Spring 2018 Tepachemoona Newsletter

KOBE In this Issue Bronze Medals for KO Students Submitted by: Melissa Major KOBE Student Retention Lead

Grade 9 students Summer Spade,

KOBE Indigenous Games...page 2 Dyvaune

Philip Meekis and Jules Meekis- Aganash

On March 7, three Grade 9 students from Deer Lake, travelled to Winnipeg to compete in the Science Fair. Their DLFNS Art Club…page 5 project on The Viscosity of Slime earned them a bronze medal in their division. We are all really proud of Summer Spade, Dyvaune Philip Meekis and Jules Meekis-Aganash for all of their hard work. Congratulations!

Their project measured the rate at which different concentrations of

slime will flow down and into a graduated cylinder. They did a wonderful Lessons Learned from job and were excellent representatives throughout the trip. Geese...page 8 The trip also included shopping, a movie and a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint. It was a wonderful experience and trip for everyone.

KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK Spring 2018 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Message from KOBE Education Deer Lake Partnerships Program Liaison First Nation School

As I write this, I am on the plane heading to Deer Lake for the Grade 3 students in Deer Lake first of a series of KOBE Showcases at community schools. This is an opportunity to come together at the school, meet a were inspired by artists

few members of the KOBE team and see some of KOBE’s Modigliani and Van Gogh to work, as well as enjoy a meal together and collect feedback to create these colourful pieces of guide the future work of KOBE. artwork.

This time of year marks a time of renewal where projects are finalized and others begin anew. The hard work, interest and engagement of school and KOBE staff, community members and Board members over the past year has contributed to deve lopment of school staff’s capacity to make the differences they want to s ee in student achievement, well-being, teaching and learning. This work should not and cannot look like it does anywhere else. It is bound to Language and Culture in unique ways that have to be present to make learning relevant to KO students. As community and KOBE staff work together to address these and other priorities identified through consultation (Literacy especially Reading, Numeracy especially associated with Indigenous ways o f knowing), a body of work has emerged to do with Nolan School Success (also known as School Improvement). Principals have worked with their staffs this year to look at the whole -student, whole-school picture and what is currently emerging is collaborative professional inquiry among teachers that is gaining momentum and setting a path toward a greater understanding of student need, teaching and learning and how to bring about student achievement. Along with this, principals are growing in their capacity as instru ctional leaders as they provide guidance and Kylie contribute to their school teams as a co -learner.

As I look back over the past year, I feel immense gratitude to all who play a role in our students’ learning and well-being. And, as I wing my way toward

Deer Lake with eight other KOBE staff, I am looking toward our future work with excitement and optimism. The goal will continue to be to see the collaborative work among school staff, community members and KOBE staff take flight!

Kalli KOBE values your feedback at an y time and you are invited to share that in the manner you prefer with any KOBE staff member. We look forward to hearing from you!

Liz Sidor KOBE Education Partnerships Program Liaison Delaney

Tyra 2 DLFNS, Grade 3 Spring 2018 KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK BOARD OF EDUCATION

Keewaywin First Nation School What’s up in Grade 1/2? Submitted by: Alice Mesa Grade 1/2 Teacher

This school year, our class has visited different workplaces as part of our Communities unit. We visited the police station, nursing station, Northern Store and band office.

Our class also experienced making a teepee. We collected poles and moss from around our community. We built the structure together.

Photo collage by Alice Mesa3 KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK Spring 2018 BOARD OF EDUCATION

KOBE

KOBE Indigenous Games Submitted by: Melissa Major KOBE Student Retention Lead

On Feb. 21 representatives from five KOBE community schools came together in North Spirit Lake to compete in the second annual KOBE Indigenous Games. Many new friendships were made, and it was clear that everyone had a great time.

Through various activities, participants tested their language and hunting and survival skills. Students learned how to make emergency snowshoes, how to shoot a bow and arrow, how to fillet fish, as well as other skills.

It was wonderful to see such great support from all communities with chaperones, Elders and board members in attendance. Thank you to North Spirit Lake Chief Caroline Keesick, Elder Charlotte Rae and all of the staff of Victoria Linklater Memorial School who worked tirelessly throughout the event to make it a big success.

4 Spring 2018 KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK BOARD OF EDUCATION

KOBE Wasaho Nation School WRITING CONTEST Right to Play Visits Fort Severn Submitted by: Greg Pitkanen WINNERS Grade 7/8 Teacher

Fort Severn First Nation youth had the opportunity The winners of the KOBE Writing to exercise and play from Feb. 26 to March 1 Contest “My Community” will be when Right to Play came to town. announced during the upcoming community visits. The grand prize Right to Play (RTP) has been in Fort Severn before, draw will take place once all of the showing new ways of building teamwork, playing winners have been announced. games and hosting community events to promote healthy lifestyles through exercise and play. A selection of entries will be published in the next KOBE Inspired by RTP's John Chabot, former NHL player and assistant coach for Tepachemoona Newsletter. the New York Islanders, he now runs hockey skills camps and visits First Nations reserves across Canada. When Chabot was visiting the Matawa Learning Centre in Thunder Bay, he told students that hockey kept him Thank you to the following classes out of trouble as a youth. for their submissions: He also said, “It’s a place to go with your friends that is healthy and gives •Deer Lake First Nation School the opportunity to feel better about yourself, and if you feel better about yourself, you make better choices.” Adela D’Souza’s Grade 3 Kelly O’Halloran’s Grade 4 The clinic teaches ice hockey and skating skills and encourages youth Ila Mawakeesic’s Grade 5 through positive reinforcement. Being active and getting involved in Sheila Johnson’s Grade 7 community-sponsored recreational events helps to build a sense of self- Nikki Osborne’s Grade 9 confidence and fosters community spirit. The youth program for school students and adults alike was held at the new outdoor rink affectionately •Wasaho Cree Nation School dubbed, "Moccasin Square Gardens".

Grace Bluecoat’s Grade 5/6 Some Grade 7/8 students commented, “Wow, fresh air and exercise is Greg Pitkanen’s Grade 7/8 really healthy! That was exhausting."

•Victoria Linklater Memorial The weather this week has been sunny with seasonably warm School temperatures, making it easier for everyone to get out and play. It is the perfect time to be outdoors and go skating. So dress up, lace up and we’ll Carley Whittle’s Grade 5/6 see you at the rink! Kaitlyn Hamp’s Grade 7/8

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KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK Spring 2018 BOARD OF EDUCATION

KOBE

KO Teachers are ‘Reading for the Love of It’! Submitted by: Annette Berry KOBE Early Literacy Lead

KOBE sponsored one teacher from each school to attend the Reading for the Love of It conference in Toronto from Feb. 21-23.

This conference has some leading authors and presenters on literacy from Canada and the United States. Participants attended a variety of workshops on topics from Kindergarten inquiry, oral language, reading and writing, and self-regulation.

Back row (l-r): Barb Matousek, Annette Berry, Deana Meekis Brenda Pascal. Front row (l-r): Laura Muntean, Madison Wagner, Namoya Nanchengwa

Deer Lake First Nation School

DLFNS Art Club Submitted by: Joanna Murray Special Education Resource Teacher

Since the Spring of 2015, Deer Lake First Nation School teachers and TAs have been hosting a weekend Art Club.

Now, three years later, we are happy to say that Art Club has become a regular Saturday activity that students of all ages look forward to!

For a few hours each Saturday, teachers and TAs lead lessons and group activities. Students have been able to create a variety of art projects that are displayed in the school hallways for staff, students and community members to view.

We are looking forward to completing a few more projects before the end of the school6 year!

Spring 2018 KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK BOARD OF EDUCATION

Profile of a Speech-Language Assistant (SLA) Antonia Meekis Submitted by: Jasmin Thomson KOBE Communicative Disorders Assistant

Antonia Meekis is from Deer Lake First Nation and works as a Speech- Language Assistant (SLA) at Deer Lake First Nation School. This is Antonia’s first year in the SLA position, but she has worked at the school in a variety of roles for nearly two-and-a-half years. Antonia Meekis

As an SLA, Antonia helps to facilitate Speech and Language therapy sessions over video conferencing. Antonia also supports the students’ verbal and non-verbal communication in their classrooms and implements the “Moe the Mouse” oral language program with small groups of kindergarten students each day. In her spare time, Antonia enjoys baking and being with her family.

Direct therapy wouldn’t be possible without SLAs. Having Antonia there with the students allows the Speech- Language team to interact with them in a way that wouldn’t be possible without her. Antonia has a talent for working with kids and you can tell the students love spending time with her. Antonia is attentive and hardworking, and it is a pleasure to be her teammate in this role.

The KOBE Speech-Language team asked Antonia to share more about her role and her experiences as a Speech-Language Assistant.

Q: Can you describe the work you do with the students in Deer Lake?

A (Antonia): My job is to work with students who need help with their speech and language, pronunciation and sounds or even reading. My schedule is usually different every day. I work with the ones I am scheduled to work with, or some days I am in a class being a teacher’s assistant.

Q: What is the most challenging part of being a Speech-Language Assistant?

A: The most challenging part of being an SLA, for me, is the cooperation and [managing] behaviours.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about being a Speech-Language Assistant?

A: I enjoy watching all the students get excited when they get something they have been struggling on or when they finish an activity.

Q: What makes SLAs so important to the KOBE schools?

A: I would say that SLAs are important to the KOBE schools because if there was only a Special Education teacher, they wouldn’t have all these other resources for the students.

The KOBE Speech & Language Therapy team would like to commend Antonia on the commitment and warmth she has shown in her role as a Speech-Language Assistant. We are grateful for her work and wish her success in the remainder of this school year. 7

KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK Spring 2018 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wasaho Cree Nation School KOBE Seven Lessons Learned from Geese New Staff Submitted by: Greg Pitkanen

Grade 7/8 Teacher

Upon my return from Thunder Bay after March Break, my Grade 7/8 students asked whether or not I had seen any geese flying north on their annual spring migration.

We had a good class discussion and shared some interesting holiday stories. The class engagement inspired me to take the discussion to the Goyce Kakegamic next level. We talked about how geese migrating north are soon to Education Advisor arrive on the shores of Hudson Bay and what lessons we can learn from nature.

Sharing a Common Goal As each goose fla aerodynamically reducingps its wings air itfriction creates for “uplift” the birds that follow. By flying in a V , whole flock achieves a 70% greater fly -formation, the than if each bird flew alone. Jonathan Kakegamic ing range Administrative Supervisor Lesson: Those and goal can get who where share they a common are going direction quicker and with less effort because they benefit from the momentum of the group around them.

Barbara Holmstrom Systems Navigator/ Re-Engagement Assistant Increasing Visibility

-formation, increases the visibility as Flying in a V every goose can see what’s happening in front

of them. Make learning visible. Visibility enables Lesson: both students and teachersempowers to see troublethe group spots, to engages, supports and Ashley Anderson achieving better results. Oral Language & 8 …continued on page 9 Kindergarten Support

Spring 2018 KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK BOARD OF EDUCATION

…continued from page 8 Recognizing Good Work

Geese honk to recognize

Empowering Others to Lead tired, it those up front to keep up each their other speed. and encourage Lesson: Make When the goose in the front gets and sure we give the recognition deserved. praise rotates back into the formation and allows maintaining motivation. another goose to take the leadership of the main reasons employees becomeRecognition u position. Lack of recognition isis vione and quit their job. tal in ing tight control Empower others to take the lead.- students in school, This unless may also further hold true for Lesson: nsatisfied -managing and keep friends, peers and family. Micro out, disengages and de encouraged Building by their leads to burn motivates. Everyone has unique skills, capabilities and gifts to offer.

autonomy, trust, and providing an equal Humility to Seek Help

chance to shine will offer surprising

outcomes. When a goose falls out of formation, it

suddenly feels the friction of flying alone. It

then quickly adjusts its mistake and moves

back into formation to take advantage of the

lifting power of the bird immediately in front

of it.

Lesson: Adjust one's approach to facing

challenges and overcoming obstacles and

seek help if you get stuck.

Offering Support in Challenging Times Stay Committed to Your Core Values

When a goose gets sick or wounded, two

geese drop out of formation and follow Goose migration routes never vary. They use

down to help and protect it. the same route yearlock after change. year, The even young when learn the f until it dies or is able to fly again. O it members of They stay with it do they launch out with another formation the traditional route from their parents, and in nly then or catch up with the flock. the spring the flock will make the journey back

to the place where they were born.

Lesson: Stand by each other, especially when Learn to stay true to one's core things get difficult and we have to face Lesson: Times may change, but tradition helps challenges, that’s when your teammates values. aintain focus on the group’s need you the most. us to m purpose. common 9 KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK Spring 2018 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wasaho Cree Nation School Boss Dog Expeditions Visits Fort Severn

Submitted by: Greg Pitkanen Grade 7/8 Teacher

In January, Boss Dog Expeditions began an epic 3,000-kilometre odyssey from Churchill, Manitoba to their home province of New Brunswick.

They are on a mission to revive the ancient tradition of dog sledding by relating their experience, knowledge and passion for mushing.

After travelling approximately 800 kilometres, they stopped in Fort

Severn and paid a visit to Wasaho Cree Nation School to speak with staff and students about dog sledding.

By connecting with northern communities, the team pays homage to the traditional Indigenous art of dog sledding. Students talked about dog mushing and interacted directly with the mushers and their dogs.

Musher Justin Allen explains, "There are unfair generalizations of the treatment of sled dogs. I would like to showcase that relationship from a positive perspective and educate people on animal rights by showing that these dogs live a happy, fulfilling life with a natural love of running."

The dog team will continue to travel further east along the Wapusk Trail, following snowmobile trails inland from Hudson Bay, then south-east along James Bay, through the provinces of and Quebec, aided Do you want to see by a support crew including a fully-equipped dog truck. your school news here?

Please send your submissions to:

[email protected]

by: June 1, 2018

KOBE – Main Office KOBE – Office P.O. Box 340, 10 Mine Road P.O. Box 509, 88 ½ Front Street Balmertown, ON Sioux Lookout, ON P0V 1C0 P8T 1A8 807-735-1381 807-737-5671 10 www.koeducation.ca