School Information
School Mission
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Our interest at Nelnah Bessie John School is to connect learning to life. We believe in linking the school to community, thus improving the life chances of our students. Facilitating opportunities to educate all learners, both inside and outside the classroom, will foster a desire for life-long learning.
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2011-2012 School Goals
The following goals are fully explained in our current growth plan. Please contact the school if you would like a copy.
1. Social/Emotional: To improve the social opportunities of our students through various educational and physical educational pursuits.
2. Literacy: School-wide writes will be completed in the fall and spring of this school year. Data will be obtained and used to direct a literacy goal for the 2010-2011 School Growth Plan.
3. Cultural: We will look at developing a "cultural calendar" with White River First Nation and our Native Language Instructor. This programming will follow in the 2011-2012 school year.
4. Numeracy: We will look at incorporating problem solving and higher level thinking practices into our math program. This will involve using technology and video-conferencing for upper grades.
* Data and information to be collected. We will look at these goals in the latter part of the 2011 - 2012 growth plan for indications of success or challenges.
1. Social/Emotional: To improve the social opportunities of our students through various educational and physical educational pursuits.
2. Literacy: School-wide writes will be completed in the fall and spring of this school year. Data will be obtained and used to direct a literacy goal for the 2010-2011 School Growth Plan.
3. Cultural: We will look at developing a "cultural calendar" with White River First Nation and our Native Language Instructor. This programming will follow in the 2011-2012 school year.
4. Numeracy: We will look at incorporating problem solving and higher level thinking practices into our math program. This will involve using technology and video-conferencing for upper grades.
* Data and information to be collected. We will look at these goals in the latter part of the 2011 - 2012 growth plan for indications of success or challenges.
School Councils
Chair Tristian Nieman
Secretary/Treasurer Caulene May
Member Bessie Chasse
Member Shauna Guthrie
The school council meets to address family and school concerns, and to plan special events. School Council members serve a two year term.
The last election was held in October 2013.
Secretary/Treasurer Caulene May
Member Bessie Chasse
Member Shauna Guthrie
The school council meets to address family and school concerns, and to plan special events. School Council members serve a two year term.
The last election was held in October 2013.
Substitutes and Volunteers
We have an ongoing need for substitutes and volunteers at our school. Volunteers can be involved in a number of ways, from reading with students, chaperoning field trips and helping at special events. Volunteers enrich the school environment and strengthen our ties with families and the community. Please let us know if you are interested in subbing or volunteering your time at our school.
Communications
A school newsletter will be sent home monthly. This will include school news and reports on events and programming. This newsletter will also be mailed to White River First Nation, School Council members, the RCMP, and Nursing Station, as well as posted at the Post Office and Library. Any changes to programming including school closures will be sent home in notes so please check students’ belongings for messages. In cases of short notice, a phone call will be made to parents advising of changes. It is important as well that parents let the school know if a student will be away from school or if there are any changes in medical concerns, phone numbers or emergency arrangements.
School hours
8:55 a.m. First Bell
9:00 a.m. Second Bell - Classes Begin
11:55 p.m. Lunch Dismissal
12:40 p.m. First Bell Afternoon
12:45 p.m. Second Bell - Classes Begin
3:16 p.m. Dismissal
Doors open at 8:20 a.m. and students are welcome to come into the school. Students are welcome to stay after school until 3:30 p.m., unless their teacher has other obligations. This time is for catching up on homework or working on projects.
9:00 a.m. Second Bell - Classes Begin
11:55 p.m. Lunch Dismissal
12:40 p.m. First Bell Afternoon
12:45 p.m. Second Bell - Classes Begin
3:16 p.m. Dismissal
Doors open at 8:20 a.m. and students are welcome to come into the school. Students are welcome to stay after school until 3:30 p.m., unless their teacher has other obligations. This time is for catching up on homework or working on projects.
Report Card and Student LED-Interview dates
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Term 1
Term 2 Term 3 |
Reports sent home November 19; Parent/teacher interviews evening of November 20
Reports sent home February 27, Parent/teacher interviews evening of March 5 Reports sent home June 3 |
After-School Tutoring Program
Not currently offered.
Kindergarten
1/2 days, 5 days per week
School Rules
Students are expected to:
1. Treat everyone with respect and care.
2. Respect school property and the property of others.
3. Follow all staff directions.
4. Use appropriate language.
5. Arrive at school on time, everyday, well-rested and ready to work.
6. Have their own school supplies and bring them everyday.
If students are having regular problems following any of these rules, parents will be asked to come into the school to meet with the teacher. If problems persists, students may lose certain privileges, such as school field trips. The student and their parents may also be asked to meet with the principal and the school council to help mediate the problem.
1. Treat everyone with respect and care.
2. Respect school property and the property of others.
3. Follow all staff directions.
4. Use appropriate language.
5. Arrive at school on time, everyday, well-rested and ready to work.
6. Have their own school supplies and bring them everyday.
If students are having regular problems following any of these rules, parents will be asked to come into the school to meet with the teacher. If problems persists, students may lose certain privileges, such as school field trips. The student and their parents may also be asked to meet with the principal and the school council to help mediate the problem.
What we expect of students
The Yukon Education Act mandates standards of behavior for all students. These standards apply during all school-sponsored events, including field trips and special events. This also extends to behavior on school property after hours.
- Appropriate Language
- Wearing of Hats
- Homework and Home Reading
- Indoor/Outdoor shoes
- Preparedness
Lockers
Students will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the year. Students may use a combination lock if they wish. No key locks are permitted. All combinations must be given to the teacher.
Health & Safety
A zero tolerance policy is in effect for unsafe behaviour at our school. This means that:
1. Students follow rules at all time.
2. Dangerous items are never permitted in school. This includes knives, firecrackers, etc.
3. There is no smoking anywhere on school property at any time.
4. All volunteers and staff in the school will be asked to complete a criminal record check before working with children.
5. There will be no pushing, hitting or kicking at any time.
6. It is illegal for children under the age of 16 to drive motorized vehicles. These vehicles are not be permitted on school property.
7. Students are welcome to play on the school playground after school. They are not supervised by school staff at this time and play at their own risk. If a student or community member is causing regular problems after school on the playground, they will be banned from the playground after school. The RCMP will help to enforce these bans.
Parents will be informed if their child is endangering themselves or others. Appropriate consequences will be enforced in consultation with parents.
1. Students follow rules at all time.
2. Dangerous items are never permitted in school. This includes knives, firecrackers, etc.
3. There is no smoking anywhere on school property at any time.
4. All volunteers and staff in the school will be asked to complete a criminal record check before working with children.
5. There will be no pushing, hitting or kicking at any time.
6. It is illegal for children under the age of 16 to drive motorized vehicles. These vehicles are not be permitted on school property.
7. Students are welcome to play on the school playground after school. They are not supervised by school staff at this time and play at their own risk. If a student or community member is causing regular problems after school on the playground, they will be banned from the playground after school. The RCMP will help to enforce these bans.
Parents will be informed if their child is endangering themselves or others. Appropriate consequences will be enforced in consultation with parents.
Attendance
Our school council and staff have developed an extensive attendance policy.
1. Intro and Rationale
Regular attendance for all students is essential for a successful school experience. Students need to be able to participate in class activities, discussions, and experiences necessary to meet grade level objectives. Students who have poor attendance tend to experience more frustration while in school because they have not learned the background material. The responsibility for regular attendance rests with the student and parents. However, any attendance policy will only succeed when all concerned parties (the student, the parents and the school) work together.
2. Parent’s Procedure to Inform School
If your child is going to be late or absent on a school day, please let the school know with as much notice as possible. If it will be an extended absence (more than 3 days) and you would like the school to prepare homework for your child, please give at least 48 hours notice.
3. School Procedure to Inform Parents
Student safety is the highest priority and it is important to account for all students as quickly as possible. If a student is not at school and the school has not been notified, a school staff member will call the student’s home before 9:30am.
4. Consequences of Lates
Any student coming late into class is expected to join the class quietly and wait for an appropriate moment to ask the teacher for help if they are lost. A late student should not disturb their teacher while a lesson is in progress. If a student is late to school, on the third strike within a term a letter from the school will be sent to parents. If the problem continues, the parents may be asked to meet with the teacher and principal or with the school council.
5. Field Trip Policy
Any student who has accumulated unexcused absences or late days totaling more than 10% of school days from the beginning of the school year to date, will not be permitted to attend any field trips outside of Beaver Creek. This consequence is intended to foster good attendance practices and to establish a clear connection between hard work and earning a privilege.
6. Excused Absences
Although education for youth is an extremely high priority, we understand that situations may arise where a student is unable to attend school for any length of time due to illness or family obligations. Excused absences for all students will include illness or the funeral/potlatch of a close relative. A doctor or nurse’s note may be requested by staff when a student is absent due to illness. With sufficient notice, absence for a reasonable period of time to participate in traditional activities (such as hunting or trapping) may be considered an excusable absence.
7. Homework for Absentees
There is no homework that can substitute for being in class. Teachers plan many activities, explorations, games and events that have learning value that cannot be replaced by independent work at home or on holiday. However, if a student is to be absent for an extended period of time, some activities and assignments may be undertaken to minimize the effects of missing school.
8. Role of the School Council in Enforcing Attendance/Late Policy
The school council fully supports our school’s attendance/late policy. All family grievances regarding attendance/late issues that cannot be settled with the school staff will be referred to school council for discussion.
1. Intro and Rationale
Regular attendance for all students is essential for a successful school experience. Students need to be able to participate in class activities, discussions, and experiences necessary to meet grade level objectives. Students who have poor attendance tend to experience more frustration while in school because they have not learned the background material. The responsibility for regular attendance rests with the student and parents. However, any attendance policy will only succeed when all concerned parties (the student, the parents and the school) work together.
2. Parent’s Procedure to Inform School
If your child is going to be late or absent on a school day, please let the school know with as much notice as possible. If it will be an extended absence (more than 3 days) and you would like the school to prepare homework for your child, please give at least 48 hours notice.
3. School Procedure to Inform Parents
Student safety is the highest priority and it is important to account for all students as quickly as possible. If a student is not at school and the school has not been notified, a school staff member will call the student’s home before 9:30am.
4. Consequences of Lates
Any student coming late into class is expected to join the class quietly and wait for an appropriate moment to ask the teacher for help if they are lost. A late student should not disturb their teacher while a lesson is in progress. If a student is late to school, on the third strike within a term a letter from the school will be sent to parents. If the problem continues, the parents may be asked to meet with the teacher and principal or with the school council.
5. Field Trip Policy
Any student who has accumulated unexcused absences or late days totaling more than 10% of school days from the beginning of the school year to date, will not be permitted to attend any field trips outside of Beaver Creek. This consequence is intended to foster good attendance practices and to establish a clear connection between hard work and earning a privilege.
6. Excused Absences
Although education for youth is an extremely high priority, we understand that situations may arise where a student is unable to attend school for any length of time due to illness or family obligations. Excused absences for all students will include illness or the funeral/potlatch of a close relative. A doctor or nurse’s note may be requested by staff when a student is absent due to illness. With sufficient notice, absence for a reasonable period of time to participate in traditional activities (such as hunting or trapping) may be considered an excusable absence.
7. Homework for Absentees
There is no homework that can substitute for being in class. Teachers plan many activities, explorations, games and events that have learning value that cannot be replaced by independent work at home or on holiday. However, if a student is to be absent for an extended period of time, some activities and assignments may be undertaken to minimize the effects of missing school.
8. Role of the School Council in Enforcing Attendance/Late Policy
The school council fully supports our school’s attendance/late policy. All family grievances regarding attendance/late issues that cannot be settled with the school staff will be referred to school council for discussion.
Personal Property
Students are encouraged to leave large sums of money and expensive items at home. Any belongings brought onto school premises are the responsibility of that student. The school is not responsible for replacing any lost or stolen items. Students may ride their bikes to school, providing they leave them in the racks during school hours. Students must wear helmets if the wish to ride their bikes or skateboards on school property. Students who bring dangerous or inappropriate items (ie. toy weapons) or are using items inappropriately in the classroom will have the item removed. The item will be returned after school. Dangerous or inappropriate items will not be returned to students, but will be given to the RCMP or returned to a parent who comes to the school.
Hot Lunch Program
Our school does not currently run a hot lunch program, but we do offer breakfast and two healthy snacks during the day funded by the Yukon Food For Learning Society. Students enjoy a selection of foods, including traditional foods like fish and berries, based on food suggestions in Canada's food guide for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Cold Weather Policy
Schools in the Yukon are not closed due to cold weather. Our staff will always be at school within regular hours. It is up to parents to decide whether or not to keep children at home on extremely cold days. Parents are responsible for finding transportation for their own children. School staff are not required to pick up children at their homes. It is up to the staff to determine when an indoor recess is necessary. Generally, if the temperature is below -30 degrees Celsius or the wind and rain are particularly nasty, children will play indoors. Otherwise, students are expected to dress warmly and for the weather. If a student has not brought appropriate clothing, parents will be called to bring warm clothing to school.
How you can help your child be successful in school
1. Make sure they eat three nutritious meals every day.
2. Insist upon a reasonable bedtime, especially on school nights.
3. Insist upon good hygiene (clean clothes, bathing regularly and brushing teeth).
4. Help your child with their homework, read with them in the evenings or ask them about their school day.
5. Make sure they come to school on time everyday.
6. Talk to your child about the future and help them set personal goals.
7. Keep in touch with the school by reading notices, calling the teacher and attending all meetings.
2. Insist upon a reasonable bedtime, especially on school nights.
3. Insist upon good hygiene (clean clothes, bathing regularly and brushing teeth).
4. Help your child with their homework, read with them in the evenings or ask them about their school day.
5. Make sure they come to school on time everyday.
6. Talk to your child about the future and help them set personal goals.
7. Keep in touch with the school by reading notices, calling the teacher and attending all meetings.
