The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board took some time on Monday night to acknowledge the ways they are supporting and advancing Indigenous Education and Reconciliation in local schools.
A presentation was made as part of the regularly scheduled school board meeting.
Officials say staff provide wraparound support to students and families, with a strong focus on building relationships. This is complemented by connecting with school administrators to set them up for success with community partners. In addition staff assist students and families with school transitions, attendance and re-engagement.
Community partners for Indigenous education include Mohawk Family Services, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child Family Services; and Enyonkwa’nikonhriyo:hake Good Minds Program.
REPORT – One of the priorities of the First Nations Metis and Inuit Policy Framework is to increase Indigenous
student success. As a board we have a dedicated Indigenous Student Success Coach to support
each of our secondary schools. This highly successful model includes supporting the grade 7 & 8
students where they are present in the secondary school. The one exception is found in the Eastside
where the school is strictly grades 9-12. To help address this, we have allocated an Indigenous
Student Success Coach to support the self identified grade 7 & 8 Indigenous students and families in
the Eastside School group. Not only does this help to ensure that there is support at the grade 7 & 8
level, the school group also has the largest percentage of self-identified students. The key priority of
the Indigenous Student Success Coach is to provide or facilitate wrap-around support for Indigenous
Students to help increase their success in all areas; mentally, physically, emotionally and socially.
Additionally, the Indigenous Student Success Coordinator is actively involved in supporting
Indigenous students and families across all elementary schools. There is constant collaboration with
Student Services, Student Success teachers and administrators. The on-going collaboration
between schools, families, students and various community partners, supports students in their
attendance, achievement and well-being.
