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As the snow covers our beautiful lands and the spirit of the holiday season abounds, I send my heartfelt greetings to every one of you. With great joy and gratitude, I reflect on the journey we have shared throughout the past year.
Let us come together to celebrate the strength of our communities and the richness of our traditions. Our joint commitment to education and the well-being of our youth has been a source of inspiration and pride.
I am deeply grateful for our staff’s dedication and hard work, the unwavering support of our First Nations members, and the spirit of our students. Together, we can continue achieving mino-pimatisiwin, honso aynai, and tokatakiya wichoni washte (a good life) and the best possible futures for our children.
May this holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones.
Miigwech, Kinanaakomin, Pidamayado, Masi, Ēkosāni!
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Charles Cochrane
Executive Director, MFNERC
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Resource Teacher Gathering
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The Inclusive Education facilitators hosted their monthly Resource Teacher Gathering in Winnipeg on Friday, November 24, 2023. Thirty-three participants from 20 First Nations joined in person, and five First Nations participated virtually. The agenda topic was student specific planning.
Student specific planning is a crucial component of planning for student diversity. This process guides educators in identifying student needs, providing programming supports, and monitoring student progress.
The agenda included :
- reviewing a case study
- checking a student profile developed with the use of information sources, including classroom-based assessments
- identifying writing behaviours by comparing writing samples with a writing continuum
- reviewing student learning goals
- reviewing various plans, including a healthcare plan, therapy plan, and behaviour intervention plan
“Student Specific Plan” is an umbrella term that refers to a written plan created for a particular student. Different terms and acronyms may be used to describe the written plans. The term “Student Specific Plan” was previously known as an “Individual Education Plan” (IEP) (Standards for Student Services and the Manitoba Education support document, Student-Specific Planning: A Handbook for Developing and Implementing Individual Education Plans – IEPs, 2010). IEP was a global term referring to a written document developed and implemented by a team.
The Student Specific Plan functions as a planning, implementation, record-keeping, and communication tool. Each plan is specific to the student for whom it is designed. The format, length, and content of the Student Specific Plan will reflect the student’s needs. It is used to document how we can help the student attain the skills and knowledge that are the next logical steps beyond their current performance levels.
The next Resource Teacher Gathering will be hosted in Brandon on January 26, 2024. The same topics will be covered to allow school staff in each region to go through the student specific planning process.
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Languages & Cultures
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November was a busy month where we held in-person and virtual online roundtables and gatherings. Support was provided to Grade 12 teachers preparing students for the Provincial Tests that will take place in January 2024. Science teachers were also supported in preparing students for their local and regional MFNERC Science Fair scheduled for March 2024. Land-based physical education and health teachers had the opportunity to register and participate in two roundtables this past month. Literacy and principals meetings were held virtually as well.
Events:
- November 7–8 – Literacy Virtual Roundtable
- November 9 – High School Numeracy Roundtable
- November 15–16 – Physical Education Roundtable (Thompson)
- November 23–24 – Science Roundtable
- November 24 – Principals Virtual Meeting
- December 6–7 – Physical Education Gathering
- December 6–7 – Principal Roundtable
Planning for the MALS Language Symposium is underway. The symposium will be held February 21–22, 2024, at Canad Inns Polo Park.
Three schools have received Virtual Reality (VR) kits this school year. The VR kits assist with career development for junior and senior high students.
Over 500 students across various grade levels have enrolled in the IGNITE (Snap Circuits and Robotics) program. The workshops cover fundamental robotics concepts, coding skills, and practical applications through hands-on projects.
The ongoing development of online interactive dictionaries for language teachers continues; so far, we have developed dictionaries for Dënesųłinë́, Ininīmowin (N-dialect),and Interlake Ojibwe (Saulteaux dialect).
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MFNSS Highlights
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Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation now part of the Manitoba First Nations School System
We are pleased to announce that Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation is the most recent school to sign on with the Manitoba First Nations School System (MFNSS) as of November 22, 2023.
On behalf of MFNERC/MFNSS, we welcome Chief Tony Travers along with Councillors Henry Ross, Vicki Thomas, Norman Lagimodiere, and William Patchinose and look forward to working with the staff and students in the community of Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation.
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Miskooseepi School and Logics Academy set to create a Minecraft Education Map based on Pimachiowin Aki
Miskooseepi School is collaborating with Logics Academy on a pioneering Minecraft Education project, The Pimachiowin Aki. Using the Minecraft Education platform, students, guided by Elders, will contribute to crafting a map while sharing their unique perspectives. This project—a key initiative after UNESCO’s recognition of Pimachiowin Aki as a world heritage site—aims to develop learning modules centred on land-based education. The focus is on inspiring active involvement from First Nation youth in the community.
What is Pimachiowin Aki?
Pimachiowin Aki is the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada, and the largest cultural and natural world heritage site in North America. For more information visit: https://pimaki.ca/
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MFNSS hosts its first esports conference at the RBC Convention Centre
In October, MFNSS invited students to participate in its inaugural esports conference held at the RBC Convention Centre. Students competed with their respective esports teams and met their opponents in person during this whole-day event. Two dozen students from Sergeant Tommy Prince School and Ginew School competed in this year’s competition. The energy was high as they had to collaborate and work closely as a team in this esports competition.
Using resource and behaviour packs from Manito Ahbee Aki, a specialized edition of Minecraft Education mirroring Anishinaabe society pre-colonization, students constructed maps that alter the appearance and functionality of the world-building game.
“Here, they’re working as a team. And on their communication skills and collaboration,” said Karl Hildebrandt, the education technology facilitator at MFNSS. “That’s the educational piece out of it. Minecraft’s the hook.”
Naeyli Desjarlais (pictured), a 14-year-old Grade 9 student from Brokenhead First Nation, proudly displays her design award. Her team clinched the top prize for their creation, which featured a pixelated representation of a residential school, graves, and flowers.
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MFNSS launches its new website and MFNSS mobile app
MFNSS has recently launched its new website and mobile app in collaboration with SchoolBundle.
Launched last month, the platforms are now part of the communication tools used across the entire School System. The website and app will serve as a central hub. They will showcase weekly and daily highlights from MFNSS schools, featuring recent calendar events and providing updates on upcoming events and training sessions.Additionally, the website and app will serve as the primary portal for schools to access resources from MFNSS facilitators, covering areas such as Treaty Education, physical education, Student Support Services, Residential School initiatives, and more.
MFNSS Communications and SchoolBundle have actively engaged with staff and have provided training to ensure that staff from all schools can contribute content and updates, emphasizing the goal of making the MFNSS website the key gateway for accessing resources and information generated by facilitators and schools alike.
Visit our new website at www.mfnss.com and download the MFNSS app.
What is SchoolBundle?
SchoolBundle is the leading communications platform for the education industry. This platform provides school districts or divisions with an all-in-one-place solution for their communication needs, from their website to mobile apps, parent portals, e-commerce, notifications, news, forms and more.
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Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate
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Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate (WVC) continues to make significant strides in providing accessible education to remote First Nations. Currently, the following 17 schools are actively engaged with WVC, which offers a diverse range of courses tailored to the needs of students:
Chemawawin School
Chief Clifford Lynxleg Anishinabe School
Dakota Tipi First Nation High School
Fisher River High School
Garden Hill First Nation High School
George Saunders Memorial School
Ginew School
Keeseekoowenin School
Kisemattawa Kiskinwahamakewikamin School
Lake St.Martin School
Little Saskatchewan School
Long Plain School
Miskooseepi School
Petit Casimir Memorial School
Pinaymootang School
Sioux Valley High School
Wambdi Iyotaka School
- Student Engagement: Currently, 97 students are enrolled in 26 courses, with 19 students using community school content and 78 participating in live classes or independent study.
- Community Outreach: WVC is actively seeking feedback from First Nations and community schools through a forms survey, exploring opportunities for potential virtual and in-person visits.
- Innovative Resources: WVC has acquired a mobile lab with 30 laptops, serving as a recruitment tool and enabling on-site participation in WVC classes during school visits.
- Health and Inclusivity: WVC has successfully accommodated a student with health issues, collaborating with the URIS nurse to establish a health plan and ensuring teaching staff undergo necessary training for an inclusive environment.
Successes
- WVC offers a diverse selection of 26 courses (Semester One) taught by WVC staff.
- Efforts are in place to retain all current WVC students.
- An Inclusive Education (Health) component has been added, garnering strong support from students, parents, the community, and WVC staff.
Virtual E-Facilitator Training Session (November 4, 2023)
The meeting, attended by seven participants, covered the following topics:
Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Online Program
- Attaining high school credits, course offerings, and planning for graduation
- Advantages of learning online, systems tools, and technical requirements
- WVC instructional model, semester timetable structure, credit recovery, and mature student options.
Student Registration Process
- The checklist before registering and the online registration process
- Submission process, confirmation message, welcome email, the next steps, and the upcomingSemester Two intake period
Facilitators Roles and Responsibilities
- Assisting with student registration/transcripts, troubleshooting the login process, and downloading basic software
- Maintaining regular communication with WVC teachers, providing student help videos, and familiarizing with the D2L learning environment
- Student form requirements, stipends, discussion, and feedback
Student Attendance Guidelines
- Setting expectations of regular attendance
- Sample email—initial attendance check
- 2023–2024 WVC StudentAttendance Guidelines
- Voluntary Withdrawal (VW), Involuntary Withdrawal (IW)
Introduction to D2L
- Introducing Brightspace
- Logging in to the CONNECT app and home page navigation
- Course navigation bar, student tab, class list, email demo, intelligent agents, Kaltura Virtual Classroom
- Questions, challenges,and considerations for change
- Requesting support/services from WVC
WVC Virtual School Assembly
Held on November 30, this online assembly featured guest speakers, student recognition, and awards. Such gatherings contribute to celebrating students’ collective achievements and fostering community in our online learning environment.
Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Exam Information
- January 9–12, 2024: Provincial Test in ELA Grade 12
- January 23–25, 2024: Provincial Test in Math Grade 12
- January 29–31, 2024: WVC School-Based Final Exams
- February 1–2, 2024: WVC School-Based Final Exams
2023–2024 Semester Two Information
- Term One begins February 5, 2024.
- Student orientation takes place February 5–6, 2024.
- The first day of regular live classes begins February 7, 2024.
Report Card Distribution
- Semester One, Term Two report cards will be sent out on February 9, 2024.
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Human Resources Update
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Human Resources welcomed eight new employees to their team this fall. The current number of employees under MFNERC is 239 staff and 520 staff under MFNSS as of November 17, 2023.
Elma Arthurson, Inclusive Education Facilitator, IES was the successful applicant for the Assistant Director of Inclusive Education Services effective October 2, 2023. Elma has a Bachelor of Education, Post Baccalaureate, Special Education, Master of Social Work, and Master of Education.
Vibhu Vashisht, Curriculum Developer/Instructor, WVC was the successful applicant for the Instructional Designer, WVC effective November 1, 2023. Vibhu has a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Educational Technology.
MFNERC and MFNSS has many open vacancies. Please visit our website for a full list and details on how to apply. https://mfnerc.org/about-us/work-here/
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Digital Learning Environment
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The Wonder of Webinars
A new initiative from our IT and Digital Learning Department is our collection of webinar series that showcases our commitment to advancing education technology within our supported schools. Our carefully curated sessions, spanning the CONNECT portal, Student Information System, and an array of web applications and software are generating a lot of interest from school staff as they seek to implement the newest technology in their classrooms. Designed to empower teachers, school staff, and leaders with in-depth knowledge and practical skills, these webinars are growing in popularity for their effectiveness and convenience.
Making the Most of MET
Introducing the MET Number project, which addresses the need for provincially issued student identification numbers in our schools. MFNERC has streamlined the application and retrieval process, replacing the cumbersome individual application with a bulk application through our Student Information System. If your school requires assistance, please contact servicedesk@MFNERC.com.
For more info: https://mfnerc.org/met-number-project/
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Congratulations to our Christmas Card Contest Winners!
We thank everyone for your participation and sharing your love and skills for art. There were a lot of great submissions and that we couldn’t pick only one winner. Congratulations to the following students:
Seth Haydebn, Grade 6, Ginew School, Roseau River Anishinabe Nation
Donovan Linklater, Grade 4, St. Theresa Point First Nation School,
St. Theresa Point First Nation, MB
Keian Bird-Henry Grade 6, Ginew School, Roseau River Anishinabe Nation, MB
Your designs are featured on our 2023 Christmas Cards!
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12 Unique Blogs Are Written By Professors
Virtual School Meanderings 