November 25, 2024
We hosted a Board Retreat this month for our Board of Directors. The goal of the retreat was to have the opportunity to have deeper discussions on some important topics affecting Mi'kmaq Education. The guiding questions for the retreat helped to focus the discussion on Mi'kmaw Language, High Cost Special Education, and Post Secondary Education. Each Board member had the opportunity to share their thoughts, visions, and potential solutions for their community and the Nation.
They also had an opportunity to take part in some fun activities during the retreat where they played waltes, used a golf simulator, and sang some karaoke. Each Board member was gifted a medallion which was beaded by one of their community members. The medallions were so beautiful and we would like to send out a huge thank you to the community beaders:
Maupeltu - Jocelyn Marshall
Essisoqnik - Charity Gould
Wasoqopa'q - Kinsey Francis
Annapolis Valley - Charity Gould
L'sitkuk - Chelsea Potter
Glooscap - Karen Beals
Paqtnkek - Jaden Prosper
Pictou Landing - Pikun Herney
Potlotek - Jeneva Dennis
Sipekne’katik - Meg & Shanda Nevin
Wagmatcook- Mary Elizabeth Googoo
We’koqma’q - Lucinda Googoo
District Chief CMM - Chelsea Potter
District Chief UNSM - Jocelyn Marshall
Kji Saqmaw - Charity Gould
Kji Keptin - Charity Gould
Essisoqnik SB - Charity Gould
AFN Regional Chief NS - Pikun Herney
Academic Services
We kicked off a pilot project this month offering virtual professional development to Principals called Infrastructure of Inclusion Learning Series.
The series of 6 sessions are led by Dr Shelley Moore, inclusive education researcher, teacher, and consultant. The focus of the sessions is on exploring guiding conditions to building inclusive communities. Principals from many of our schools, along with other interested staff have completed the first session which focussed on building inclusive communities both inside and outside of classrooms and schools.
The first session was a great success and everyone is looking forward to learning more in the coming months.
Training was offered to EA’s in our MK schools this fall and they completed the final online learning module this month. The topics covered were Supporting student learning in Mi’kmaq Language learning, Literacy, Numeracy and Wellness and Self Care.
This month, the Technology Professional Learning Network brought together educators working with students in grades 5-12 for two dynamic and engaging sessions. With 65 attendees to date, the network continues to grow as a space for collaboration and professional growth.
In our first session, educators explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the classroom experience. From discovering innovative AI tools to discussing strategies for their safe and effective use, attendees left with actionable ideas to enhance student learning and empower teachers.
The second session focused on leveraging games to make learning more interactive and engaging. Educators explored various classroom-friendly games, played them firsthand, and shared insights on how to reinforce key concepts through gamified teaching strategies.
The journey isn’t over yet! Stay tuned as we prepare for our next session, where we’ll explore how technology can be used to teach the Mi’kmaq language in innovative ways.
Thank you to all the educators who joined us this month – your participation is helping to shape a more connected and empowered learning community!
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education Consultant Miranda Bernard has coordinated Professional Development opportunities for educators working in Daycare, Head Start, Learning Centres, Kindergarten & Primary this fall. This month's session was on using puppetry for teaching social interaction.
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