Challenges faced by First Nations and English as a second language students have been highlighted as an area of specific interest for the local school board.
During last Wednesday’s (April 26) Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) board of trustees meeting, Canmore Collegiate High School (CCHS) principal Chris Rogers and Banff Community High School (BCHS) principal Steve Greene presented the board with an overview of how the schools having been working towards closing achievement gaps facing First Nations and English as a second language students in recent years.
“You celebrate your successes when you find them and learn from your mistakes,” said Rogers during the presentation. “We acknowledge that our school sits on traditional lands of the Stoney-Nakoda, Blackfoot people and that these nations are part of the Treaty 7 region of southern Alberta.” Meetings students or staff start recognize the fact.
Rogers pointed out that he’s noticed student-run events have also started using the acknowledgement at the beginning of meetings and are becoming a part of the culture at CCHS. He went on to explain CCHS has been working the last couple of years with First Nations students to close learning gaps to lead students toward their full potential.
Last year, the school had Julie Norris come in and lead a session to better understand learning and a sense of belonging for students, celebration of culture and success for Stoney-Nakoda students.
“From that we came up with a plan that’s informed our practice in the culture of our school and information was shared with the rest of the division,” Rogers said.
The Outdoor Learning Centre is also being utilized for staff to learn more of world views in terms of an aboriginal perspective.
“It’s important for staff to understand the impact of trauma on our First Nations students and what generational trauma means and looks like for our students. Our students present themselves very well, but there’s a lot going on underneath,” Rogers said.
Other areas approached include language incorporation with Stoney announcements, culture and future planning toward possible sweat lodges and powwows. Meeting student needs has also included a designated student safe space within the school, a breakfast program and success coaching.
At BCHS, the art department is working with Morley on a 150th anniversary of confederation project, working with Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum and reading comprehension skills.
“Over the last four years we’ve put into place support in classes throughout our school in Grades 7 through 12,” said Greene.
He added at the beginning of the programming more emphasis towards senior students was prioritized, but with an increase in student numbers it was recognized getting to students earlier would have a greater impact.
“The district is focused on literacy and within that the extensions of reading, writing, listening and speaking to increase student knowledge, with strategies that will help and impact all students.” Greene said. “We’re seeing it and realizing that this is not about solely English language learners, we’re trying to take everyone from where they’re at and improve them over time.”
