Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Along with my colleague, I, too, rise to recognize Education Week. I’d like to speak about the contribution and dedication of the teachers in small and remote communities in Nahendeh and other communities throughout the Northwest Territories.
In comments about Education Week, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment stated that education is a collective responsibility, and rightly so. Parents, volunteers, the community, the media, education authorities, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and many others contribute to the success of our students.
However, I also think that there’s a special place in heaven for teachers in small communities…
---Laughter
…who dedicate themselves to providing the best education they can to their students, with limited facilities and resources. These teachers can be isolated and do not always have opportunities to share and exchange curriculum ideas with other teachers on a day-to-day basis. Although computers and Internet access has contributed to many resources to small communities, a small school does not have specialized music or physical education and program staff like larger schools. The teacher’s job is broader and demands a
personality who can see possibilities and takes advantage of opportunities.
There are many activities in the school in Nahendeh that help students to learn how to fiddle, how to hunt and trap. Contributions to the community are also supported. For example, Bompas Elementary held a skate-a-thon for charity. As well, students raise money to go on interesting trips that broaden their knowledge of the world. These opportunities increase students’ confidence and help them develop organizational skills. Everyone is pleased to hear about the initiatives students show; however, the teachers are there in the background encouraging and empowering their students, giving them the opportunity to shine.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the Mackenzie Regional Youth Conference in Fort Simpson this week. Students and teachers from our small communities got together to learn and experience new things from arts to sports and academics. Good luck and I hope they had a great week.
This statement recognizes the teachers in our small and remote communities...