NSD New Principal/Teacher Orientation prepares educators to work in Indigenous communities
Posted on August 24
Group photo of new NSD principals and teachers
The beginning of a new school year is a special experience. For some, it's the first chapter of an exciting career in education; for others; it's a new chapter in their journey. From August 20th until the 23rd, 25 new principals, and teachers attended the Northland School Division (NSD) New Principal/Teacher Orientation.
During orientation, new principals developed a better understanding of setting a positive tone with staff and ensuring a successful start-up for the new school year. When the teachers joined the new principals on Tuesday, August 21st, there was a large focus on learning and applying First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Foundational Knowledge; which is part of the new Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) and the Leadership Quality Standard (LQS). The new standards will take effect in September 2019. They participated in Pebbles Training; which helps staff understand:
- Awareness: Understanding historical, legal and contextual terminology pertaining to Indigenous peoples.
- Acknowledgment: Understanding the significance of revitalizing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures as supported by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
- Atonement: Deepen awareness and knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit beliefs, traditions and practices to advance reconciliation.
- Action: Planning your path to reconciliation.
New principals and teachers experienced NSD's adaptation of the Kairos Blanket Exercise for the first time. The exercise is an interactive learning experience that covers 500 years of Indigenous history. Since the adaptation was created, school staff and central office staff have participated in the blanket exercise. These two exercises are examples of what NSD is doing to prepare new principals and teachers for working in Indigenous communities.
On Wednesday, August 22nd, the new principals and teachers were officially welcomed by Board Chair Maddy Daniels, Ward 4 Trustee Jesse Lamouche and Superintendent of Schools Gord Atkinson. The main message conveyed to new staff is to develop relationships with parents and community members and look for opportunities to make a difference.
Speaking of an opportunity to make a difference, principals and teachers were introduced to a program called Classroom Champions Circle by Education Outreach Lead Kate Pereira. The program partners with educators to connect Olympic athletes with Indigenous heritage with classrooms in schools. NSD, with support from Classroom Champions, will be working with interested principals to kick-start the program in their school.
This week, schools are hosting "Organizational Days". It's an opportunity for teachers to organize classrooms and for principals to discuss priorities and expectations with staff before the first day of school (September 4th). In the coming days or weeks, schools will also host Northland Day. Northland Day is an opportunity for school staff to interact with students, parents, Elders, and community members. Schools will be organizing a meal and activities to celebrate dialogue, community, and culture. For more information please contact your local school.
