School News

 

NISGA’A ELEMENTARY-SECONDARY SCHOOL

P.0.Box 239 / 5000 Skateen Avenue         

Gitlaxt’aamiks (New Aiyansh) BC  V0J 1A0    

Telephone       (250) 633-2225        

Fax               (250) 633-2669

 

Ms. Jackie Borosa, Principal                  Email    - jborosa@nisgaa.bc.ca

Mr. Peter McKay, Vice-Principal              Email    - pmckay@nisgaa.bc.ca   

 

To the families of NESS students:

 

Ḵ’oomax̱gum̓hl aamhl dim wilaa wilsim̓ yukw dip g̱alksi-yox̱kwhl g̱anhaax̱kw tgun.

(We hope you are all well and finding strength in each other during this pandemic).

 

It has been challenging for everyone in the school system to figure out how to move forward, but we have made progress.  During our first week, routines were developed for keeping all our staff safe and also for connecting safely through the internet.  We determined  how to safely access our school building and our needed  materials.  Many teachers reached out to students to let them know that they were thinking of them, missing them, and planning how to help them get back to learning. 

 

Thank you for responding to our survey during these early days.  The information you gave the school has helped the teachers figure out the best way to connect with you and your children.  The lessons are beginning to flow and everyone is learning new ways of giving and receiving lessons. The support you are giving your children and our staff is greatly appreciated!

 

Over the last few days, teachers and support staff have been putting together learning packages for students.  These will be available on Wednesday and Thursday. 

We have been wearing gloves, washing and sanitizing, and doing our best to create a safe delivery method.  We do advise you to also use your own cleaning and sanitizing protocols in receiving these packages.

 

For Elementary students, most packages will have a variety of activities and some supplies.

 

For Secondary students we will have contents of your locker plus activities from your scheduled teachers.  Please check your school email for teacher updates. 

 

Gitlax̱t’aamiks:

We will be delivering the packages by bus this afternoon and dropping them off at your doorstep. Please be available between 3:30-5pm for receiving the packages and we’ll do our best to reach everyone.  We will be sending the announcement out online, VHF, and emailing to give notice.

 

For Secondary Students in the other three villages, we will be delivering packages to the local Elementary schools and arrangements for pick up can be made with the Principals at those schools.

 

School at home will be different for us all.  Teachers will be giving the core subjects the greatest attention.  For secondary, there will be a strong focus on courses needed for graduation.  Nisga’a language learning will continue in creative ways. For now, please access the language video uploads on youtube and the sim’algax 101 facebook page and the first voices app.

 

In these next weeks, we want to  encourage everyone to do their best to get started. We realize that it will take some time to develop new routines and please remember it is fine to start out slowly and add a little bit more when your children are ready. Your patience is greatly appreciated!

 

We will make every attempt to keep in regular contact with students and their families in the coming weeks.   Each teacher will have a method of reaching parents and caregivers. Our school office is now open to receive phone calls between 8:45 and 3:30 Monday to Friday.  Please reach out and call if you have questions, concerns, or ideas that will help us make this new learning path as smooth as possible.

 

Have a safe Easter weekend. 

 

Peter, Jackie, and the team from NESS