Superintendent's Message
Superintendent’s Message
Soon everyone will be returning from what we hope was a lovely summer vacation. The beginning of a new school year always brings with it a sense of excitement. Staff and students are happy to see each other and share their summer adventures and begin their new learning experiences. Every year brings changes such as new staff starting their career with us, new students joining the Yellowknife Catholic Schools family, new program initiatives and curriculum changes.
In the area of program and curriculum implementation we are excited about the following new initiatives:
- École St. Joseph school will be piloting a "Learning Through the Arts" program at the Grade 6-8 level. Students involved in this program will be covering the same curriculum objectives but through a different approach. Their learning experiences will all take place through art, music and drama and other art modalities.
- At Weledeh Catholic School we are very pleased to be introducing a preschool program. Our preschool programs provide a great learning experience for children to help prepare them for their formal education which begins in kindergarten. The focus of preschool is the development of social skills and pre-readiness skills for school. Learning is based on structured and unstructured play opportunities and exploration of the environment around them.
- Last year we had a Math review conducted in our district, for the purpose of providing us with recommendations for continued improvement in this area. We look forward to having the results presented to us in September. The Math curriculum has undergone many changes over the past few years with the introduction of a new curriculum. This year will see the implementation of the new Grade 12 Math program.
- ECE has also been revising the Northern Studies program which is a mandatory course to be taken in Grade 10. We will be implementing the new modules in September. At present this is a three year course but in 2013-14 it will become a mandatory five credit course.
- Our Religion program has undergone some changes. Teachers are excited about the new resources that have been purchased from Preschool to Grade 8. More information is available about our new program in the Religion section of our website.
- As a district we have worked hard to integrate technology in the learning process. This year will see mandatory implementation of Literacy with ICT at all grade levels. We have had a team of teachers developing a scope and sequence for each grade level and sample lessons to assist teachers.
On top of all this we will continue to address the three areas of our Strategic Plan - Spirituality, Student Achievement in Literacy and Numeracy and Aboriginal Student Achievement. Our strategic priorities will be reviewed this year to help set direction for the next three years. Parents and students will be invited to participate in this process.
Our Board of Trustees continues to work very hard to ensure that Yellowknife Catholic Schools offers a sound education program for the children who have been entrusted to our care. This is all done while ensuring that our decisions are fiscally responsible. This year marks the end of the trustees three year term. Elections will be taking place on October 15th. If you are interested in getting involved as a trustee information may be picked up at our Central Services office. Details of eligibility will also be available on our website.
Our district theme for this year will continue to be "Just Believe" as there is so much that can be done with this topic in regards to believing in self, others and God. As mentioned last year our focus is about believing that God is there to support you and guide you in whatever you are doing. Believe in yourself and your potential, your gifts from God. Just believe in others and what they have to offer. Remember we are all unique and we must appreciate each others differences.
A huge thank you to all parents for entrusting your children to our care. If at any point in time you have questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your school administration. We look forward to an exciting school year.
Claudia Parker, Superintendent
He took a little child and put it among them; and taking it into his arms, he said to them,
"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." (Mark 9:36)