INSPIRE

Father Shares Indigenous Teachings Through Storytelling

March 2023

On the brink of spring, Sherbrooke Public School was pleased to welcome a student’s father into the classroom to share his knowledge about nature and deliver captivating storytelling enthralling his daughter’s peers from beginning to end. As interesting as Mr. Meekis’ stories were, they all included important Indigenous teachings and cultural knowledge to take home. His storytelling included the topics of survival in the wilderness, recovering a tipped canoe, getting lost on trails, and the fascinating caribou herds in the James Bay region. The school enjoys providing parents and guardians with the opportunity to engage students, in tandem with fostering Lakehead Public Schools’ Vision of inspiring students and staff to be successful lifelong learners.

Mental Health Partnerships Promote Wellness

Supporting the healthy well-being of students and staff is a priority at Lakehead Public Schools. Wellness is promoted in our schools year-round, especially through our mental health supports, connections, and resources. Through partnerships, we facilitated hundreds of mental health workshops for students and staff this year. For example, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) delivered the Mental Health Plus Program to students in Grades 4 to 8 in 51 elementary classrooms to reach over 3,000 students. The workshop topics include mental health illness and wellness, stigma, stress, and coping strategies. The workshops are accompanied by a free workbook that includes a list of local mental health resources for students and their families. The TBDHU also delivered a workshop called Kids Have Stress Too for primary grades at one large school (Ecole Elsie MacGill Public School), one small school (Ogden Community School), and one rural school (Kakabeka Falls Public School). At the secondary level, the workshop Tools for Resilience was delivered by the TBDHU to over 100 students across all four grades.

Community Inspires Designs

October 2022

Kakabeka’s Junior/Intermediate students and Superior’s Grade 11/12 manufacturing class developed a collaboration this fall as they worked together to design and manufacture a fire pit for Kakabeka Falls Public School’s new outdoor classroom. The first phase of the project invited students at the elementary school to submit artwork inspired by the school and the Kakabeka Falls community. Art pieces were chosen and sent to the secondary students to continue the project with phase two which saw the art transferred to a digital format and cut out on steel using a CNC Plasma Cutter. The steel was welded together by Superior CVI students to create the fire pit and showcase the student artwork.

Ogden Community School Brings Positivity Concert to Boost Belonging

April 2023

Ogden Community School loves to emphasize positivity and the feeling of belonging for all its students. This spring, the school hosted a positivity concert with Sudbury hip hop artist World Peace to bring energy and an overall great feeling to the school. Song lyrics included “I am so happy”, “I love Mother Earth”, and “I love my family”. Ogden Community School is dedicated to continually offering opportunities for students to play an active role in their educational experience. The positivity concert focused on emphasizing the importance of kindness and positivity at the school through song and movement. It empowered students and staff to encourage all those present to participate in the activity, feel engaged, and most of all – feel that they belong.

Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Performs Canadian Classic for Primary Students

February 2023

Primary students from Lakehead Public Schools visited the beautiful Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute to experience the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s musical rendition of “Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang”, the first book in the Canadian classic series by Mordecai Richler.

The production featured seven musicians and music by Toronto composer Dean Burry, and was narrated by TBSO principal violist John Sellick.

“It was a good performance! There was lots of entertainment and my favourite part was the loud music!” – Alicja, Grade 2 student.

“It is a very good story and I really like how it was funny!” – Kate, Grade 3 student.

Senior Elementary Students Demonstrate Deep Respect for the Fallen

October 2022

Woodcrest Public School strives to foster character development and global citizenship for every student through the incorporation of Lakehead Public Schools’ values, especially Respect. Three Grade 8 classes from the school met members of the Royal Canadian Legion at the Riverside Cemetery in October to take a moment to honour the fallen soldiers buried there. The students were invited to help clean the headstones of members of the Canadian Armed Forces who were lost during World War I and World War II. The school is pleased to provide community building and personal growth opportunities for its students, and is equally proud to nurture the development of such respectful young members of the community.

Students Bring Holiday Spirit to Long Term Care Home

December 2022

Students from McKellar Park Central Public School brought holiday cheer to Southbridge Lakehead long term care home by singing Christmas carols and offering hand-made holiday ornaments and cards. The students performed outside while the residents captured the moment from the warmth of the indoors.

The long term care home gifted the students with artfully crafted individually wrapped cookies and extended an open invitation for a repeat performance!

Lakehead Public Schools strives to teach students to impart warm wishes and greetings to members of the community through generous actions.

Discovering Careers with the Trades & Tech Truck

November 2022

Lakehead Public Schools is constantly pursuing state-of-the-art technology and partnerships to offer students academic excellence and inspiration for the future. Today, our schools brought in an incredibly useful and interesting educational event for intermediate students: a live tour of the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck temporarily stationed at Claude E. Garton Public School.

The Trades & Tech Truck is a 42-foot mobile classroom that offers students the opportunity to try skilled trades careers in a safe and controlled environment. Students learned to change a tire, assemble circuit boards, try auto body painting, and were introduced to the basics of welding. The Trades & Tech Truck also displayed the electrical intricacies of a fire alarm system and offered students realistic heavy equipment training where the young learners chose to virtually operate cranes, wheel loaders, excavators, dozers, graders, and more. Virtual reality simulators allow students to explore the skilled trades and technologies in real-time and in a hands-on way. The Trades & Tech Truck traveled from Waterloo, Ontario, and its accompanying members of Skills Ontario were pleased to provide in-person presentations to the students about the skilled trades. In addition, French Immersion classes were able to receive the presentation in French.

“The Trades & Tech Truck has numerous simulators designed to teach students careers in the skilled trades safely and without any wasted materials, and it grades them on their work so they can see how they’ve done and where they can improve. The truck includes activities that not only relate to skilled trades but also to life skills, such as the tire changing station,” said Hayley Mackay, coordinator with Skills Ontario.

Brianna Babcock, Grade 8 French Immersion student at Claude E. Garton Public School, said today’s presentation on the skilled trades inspired her to explore her interest in the culinary arts. “There are a few things that I’m good at like math and hands-on activities like baking, which I like so I might want to do something like that when I’m older. I can definitely see myself having a career as a pastry chef or even working in a restaurant. I know that I want to do skilled trades when I go into high school and college, so it really helped me broaden my horizons,” said Brianna.

Exposing students before secondary school to opportunities available in the skilled trades offers a learning pathway not widely known to all. There are 144 skilled trades that are categorized into four areas: Motive Power; Service; Construction; and Industrial. The Motive Power classification comprises various automotive trades, including heavy duty equipment technician, motorcycle technician, automotive painter, and more. The Service classification offers many career choices such as chef, child and youth worker, and hairstylist. The Construction classification includes the greatest number of skilled trades that are available for the Red Seal endorsement, such as plumber, sheet metal worker, and heavy equipment operator. The Industrial classification encompasses the largest number of skilled trades and includes many well-known careers such as welder, tractor-trailer commercial driver, and general machinist.

The Red Seal endorsement is awarded to a tradesperson who has successfully passed the Red Seal examination. The Red Seal, when affixed to the Ontario trade certificate, indicates that the tradesperson has reached the national standard in that trade. The Red Seal endorsement inspires pride in skilled workers and is sought by employers. Roger Drcar, Specialist High Skills Major coordinator and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program coordinator with Lakehead Public Schools, helped arrange for the Trades & Tech Truck to visit Lakehead Public Schools, and appreciates the knowledge imparted by Skills Ontario to the youth of today. “It is important to have the skilled trades promoted to younger people as we may be short a significant number of skilled trade workers in Ontario by 2025. Without those workers we won’t be able to build infrastructure and maintain services.” Roger Drcar also knows that in the skilled trades, the majority of learning is done through hands-on activities, so offering today’s activities is an effective way of providing fun experiential learning. “Learning a skilled trade is 10% schooling and 90% training on the job. The best way to teach students about the skilled trades is to have them actually do the activities,” said Drcar.

Hammarskjold Market Days

With the support of a new Ministry young entrepreneurship initiative, business students at Lakehead Public Schools secondary schools are marketing their own products and services. Students and staff at Hammarskjold High School contribute to the success of Market Day, where Viking entrepreneurs share their entrepreneurial expertise while raising over $1,000 to support student businesses and charity. We are incredibly proud of our talented entrepreneurs and their commitment to making a positive impact.

Rural Community Partnership Fosters Wolf Patch Garden Project

Spring 2023

Students at rural schools have the advantage of an abundance of nature, wildlife, and various ecosystems right at their fingertips. Situated in beautiful Lappe, Gorham and Ware Community School knows the importance of developing close partnerships with its rural community members. The students of the school have established a treasured partnership with Lappe business Willow Springs Creative Centre to provide practical gardening lessons called the Wolf Patch Garden Project. In this project, the students plant, care for, and harvest the crops, as well as clean, chop, cook, and enjoy the produce. A school garden is a valuable platform for student learning. There are many reasons to plant a school garden such as providing authentic learning about healthy eating, food science, and the environment. A school garden also allows students to make meaningful links between classroom concepts and life skills. Gorham and Ware Community School believes that its school garden partnership is beneficial for the school community as it can influence health, learning, and the school culture. The Wolf Patch Garden Project reinforces classroom learning in a variety of subjects and involves problem solving, planning, and critical thinking. Hands-on gardening experience is also a great way to help young people understand and appreciate how food is grown. This valued partnership promotes growth through creative expression and community development, and prioritizes inclusiveness and accessibility for all students.

Political Leaders Visit Manufacturing Class

October 2022

Lakehead Public Schools empowers collaborative and student-centred leadership. Last fall, students in the manufacturing class at Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute had the opportunity to stand in the spotlight and demonstrate their plasma cutting and shielded metal arc welding skills for the Honourable Stephen Lecce & MPP Kevin Holland. Their project, a fire pit for Kakabeka Falls Public School, was nearing completion and the students enjoyed leading an endeavour their peers would admire.

Superior CVI nurtures student leadership in all aspects of schooling. Chair of Lakehead District School Board Ellen Chambers and Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand were pleased to visit the class as well to see first-hand what the students were building. Students showcased their projects, discussed their post-secondary ambitions, and had the opportunity to explain why the Specialist High Skills Major program at Lakehead Public Schools is good for their career goals. Lakehead Public Schools strives to provide pathways to training and hiring a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the community in which we live.

Manufacturing class teacher Mr. Curtis Sandberg assisted the proceedings by explaining the technical aspects of the state-of-the-art machinery and prompting the students and special guests to safely operate the equipment.

Community Partners are Part of the Conversation

McKellar Park Central Public School has a wonderful partnership with their cultural partner Biwaase’aa. The Biwaase’aa program is made up of both in-school and after-school components and a full time youth outreach worker. The youth outreach worker provides cultural and traditional teachings to McKellar Park Central Public School students, staff, and the Little Eagles Program where students are engaged in cultural activities including beading and open mentoring.  The youth outreach worker is invited to attend staff meetings to explain their role and coordinate classroom schedules with educators to support Indigenous learning. The program also organizes an annual pow wow and family feast for the school community. In addition, the program provides sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables for the school’s lunch program. We appreciate and are grateful for the significant contributions of Biwaase’aa that support student wellness in our school community.

Making Connections Through the Reach Ahead Program

Providing students with the resources necessary to access community supports is an important part of a comprehensive secondary school experience. In the Reach Ahead program, self-identified First Nation, Métis and Inuit students can access learning in the summer months to better prepare themselves for Grade 9. The Reach Ahead program engages the students through land-based learning and encourages them to participate in experiential learning events led by community partners. These connections with community organizations often build further opportunities for the students, including employment. The Reach Ahead program also allows the students to build relationships with peers and school staff, including the graduation coach, which generates an overall feeling of belonging at the new secondary school before September begins. Activities within the Reach Ahead program include drumming, beading, rawhide rattles, cooking, teachings from Elders, and field trips to educational locations including lakes, gardens, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

KZ Lodge Program Students Build Tiny Home

March 2023

The Tiny Home Pilot Project undertaken by Hammarskjold High School’s KZ Lodge students has reached completion. The pilot project launched during the 2022-2023 school year through a partnership with the Thunder Bay Poverty Reduction Strategy, Matawa First Nations Management, Lakehead Social Planning Council, Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, Smart Modular Canada, Form Studio Architecture, the City of Thunder Bay, Home Depot Canada Foundation, and the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board, and has provided Indigenous youth with valuable trades skills. The students offered a tour of the tiny home they built from the ground up – an impressive accomplishment – to the public with pride and a great sense of achievement.

The Tiny Home Pilot Project was a pre-apprenticeship program nested within the KZ Lodge North program and engaged Indigenous youth in the build of a one-bedroom 10×30-foot tiny home for donation to Matawa First Nations Management for use in a northern community. During the build, the KZ Lodge students learned to read blueprints, studied the principles of carpentry, learned to identify numerous building materials, applied mathematics skills, and safely operated common power tools. The completion of the tiny home pilot project provided the young builders with Interdisciplinary Studies secondary school credits and the Working at Heights Certificate through the Carpenters’ Local Union 1669. Lisa MacLeod, teacher at the Hammarskjold High School KZ Lodge program, says that tackling both the need for more innovative housing solutions and enabling hands-on skill development in students empowers the community now, and in the future as well.

“We have noticed that the Tiny Home Pilot Project has encouraged students to stay in school. It is directing them to future education and employment opportunities in the skilled trades and connecting them to organizations including Kiikenomaga Kikenjigenwen Employment and Training,” said Mrs. MacLeod.

Valley Central Public School Welcomes Famous Canadian Author

May 2023

Valley Central Public School was excited to welcome a famous literary expert to the school this spring. Dr. Eric Walters, notable Canadian author of over 100 books, engaged the Grade 4-8 classes in person to recount stories of his world travels, reveal his personal writing inspiration, and most of all, voice that they can be writers. The author knew how to connect with the crowd; he had the students enthralled in a series of gripping stories and took every opportunity to make them laugh.

The students prepared for the visit by reading books by the author and planning questions. Dr. Eric Walters discussed his work including his most recent publication, a picture book students may be able to relate to. The book, Don’t Stand So Close To Me, depicts a senior elementary student navigating the pandemic and its effects.

Lakehead Public Schools is always pleased to welcome inspirational figures into the classroom. A big thank you to Dr. Eric Walters for his motivational speech, good sense of humour, and words of wisdom including “If you don’t shoot, you miss. Take the shot!”.

Live TBSO Concert Evokes Appreciation for Instrumental Music

October 27, 2022

The sound of cellos, clarinets, violins, and trumpets resonating through the cafetorium at Westgate CVI had visiting Grade 7 and 8 students captivated as they experienced a professional orchestra live in person. The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra set up on stage with their formal attire, polished instruments, and guest conductor Cosette Justo Valdéz equipped to transport the students into the past 400 years of classical music. The concert, titled “Musical Time Machine”, covered music from a wide variety of artists ranging from a theatre music composer from 1607 to a Cuban contemporary composer prospering in present-day Montréal.

The concert headlined big historical names, such as master musicians Mozart and Haydn, and played recognizable pieces such as Por Una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel which has been featured in many popular films starring Hollywood actors including Al Pacino, Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

RBC featured guest conductor Cosette Justo Valdéz said it is meaningful to show the students how music evolved into the modern pieces composers are writing today.

“This program starts in the Renaissance and ends with a composer who lives in Edmonton right now. We went through a whole path showing the history of music for orchestras and I think they enjoyed it very much. Everything starts here; the future of our audience, of our musicians, the appreciation for music, starts with children so it is very important to inspire them, to connect with them, and to show them how cool classical music is,” said Justo Valdéz.

Emily Kauppi, a Westmound Public School student who already plays the trumpet, the piano, and the alto-saxophone, plans on adding a fourth instrument to her skillset – the guitar – and says she is also intrigued by how complicated of the viola seems. When speaking of the live concert, Emily said “I think it’s great. I have the highest appreciation for music like this. It takes a lot of talent to do it and I think it’s so cool”.

Michelle Somerfiled, Grade 8 teacher and instrumental music teacher at Valley Central Public School, said she is pleased students are exposed to this level of musical proficiency because the musicians were once young learners too.

“When we teach instrumental music, it is really important to see examples that are professional. It is just nice to know that the musicians are local and at one time they were like our students,” said Somerfield.

The elementary Music program at Lakehead Public Schools sets itself apart through its strategic plan commitment to inspire. Facilitating live concert experiences reveals a pathway to success in the musical profession; one of many pathways to success available to learners in the field of the Arts. Thanks to the thrilling and engaging performance by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, field trips to live concert environments such as these always make it to dinnertime conversations.

Students Learn to Preserve NWO through National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day

September 2022

Canadian history and culture weave together beautifully on any day, but when the third Saturday of September approaches every year, Algonquin Avenue Public School revels in the activities of National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day. As the students and staff observe this culturally significant day, they acknowledge their utmost respect for the forests, lakes, and animals of Northwestern Ontario. To celebrate the popular day this year, Algonquin Avenue Public School welcomed visits from several community partners whose careers and passions revolve around protecting Northwestern Ontario’s resources and preserving cultural traditions. Darren Lentz, principal at the school, believes celebrating National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day is an opportunity for educators to build relationships with their environment and the outdoors, and share it with students.

“It is important to acknowledge the outdoor heritage that we have here in our country and bring it into the classroom and integrate it into the curriculum. It is hands-on, experiential learning and gets the students so engaged. We’re seeing lots of smiles,” said Mr. Lentz.

To the delight of many Grade 5-8 students, the gymnasium was transformed into an archery range with a lineup of targets and bows. Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service encouraged participation in the ancient sport and followed the principles of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), including tips on proper technique and mandatory safety rules. Other local organizations on site were Skyline Falconry with two birds of prey, Northwestern Fur Trappers Association Inc. with wildlife displays, and Thunder Bay District Health Unit offering traditional Three Sisters Soup to the students and staff. Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) conservation officers were in attendance to relay hunting and trapping safety messages, discuss the various animals of the region, and teach fishing and casting techniques. Lakehead Public Schools appreciates the rich knowledge and values taught every year by families, the school community, and partners for National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day, and encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors and respect the natural resources it provides.

Visits to Beautiful Kingfisher Facilitated by Community Partner

January 2023

Algonquin Avenue Public School holds many valuable partnerships with community organizations. Through engagement with community partners, students learn to work collaboratively with other groups, discover their strengths, lead, and inspire. This winter, GFL Environmental Thunder Bay wanted to contribute to the school community and deliver inspiration of their own, so they donated a month of free Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre field trips to the students of Algonquin Avenue Public School. Thanks to the generous donation from our community partner, the students experienced the deep-rooted knowledge and beauty of Kingfisher, as well as experience Indigenous worldviews in an educational environment.