systems and Inequalities. Prerequisite: Grade 10 Introduction to Applied and Pre-Calculus Mathematics.
Grade 11 Physics (30S) is an optional course for students in the Senior Years. Grade 11 Physics is divided into eight units: Kinematics; Dynamics; Momentum and Energy; Waves; Force, Motion, Work, and Energy; Electrical, Gravitational, and Magnetic Fields; Waves and Modern Physics; and Nuclear Physics. Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science 20F.
Web Design 35S This course is to teach students the skills and knowledge to design, develop, and publish a simple website.
Interactive Websites 35S The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to design, develop and publish a website to display and gather information. Students should have the skills described in the learning outcomes for Web Design 35S prior to starting this course.
Contact your school administrator or guidance counselor and start the enrollment process today.
For more information about Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate, visit our website at www.wapaskwa.ca or contact the principal, Allison McDonald at 204-594-1290 ext. 2013 or [email protected].
THE ARROW Newsletter of the MFNERCwww.mfnerc.com
Hot off the New PressIt began as a simple idea to research: What would be required for MFNERC to be able to print its own resources for the First Nations schools they serve?
This question led Charles Cochrane, Research and Development Program Manager, and his team to Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre (KERC) in Sioux Lookout, ON. KERC is a relatively small organization serving First Nations schools in the Sioux Lookout
district. They develop and print many materials – books, posters, worksheets and other classroom resources – in First Nations languages and English.
After exploring the possibilities via KERC in Ontario, the answer to the original question became obvious. MFNERC has the expertise and knowledge to print its own materials, it just needs the equipment. As a result, the Centre has recently acquired a Xerox 770 Digital Color Press, with
the plan to begin printing booklets, children’s books, postcards and other materials.
“Basically the ultimate goal is to have the ability to print materials that the teachers want for their classrooms,” Charles explains. “For example if a teacher calls us and says, ‘I’d love to have 20 children’s books for my Grade Three classroom, focusing on families, written in Cree, we’ll be able to do that for them.”
It’s an ambitious and exciting idea, with unending potential. “The Province of Manitoba is always looking for aboriginal-focused materials,” Charles continues. “We want to look into partnering with them to create resources…and of course, partnering with our communities, perhaps even begin publishing our peoples’ work…We just had to start and now we’ll see where it goes.”Excited staff get their hands on the Xerox Color Press
An Important New Initiative:Suicide Prevention in First Nations Schools“I remember I was once talking to an Elder on a reserve about the upcoming winter season, saying I was glad it’s hockey season. He responded to me, ‘around here it’s suicide season.’ I think ever since then, I’ve wanted to look at the question of why [youth] feel they have no other option, and then figure out how to help them.” It is not an easy topic to delve into, but for Kevin Kipling, Suicide Prevention Initiative Liaison Officer at MFNERC, it is a topic that he now devotes his professional life to – suicide.
“For some young people there is still a fear of talking about it,” Kevin explains. “We need to take away that stigma…Suicide rates are 10 times higher on Reserve than the general population.” The Suicide Prevention Initiative stems from the knowledge that all students struggle with academics
when health determinants affect their lives. “How can a student focus on school work when they’re having suicidal thoughts?” sums up Kevin. The simple answer is, they can’t. With MFNERC’s new Initiative, the Centre wants to explore and examine the social/emotional impacts in the learning environment of First Nation schools, and to pursue all avenues that will benefit the student, the school and community. “Ultimately we want our First Nations youth to be able to envision a promising future by having networks in place at the school level; and by having specific suicide prevention, intervention and postvention supports in all the schools.”
It is the belief of MFNERC that any school that creates a learning environment inclusive of the social/emotional aspects of the student,
school and surrounding community, helps students and staff develop greater social and emotional competence. This, in turn, helps ensure positive personal and academic outcomes, and benefits the community as a whole.
“The research’s been done, the strategic plan is in place, now we just need the partnerships and funding,” Kevin concludes. And that will continue to be his job until the Initiative can be implemented into all of Manitoba’s First Nations schools.
For more information contact Kevin Kipling at [email protected].
Further Links:
• Healthy Child MB • Manitoba Association of School Superintendents • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
// 07January 2013 Issue 1
For More Information Joy Keeper, Communications & Conference Coordinator, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc.
(204) 594-1290 ext. [email protected]
May 8-10, 2013Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc. proudly hosts it’s 15th Annual First Nations Education Conference that
brings together educators, professionals, education authoritiesand personnel, First Nations leaders, Elders, government representatives,
and First Nations citizens from throughout Manitoba and Canada.
• LTF Tradeshow
• Student Essay Contest
• Over 30 Workshops on First Nations Education
Best Practices & Classroom Strategies!
The Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc. Proudly Presents
THE ARROW Newsletter of the MFNERC www.mfnerc.com
Keep in touch and up-to-date! Contact UsCheck us out on our newly designed
website www.mfnerc.com for more
information on our organization
including the Arrow Newsletter,
eNews, the MFNERC organizational
chart, community maps, photo
gallery, merchandise and other
resource materials. Follow us on
Twitter @MFNERC and Like us on
Facebook at Manitoba First Nations
Education Resource Centre to stay
up-to-date with upcoming events and
recent activities.
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Thompson Sub-Office202-79 Selkirk AvenueThompson, MB R8N 0M7Phone: (204) 677- 0930Toll Free: (877) 879- 0930Fax: (204) 677- 0938
Waverley Sub-Office200-1090 Waverley StreetWinnipeg, MB R3T 0P4Phone: (204) 594-1290Toll Free: (866) 319- 4857Fax: (204) 477-4314
Head OfficeSwan Lake First NationUnit 7, 4820 Portage AveWinnipeg, MB R4H 1C8 Phone: (204) 831-1224Fax: (204) 831-1301
Winnipeg Sub-Office2-1100 Waverley StreetWinnipeg, MB R3T 0P4Phone: (204) 594-1290Toll Free: (866) 319- 4857Fax: (204) 942- 2490
// 08 January 2013 Issue 1
Your Future Starts Here.
Through WVC, students will be given provincially approved curriculum; interactive instruction from highly qualified teachers; access to the most effective interactive tools and course content available today; taught post-secondary and career ready required courses all while allowing students to remain in their home communities.
Courses Offered: • Grade 9 Math (10F) • Grade 11 Physics (30S) • Grade 11 PreCalc (30S)
New Courses Coming This September: • Grade 9 Science (10F) • Grade 9 ELA (10F) • Grade 10 Intro to Applied Math and PreCalc (20S)
To find out more about this incredible opportunity visit www.wapaskwa.caor contact Allison McDonald, Principal, [email protected],(204) 594-1290 ext. 2013 for more information.
Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate (WVC) is now offering online instruction for Manitoba First Nation high school students. ENROLL NOW FOR CLASSES!
