Achieve
Provide programs and supports so that every student can achieve high levels of personal and academic excellence.
Research and implement wise practices in all we do.
Provide opportunities for student-centred growth and development.
Provide relevant, inclusive, accessible, engaging and responsive learning environments.
Lakehead Public Schools has developed a Kindergarten to Grade 12 Indigenous Education Learning continuum that ensures all students will engage in experiences that develop knowledge and respect for Indigenous peoples, contributions and cultures throughout their school careers. In April, Grade 9s in Mr. Roy’s math class had the amazing experience of learning about patterning and linear algebra through the lens of Indigenous beading and coding. Based on the work of Dr. Ruth Beatty (Lakehead University) educators with Lakehead Public Schools travelled to Renfrew County last year to experience this initiative and are now bringing it to our students. Organized by Jasmine Sgambelluri, FNMI Resource Teacher, students received cultural teachings from local artist Mary Magiskan and created beaded bracelets through loom beading.
Patterning and math lessons emerge naturally from this work and students were able to feel successful in math in ways that they haven’t before. Students also used the Lynx coding language to create digital representations of their beadwork and to try out new ideas in the digital space before bringing them into reality.
During the spring, classes at Kingsway Park Public School learned how food can tell stories and is connected to culture by making recipes from The Antiracist Kitchen. Students from the Westgate KZ Lodge joined in on the hands-on-learning with Ms. Co’s class along with professional Chef Marvin Racadio to share his expertise with the students.
Once the recipes were made, classes shared what they learned and had a feast!
In June the Progress Pride Flag was raised across Lakehead Public Schools with celebrations, speeches and even rainbow persians. Raising the flag is a symbol of our commitment to fostering environments of inclusion and acceptance for everyone.
Grade 8 students from the Westgate Family of rural Lakehead Public Schools participated in Reach Ahead, with six in-person sessions to experience the high school environment, build projects in Technology classrooms, experience the culinary arts and explore elective options at Westgate.
The Ministry of Education launched the Ontario Math Achievement Action Plan (MAAP) in 2023 in order increase school board accountability and boost math competence in our schools. Lakehead Public schools assembled a MAAP Team, led by our Superintendent of Math AJ Keene. You can read a Q & A about this longstanding Lakehead Public Schools leader here: https://www.lakeheadschools.ca/general/qa-with-superintendent-of-mathematics/. Math coaches and intervention teachers provided Tier 2 Math Interventions to nearly 200 elementary students. The team has spent the 2023-24 school year working with 11 of our schools that were identified as priority schools and have continued to foster a lifelong love for math in all students at Lakehead Public Schools. They try to engage our school community and make math fun, which was evident when the hosted our first ever Lakehead Public Schools Family Math Night in May. Hundreds of families showed up to learn more about their students’ math journey, meet our educators, administrators, senior team leaders and trustees and have a lot of fun.
More than 225 Lakehead Public Schools French Immersion students participated in a celebration of French-Canadian traditions at École Elsie MacGill in February.
The event combined elements of Carnaval and cabane à sucre. Grade 7 and 8 students from École Claude E. Garton, École Elsie MacGill, École Gron Morgan and Hammarskjold High School enjoyed games, food, music, and dancing.
Chili, bread and pouding chômeur were prepared by grade 7 and 8 students at Hammarskjold during culinary classes.
The event culminated with a few “set callés” to traditional music with dance figures instructed by a caller, allowing students from the various schools to get to know each other.
Quelle belle fête!
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