Sponsored by Yellowknife Education District No. 1
It’s that time of year again – back to school – which means it’s time to resurface those backpacks, dust off those lunch bags and prepare for another fulfilling (and busy) school year.
Whether your child is entering the school system or is on their way out, YK1 wants to let you in on all the great things happening this year in our schools.
Schools back … in August?
That’s right. The first day of classes for all YK1 schools is August 31, prior to the Labour Day weekend. Due to the nature of the 2015/2016 calendar and the required number of in-school days, beginning the school year at the end of August ensures that students will complete the school year prior to July 2016. School administration and front desk staff will be in schools from August 17 to 28 for registration.
Don’t forget to bring a pencil!
To make sure your child has all they need to kick-off the school year, please visit our website for our school supply lists. Lists are also available at Staples, Walmart, Creative Basics, Extra Foods and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Fresh faces at YK1
There will be several fresh faces around our schools this fall – both new hires and transferred staff. YK1 welcomes our new principals, Dean MacInnis of École Sir John Franklin High School (SJF), Rachell Simmons of École J.H. Sissons (JHS), Katey Simmons of Mildred Hall School (MHS), and Jeff Seabrook of École William McDonald Middle School (WMS). Welcome also to our new Assistant Principals, Paul Bennett at SJF, Brigitte Rivet at JHS and Ryan Nichols at MHS.
Be sure to welcome our new staff with a smile!
Programming at YK1 schools
Last January, YK1 Superintendent Metro Huculak and the YK1 Board of Trustees arranged a series of conversation nights with parents at each of our schools in order to hear what parents would like in terms of programming. The feedback from these discussion groups have led to changes in our programming, including a greater focus on arts and music, specialized sports programming and a focus on promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
This year, SJF will be piloting their Falcon Sport School of Excellence program designed to develop strength, speed, and agility in high performance athletes.
As well, YK1 schools will be partnering with local artists and musicians to enrich student experiences. Elders in residence programs and culture camps will also continue within our schools to ensure that students experience aboriginal language and culture education.
As always, YK1 staff values community feedback and hopes that parents and YK1 stakeholders will continue to direct the Board of Trustees and Administration about programming needs. While YK1 schools have extensive programming options for learners, we are always looking to improve.
New to Yellowknife?
Moving to a new city in a new territory can be difficult. To ease families into this transition YK1 is offering family welcome backpacks in collaboration with businesses in Yellowknife. Feel free to stop by the District Office to pick up a complimentary backpack today!
A staff of life-long learners
Just as students need to brush up for the new school year after a long summer holiday, so do staff. From August 25 to August 28, YK1 staff will be participating in a range wide of Professional Development opportunities to ensure students are receiving the best possible education.
Choose to make a difference. Become a Trustee!
Looking to make a difference in education in Yellowknife? Nominations are now open for School Board Trustees. Trustees attend monthly board meetings and participate in regularly scheduled board-level committees meetings. In addition, board members make every effort to increase their awareness and understanding of community concerns and school-based issues by attending monthly Parent Advisory Committee meetings, public gatherings and community events.
YK1 Open Houses
Get to know your school, teachers and principals by attending an open house scheduled throughout September. We’ll be sending out reminders about our open houses through social media, the newspaper, newsletters and bulletins to make sure you know when your school’s open house is. Stay tuned!
… and of course, our annual Pancake Breakfast!
Start your Saturday off with a full breakfast at YK1’s annual Community Pancake Breakfast on August 29 from 10 am to 12 p.m. at the YK1 District Office Parking lot. Stacks of pancakes, fresh eggs, hashbrowns, strawberries and refreshments will be served. Stop by to meet YK1 staff, trustees and principals. YK1 hopes you and your family have had a safe and healthy summer vacation. We look forward to the exciting school year ahead.
Happy learning!
