Northern Visit Highlights Thriving Education Programs

Released on September 9, 2016

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Don Morgan, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Donna Harpauer and Legislative Secretary Jennifer Campeau are in northern Saskatchewan today for a back to school visit with students and staff at schools in Beauval and the Northern Village of Pinehouse to see provincial initiatives in action.

“I am proud to see initiatives like Following Their Voices and Invitational Shared Service Initiatives (ISSI) are making a real difference for students’ educational experience and achievement,” Morgan said.  “It is so great to see all the excited faces of students back in the classroom and the passion for learning that is shared among the staff and students in these northern communities.”

Pinehouse’s Minahik Waskahigan School, is one of 17 schools across the province using Following Their Voices.  This is the second year of implementation in the high school and now the program is being expanded into the elementary school as well.

“In just the second year of its implementation at the Grade 6- 12 level, we are already seeing results in the classroom from the Following Their Voices program,” Minahik Waskihigan High School Principal Curtis Chandler said.  “We are very excited to not only continue with the programming, but to bring Following Their Voices to the elementary school level as well.”

“It is a priority for our school community to build relationships and Following Their Voices is an excellent fit for our students,” Minahik Waskihigan School Elementary Principal Rosalena Smith said.  “It’s very exciting for us to have the chance to showcase northern education, and the Following Their Voices programming to the Minister.”

Following Their Voices is a made-in-Saskatchewan initiative that was created in collaboration with Saskatchewan schools and First Nations and Métis organizations to help support teachers in building strong relationships and create positive learning environments to meet the needs of First Nations and Métis students.  It was field tested in six schools from January to June 2015 and rolled out to another 11 schools in 2015-16.

An ISSI partnership with Valley View School in Beauval and the English River First Nation focuses on a hands-on approach to preparing students for success.  The agreement allows students in both schools to access supports including a student support worker, parent and community engagement, speech assistance, cultural and extra-curricular activities and professional development opportunities.

“The ISSI partnerships that we have introduced provide our students with increases in support and opportunities to succeed,” Valley View School Principal Arlene Hansen said.  “I am so proud to see our classroom attendance and credit attainment numbers improving as a result of this partnership.”

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For more information, contact:

Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca