Superintendent Message & Newsletter
Happy March! As we approach March Break I would like to reflect on the month that was. YK1 athletes were busy throughout February, competing at the Arctic Winter Games in Alberta, the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island, and in junior and senior Cager tournaments in town towards the end of the month. I want to congratulate everyone who took home medals and banners, and everyone who put forth their best effort during these competitions. A special “thank you” should also be extended to the volunteer coaches and parents who support our young athletes every day.
Draft calendars for the 2023-2024 school year were shared following February’s board meeting, and will likely be approved at the next board meeting on March 14, 2023. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on them. The draft calendars largely mirror calendars from previous years. Designing school calendars is a collaborative process between senior administration, school administration, other local school boards, and the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment (ECE). Click here to see draft 2023-2024 calendars for JK-8 students and high school students.
On February 9, 2023, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1) Trustees met with Yellowknife MLAs to discuss a range of issues related to education. Discussions mostly centred around upcoming territorial curriculum changes, capital and operating funding challenges, mental health and learning supports for students, and upcoming changes to the Education Act. By working closely with MLAs, Trustees hope to raise the profile of education issues in the final budget session of the 19th Assembly. YK1 looks forward to continuing this conversation with MLAs and other key stakeholders to ensure our education system is the best it can be.
On February 27, 2023, Northwest Territories school boards and ECE shared information related to updated graduation requirements as part of the territory’s impending transition to British Columbia’s JK-12 curriculum. The new requirements will see more time allocated for career education than previously, and shift to an updated credit system. These changes will take effect for students entering Grade 10 in the 2024-2025 school year. Click here to learn more about these exciting developments.
I hope that families were able to attend school open houses throughout February and parent-teacher interviews earlier this week. These events provide great opportunities for families to meet YK1 staff, tour our schools, and learn more about our programs. If you have any questions related to enrolment, please call our district office or school offices. We are happy to help!
YK1 continues to work collaboratively with First Transit, Yellowknife Catholic Schools, and la Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest to identify solutions to current busing challenges in the city. Routes 10 and 12 remain out of service as of this week. A letter has been sent to ECE Minister R.J. Simpson asking if after-school programs can temporarily take on more students to help families affected by these disruptions. Meanwhile, YK1 will continue to review its current contract to determine how all partners can help recruit and retain more bus drivers going forward. Please contact First Transit if you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a school bus driver.
As always, I encourage families to monitor YK1 websites and social media pages for the latest district and school information. Monthly board meetings and school-based parent advisory council (PAC) meetings are also open to the public. Please call our district office at (867) 766-5050 if you have any questions. I hope that students, staff, and families enjoy a restful March Break between March 10-26, 2023!
