Northland School Division

Northland School Division No.61 (NSD61) welcomed new teachers and administrators to the division during New Teacher Orientation in Grouard!

23 new teachers and four new principals gathered for five days (August 18^th-22^nd) to become familiar with First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) perspectives, cultural traditions and various initiatives across NSD61. Staff participated in activities focused on student centred learning and community engagement; for example, they took part in designing dreamcatchers using willow branches, beads and animal hide. It was one example of how staff can keep students engaged. 

To complement student centred learning, new teachers and principals familiarized themselves with FNMI resources such as ‘Walking Together’ , ‘Our Word is a Valid Way’ , division-wide Literacy Initiative resources for reading, writing and assessment and Career and Technology courses such as carpentry, cosmetology, small engine mechanics and dual credit opportunities. 

The orientation provides a starting point for new educators and principals to network and receive support from learning coaches, Local School Board Committee members and central office staff.

“I really enjoyed meeting new people at the school division,” said Priscilla Gagnon, Father R. Perin School Principal. “I have a better idea of how to deal with various situations relating to teaching and learning. I feel like I have joined a network of people who have education and FNMI issues very much at heart and are more than willing to share their expertise.”

Northland School Division takes pride in creating a community setting for all events and New Teacher Orientation is no exception. Students, parents, Elders and community members attended the orientation to greet new staff, participate in ceremonies and activities, watch students perform Métis jigging and enjoyed a community feast with everyone. The orientation ended with an emotional presentation by Project Brock Society’s Kim Ruether. In May, 2012, her son Brock passed away after suffering sudden cardiac arrest; he was only 16. Since Brocks death, Project Brock is working to ensure every Alberta school has an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and making sure teachers are trained in CPR and AED use. With help from Project Brock and donations from its supporters, almost all of our schools have at least one AED! Click on the link to learn more about Project Brock http://projectbrock.com/pages/our_supporters/.