Our Philosophy of Education

Education is a life-long learning experience. Happiness and personal satisfaction are related to one's ability to learn skills that will let a person grow individually within society in which she/he lives.

The children have traditionally learned from their parents and their environment.

Children have the right to gain knowledge of their traditional culture and heritage, integrated with today's technology and academic education.

Windigo Education Authority schools emphasize the importance of retaining the Aboriginal language. While formal education is centered on the young there must be a process provided for community members to understand the importance of education.

Community members must be encouraged, and provided with opportunities, to continue their physical, mental and spiritual growth through formal education, job-related experiences and practical training.

It's time for your adventure to begin...

Teaching opportunities exist for qualified teachers who are prepared for an exciting academic year in a remote fly-in community in Northern Ontariol

TEACHING IN THE NORTH... THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!

PROGRAMS

*Bilingual Education

In 2004-2005, Bearskin Lake and Sachigo Lake started the implementation of the bilingual program in Junior/ Senior kindergarten. This program will continue in grade 1 in 2005-2006. Through the bilingual education program, we can provide the opportunity for our children to revitalize our language and culture. Our language enables us to express our worldview, beliefs, philosophy, values, traditions and customs. Our language is our vehicle for our learning and passing on our culture to our children.

The goal of the bilingual program is to graduate bilingual students who are fully fluent and literate in the Aboriginal language and in English. Being bilingual means students dream in both languages and think in both languages.

Curriculum guidelines for the bilingual program have been developed by the Kwajiciiwin Resource Center.

*Special Education

"All First Nations children have the right to be educated in their community school, integrated with their peers in a regular classroom, that is, in as normalized and as least restrictive a classroom environment as is possible. It is understood that this inclusive process consists of many levels and is continually in a state of evolution and refinment. All First Nation children have the right to be taught in their native language within an adapted curriculum. These children are to be provided with quality programs, facilities and services that best meet their individual needs, and to be taught by a team of qualified educators. The programs provided to these children must reflect the culture and values of the people of the First Nations". (FNEC Special Education Policy Development Manual, November 2000, p. v).

Special education is an integral part of the total school program. Special education is commited to:

a) helping children develop to the maximum of their potential;

b) equipping children with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude to become contributing members of the community;

c) ensuring that the behaviour of children is shaped by the values of:

* individual growth

*sharing

*respect for oneself and others, elders, nature.