On Aug. 29 at the Grande Prairie Public Library, coming up on what should have been their first day of school, NWT youth displaced by wildfires gathered for a story time activity to ease stress and stay connected.
SA国际影视传媒淚 think a lot of us just feel like we need to do something,SA国际影视传媒� said Ashley West-Pratt, a teacher at Ecole ItlSA国际影视传媒檕 elementary school in Yellowknife who helped organize the event. SA国际影视传媒淲hatever that might be, whatever strength we have to offer.SA国际影视传媒�
Almost three weeks after South Slave residents were ordered to leave their homes as wildfires threatening communities across the region, northern educators are working to provide a modicum of stability for students, allowing many to stay connected and take comfort in community.
After she and her family settled into a Grand Prairie hotel room, West-Pratt teamed up with the program coordinator at the local library to offer twice weekly story time sessions SA国际影视传媒渟pecifically for kiddos who have been evacuated,SA国际影视传媒� though all are welcome to attend.
SA国际影视传媒淭his isnSA国际影视传媒檛 necessarily about providing an educational opportunity,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 just about giving them something positive and a sense of normalcy during all of this.SA国际影视传媒�
The sessions will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the librarySA国际影视传媒檚 Linda Smith Story Room SA国际影视传媒渙n a week-to-week basis, depending on what happens.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淚 have a couple of stories picked for this week, and some crafts, activities and games, just like in the classroom,SA国际影视传媒� said West-Pratt, who has spent almost 20 years teaching in schools across the North, including the K'atlSA国际影视传媒檕deeche First NationSA国际影视传媒檚 Chief Sunrise Education Centre.
When asked how young evacuees in Grand Prairie, SA国际影视传媒渨ho mostly come from the South Slave,SA国际影视传媒� were handling the situation, West-Pratt said SA国际影视传媒淭hatSA国际影视传媒檚 the big question.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淭his is a lot of stress for everybody,SA国际影视传媒� she continued. SA国际影视传媒淏ut what we know from research is that connecting and finding positive ways to move forward will help get us through it. The North is strong, the kids are resilient. EveryoneSA国际影视传媒檚 going do what we can to get through this together.SA国际影视传媒�
Andrew Shedden, a teacher at PWK High School in Fort Smith, is offering music lessons at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre from Monday to Saturday at 1 p.m., no experience or musical instrument required.
SA国际影视传媒淎ll evacuees are welcome and thereSA国际影视传媒檚 no cost,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
SA国际影视传媒淚 wanted to help support the youth who are without an outlet right now,SA国际影视传媒� continued Shedden.
SA国际影视传媒淢usic is a great way for students to develop self-confidence and positively impact their mental health.SA国际影视传媒�
According to a joint statement from several Northern education councils, the start of the school year in the NWT SA国际影视传媒� scheduled for Aug. 28 in Yellowknife and Sept. 5 in the South Slave SA国际影视传媒� has been postponed due to the wildfires.
SA国际影视传媒淲hile there have been some inquiries about virtual learning, we want to assure you that it is not being considered,SA国际影视传媒� reads a South Slave Divisional Education Council Aug. 22 news release.
SA国际影视传媒淟ike many of you, our staff left swiftly, taking only necessary items, and now reside in accommodations not conducive to providing instruction,SA国际影视传媒� it states. SA国际影视传媒淲e believe many of you find yourselves in similar circumstances and are not positioned to manage or organize instruction for your children.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淎t this time, it is unclear how long it will be before residents can return to their homes,SA国际影视传媒� it continues. SA国际影视传媒淥ur school year will commence when every student who has returned to their home community can engage in person with their school, teachers and other staff.SA国际影视传媒�
