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Gunalchéesh hàt yìy.adi and Welcome to our school website.
Our website is under construction in many areas, and we invite you to continue to return to see the ongoing changes. We also do daily to nearly daily updates on the home page. We encourage parents/guardians to mark our Home page to stay up to date with information, notifications, events and photos. Ghùch Tlâ Community School is located in the community of Carcross, which is situated in the Southern Lakes region of Yukon, about a 45-minute drive from Whitehorse. Our school population tends to fluctuate slightly; right now we have 65 students in full time attendance. The majority of our students (92%) are Carcross/Tagish First Nation and come from the community of Carcross and the surrounding area. Our teaching staff consists of seven teachers (including Tlingit Native Language teacher), three Paraprofessionals/Educational Assistants, one CDC worker, C/TFN ESW and Elder in the School, three regular Teachers on Call and a part time librarian. For such a small school we continually strive to not only have BIG ideas, but to make those ideas happen!! |
Welcome to a New School Year 2023-2024
If you are wanting to register your child for school, please contact the office and Sonya will get a registration package ready for you. What is required is to show is the child's birth certificate upon registration. If you are new to the school and want to use the bus, please let Sonya know your location so she can notify the bus drivers. This years supplies list can be found in the Information tab. The student information packages will be ready for you soon, please update and sign all parts of the package so we have updated information. Please have the following basic items for the school day:
-back pack
-non-scuff indoor shoes
-water bottle
We still have the breakfast and lunch program this year. Breakfast and lunch are returning to the kitchen.
Our first day of instructional classes for the 2023-2024 is Thursday, August 24, 2023.
If you are wanting to register your child for school, please contact the office and Sonya will get a registration package ready for you. What is required is to show is the child's birth certificate upon registration. If you are new to the school and want to use the bus, please let Sonya know your location so she can notify the bus drivers. This years supplies list can be found in the Information tab. The student information packages will be ready for you soon, please update and sign all parts of the package so we have updated information. Please have the following basic items for the school day:
-back pack
-non-scuff indoor shoes
-water bottle
We still have the breakfast and lunch program this year. Breakfast and lunch are returning to the kitchen.
Our first day of instructional classes for the 2023-2024 is Thursday, August 24, 2023.
When you understand the stories of another, its so much easier to step in and do good work. It allows you to have empathy and to do the next best right thing. -Dr. Jody Carrington
TERRY FOX RUN
Friday September 22, 2023. Please send a toonie for Terry.
Friday September 22, 2023. Please send a toonie for Terry.
Friday, September 29th, 2023 is Orange Shirt Day.
Thank you again to C/TFN for purchasing shirts for all our students and staff.
Thank you again to C/TFN for purchasing shirts for all our students and staff.
No School
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation-Monday, Oct 2, 2023.
Thanksgiving-Monday, Oct 9, 2023
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation-Monday, Oct 2, 2023.
Thanksgiving-Monday, Oct 9, 2023
FIRST NATION SCHOOL BOARD
- starting in August of 2023 we will officially be part of the FNSB. This is an exciting change and a long time coming. Please take the time to check out their website www.fnsb.ca/ and the Yukon First Nation Directorate www.yfned.ca/
STAFF CHANGES
We have had some staff changes this year and we need to shout a welcome to our new staff members and send wishes to the staff on temporary assignments. Andrew Noble is on a temporary assignment at Jack Hulland in Whitehorse as the Vice-Principal. Ryan West is back this fall from leave and will be teaching grades 7/8/9. Joel Baumann is also back in the Alternative High School Program.
School Council
We would like to thank all members of the School Council for their work with the school over the years. In the fall of 2023 there will no longer be a School Council as we are joining the First Nation School Board.
We would like to thank all members of the School Council for their work with the school over the years. In the fall of 2023 there will no longer be a School Council as we are joining the First Nation School Board.
2023-2024 School Year
BUSING
Let's talk about the Bus. It has been stated that students riding the bus are picked up from point A and taken to school and the opposite happens at the end of the day with School to point A. Now, with the daycare not operating at this time and parents working, we know point A at the end of the day can be a challenge. If you are needing to have your kiddo go to another location at the end of the day, please let us know early in the day and make sure someone is there to catch the kiddo when they get off the bus. At this time there is only Wednesday after school at 3:30 that Recreation has drama in the school gym. If your kiddo is going to Drama make sure they are signed up with Bev James. And please let your kiddo know that they are going to drama that day. Please let your kiddo know where they are going at the end of the day, a lot of time is used during the day figuring out where kiddos go, and if we don't hear from you or receive a note from you, they go home on the bus.
If you are not available to be at home when you child gets off the bus, please make arrangements for someone to pick them up at the school. If they are being picked up, please notify the school by 2:30pm with the name of the approved person picking them up.
The front door will be unlocked at 8:30 am, please do not drop your child off before then. The bus arrives shortly after that.
Student Registration
If you are looking to register you child at GTC, please call ahead 1-867-821-2929 to the office and Sonya will get a registration package ready for you and make an appointment to fill out the paperwork. To register a child you need to show the child's birth certificate.
BUSING
Let's talk about the Bus. It has been stated that students riding the bus are picked up from point A and taken to school and the opposite happens at the end of the day with School to point A. Now, with the daycare not operating at this time and parents working, we know point A at the end of the day can be a challenge. If you are needing to have your kiddo go to another location at the end of the day, please let us know early in the day and make sure someone is there to catch the kiddo when they get off the bus. At this time there is only Wednesday after school at 3:30 that Recreation has drama in the school gym. If your kiddo is going to Drama make sure they are signed up with Bev James. And please let your kiddo know that they are going to drama that day. Please let your kiddo know where they are going at the end of the day, a lot of time is used during the day figuring out where kiddos go, and if we don't hear from you or receive a note from you, they go home on the bus.
If you are not available to be at home when you child gets off the bus, please make arrangements for someone to pick them up at the school. If they are being picked up, please notify the school by 2:30pm with the name of the approved person picking them up.
The front door will be unlocked at 8:30 am, please do not drop your child off before then. The bus arrives shortly after that.
Student Registration
If you are looking to register you child at GTC, please call ahead 1-867-821-2929 to the office and Sonya will get a registration package ready for you and make an appointment to fill out the paperwork. To register a child you need to show the child's birth certificate.
COVID something to think about.....Virtues and Values
The Seven Grandfather Teachings:
I practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask because...
Humility- I am humble and an equal, I don't know if I have COVID, as we know people can spread the disease even without symptoms.
Bravey- I am strong, I will practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask because I have the courage to face my fears.
Honesty- being truthful and true to yourself, the reality is COVID is real and I don't want to add to the spread of the virus.
Wisdom- I have the knowledge to keep my community and family safe, therefore I will practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask because I know it works.
Truth- We must understand, speak and feel the truth, it gives us the ability to act without regret, therefore I act true to myself by practicing physical distance, hand Washing and wearing a mask.
Respect- I respect the balance and needs of others, I don't want to get someone else sick with COVID, therefore I practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask.
Love- I love all creation, I love my family, and my friends, I want nothing but kindness and peace for all things around me, therefore I practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask out of love.
-source unknown
The Seven Grandfather Teachings:
I practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask because...
Humility- I am humble and an equal, I don't know if I have COVID, as we know people can spread the disease even without symptoms.
Bravey- I am strong, I will practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask because I have the courage to face my fears.
Honesty- being truthful and true to yourself, the reality is COVID is real and I don't want to add to the spread of the virus.
Wisdom- I have the knowledge to keep my community and family safe, therefore I will practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask because I know it works.
Truth- We must understand, speak and feel the truth, it gives us the ability to act without regret, therefore I act true to myself by practicing physical distance, hand Washing and wearing a mask.
Respect- I respect the balance and needs of others, I don't want to get someone else sick with COVID, therefore I practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask.
Love- I love all creation, I love my family, and my friends, I want nothing but kindness and peace for all things around me, therefore I practice physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask out of love.
-source unknown
SLEEP
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We are also now on FaceBook. It is an invite only place for GTC students and families to get up to date information.
GTC2020. Please let us know if you have not been able to join yet. You can message me or Robin Lord.
GTC2020. Please let us know if you have not been able to join yet. You can message me or Robin Lord.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM
To register your youth for the GTC Alternative Program, please come and register at the school with the office. Paperwork is required to be filled out if the student has not been attending school either in Yukon or other areas. If the student is being moved from a school within Yukon, they will transfer to us or be cross registered.
Any new AP student is required to go through an intake process with the teacher to assess where they are at with credits and courses and begin to create their "Grad Path".
We will be offering limited core courses on site and in partnership with Aurora Virtual School-core courses that are essential for graduation, elective courses are not available here and need to be taken in Whitehorse from the high schools there.
Registration is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or legal caregiver; not the C/TFN Education Department.
To register your youth for the GTC Alternative Program, please come and register at the school with the office. Paperwork is required to be filled out if the student has not been attending school either in Yukon or other areas. If the student is being moved from a school within Yukon, they will transfer to us or be cross registered.
Any new AP student is required to go through an intake process with the teacher to assess where they are at with credits and courses and begin to create their "Grad Path".
We will be offering limited core courses on site and in partnership with Aurora Virtual School-core courses that are essential for graduation, elective courses are not available here and need to be taken in Whitehorse from the high schools there.
Registration is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or legal caregiver; not the C/TFN Education Department.
Selflessness...let's think on this and what it means to us and our school family.
Where are you at as an active member of reconciliation? This is an important question as part of the Spiral of Inquiry and the School Growth Plan as we delve into the past all the way back to when the Residential school closed and the students were moved to the community school.
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"When you keep criticizing your kids, they don't stop loving you, they stop loving themselves. Let that sink in". -Spiritual Warriors.
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You're braver than you believe,
and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. |
MARIJUANA/Cannabis:
Although Cannabis is now legalized in Canada and Yukon, it is not legal in our school. Our school is a totally and completely "NO CANNABIS" zone. Students who come to school under the influence of any substance will be dismissed and if the situation persists, suspensions will commence. This is a non-negotiable.
NO VAPING:
Vapes are not to be brought to school. If a vape is spotted it will be taken and returned only to the parent/guardian of the student. If a student continues to break this rule, suspensions will commence. This is a non-negotiable.
Although Cannabis is now legalized in Canada and Yukon, it is not legal in our school. Our school is a totally and completely "NO CANNABIS" zone. Students who come to school under the influence of any substance will be dismissed and if the situation persists, suspensions will commence. This is a non-negotiable.
NO VAPING:
Vapes are not to be brought to school. If a vape is spotted it will be taken and returned only to the parent/guardian of the student. If a student continues to break this rule, suspensions will commence. This is a non-negotiable.
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Integrity...Patience...Accountability...
HOT LUNCH
THE TRUTH!!!!!!! We have the best free hot lunch program in the territory !!!!! We have STEFANIE back in the kitchen preparing meals for the students and staff. We ask that you either have your child eat what is made or provide a packed lunch from home. Please try not to purchase food/lunch from Montana's and deliver to the school. Students should not be calling home before or at lunch demanding parents/adults buy them lunch. Only the grade AP students have the privilege on their lunch hour to walk over to Montana's, with signed Parental/Guardian permission. We ask you to support us in this request. Students are required to leave their junk food items in the office to be picked up at the end of the day and not put them in their desk bin or locker. Cell phones in school/technology or electronic devices
Students are not to be using personal electronic devices during instructional time. The only change here will be when and if personal computers are requested by the teacher to have in the classroom. The older students in the Grade 6/7/8/9 class have the right to access their devices such as phones or iPads during their break times, but must give their device over and put it in the designated classroom location after their breaks. Blue-tooth devices that connect to their wearable technology or music speakers must be turned off during instructional time. Wifi for phones will not be granted. Grade 4/5 and the 1/2/3 students should not bring their personal electronic devices to school, if they do to use it on the bus ride, they need to drop the device off to the office for the day and will get it back at bus time. We will sanitize the item when we receive it. Field trips are the exception for this group, only if the teacher has made that part of the trip itinerary. This expectation has been in place for several years now, and accountability to follow this expectation is with the students. The students are given ample opportunity to follow this expectation (and wait time to make the right choice) knowing what the consequences of not following the Personal Electronic Device Policy/Rule; that they each signed. If a device (cell phone, ipad, computer, etc) is being used during instructional time which is not part of the instruction, and the student refuses to either put it in the designated location/hand over to the office, this will be communicated immediately with home, the phone/device then can be held all day by the office and only given back to the students parent or guardian. The process of accountability is fully transparent and discussed with the students regularly, there are no surprises. If a parent or guardian needs to communicate with their child, please do so through the teacher contact or the office directly. If the student needs to contact Parent or Guardian, they can do so through their teacher or office. The office phone will be monitored and its strongly encouraged that students do not have access to make personal calls. Please help support the students to make the correct choices and not put them in a conflict position with the Personal Electronic Device Policy. Gunalshéesh. Nothing Can Replace the Influence of Unconditional Love in the Life of a Child. -Fred Rogers-
Go and Love your children exactly as they are. And then, watch them become the truest most wonderful version of themselves. All they need... All anyone really needs... is to feel loved and appreciated for exactly who they are. |
Safe School:
Students coming to school under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the school immediately and their parents/guardians will be notified. Students coming to school carrying drugs will be suspended immediately. 
BEVERAGES AT SCHOOL
The school is promoting healthy beverage choices during school hours and we encourage students to have a water bottle and ask that students do not bring to school;
CELL Phones/Electronic Devices
It seems that almost everyone has a cell phone. This is a fact. And for those who do not have one, others wonder "what is wrong with them?" Nothing is wrong with not owning or using a cell phone. I remember when we had to only use a land line to call people, or walk over and speak face to face. We wrote letters to let friends and family know how we were doing, and we waited patiently to hear back. We participated in more "face to face" time, being with others, having a cup of tea and a conversation, now..it seems different and is different. We go for a cup of coffee with a friend and our faces look to the screen and not the others face. We text and expect immediate responses and lose patience. We swipe left and delete things and people from our lives. I encourage anyone who has a cell phone to look at the amount of screen time they do in a week, and track that information. I encourage those who have a cell phone to turn it off at dinner time, and talk with those around the table or room. I encourage those who have cell phones to take technology breaks during the week. To get away from those screens and turn to the faces around you and make a connection of a human kind. | ||
"For you to realize your value and worth, your environment has to mirror it back to you ." -Gabor Mate-
Self Love: Don't Compare Yourself, Note the Things You're Proud of, Let Go of Past Mistakes, Say Yes to Things You Love, Speak Kindly to Yourself, Let Yourself Rest.
Kindness, Perseverance, Honesty
If no one has told you they love you today, know that I do and always will.
Bullying
The definition of Bullying varies but here are two examples:
Is when an individual or a group of people with more power repeatedly and intentionally cause hurt or harm to another person or group of people who feel helpless to respond.
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Repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, or harm to another person's body, emotions, self-esteem or reputation.
What Bullying In NOT:
Here at Ghùch Tlâ Community School we have taken on the goal to "Hold Each Other Up", and be "Accountable" for our behaviour and will address bullying as it happens: within the school (children to children), coming into the school (adults to adults), outside of the school (lateral violence). We have a Kindness campaign going on for the school, and using positive posters to address "kindness", a compliment box and working to take back the word; "bully". Let's make the change together and fill this world with kind words, thoughts, actions and express our "love" for all of the Creators creations, big and small.
We need to work together to support and communicate collaboratively to make the change and bring positive Restorative Practices into our daily lives.
The definition of Bullying varies but here are two examples:
Is when an individual or a group of people with more power repeatedly and intentionally cause hurt or harm to another person or group of people who feel helpless to respond.
-or-
Repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, or harm to another person's body, emotions, self-esteem or reputation.
What Bullying In NOT:
- Single episodes of social rejection or dislike
- single episode acts of nastiness or spite
- random acts of aggression or intimidation
- Mutual arguments, disagreements or fights
Here at Ghùch Tlâ Community School we have taken on the goal to "Hold Each Other Up", and be "Accountable" for our behaviour and will address bullying as it happens: within the school (children to children), coming into the school (adults to adults), outside of the school (lateral violence). We have a Kindness campaign going on for the school, and using positive posters to address "kindness", a compliment box and working to take back the word; "bully". Let's make the change together and fill this world with kind words, thoughts, actions and express our "love" for all of the Creators creations, big and small.
We need to work together to support and communicate collaboratively to make the change and bring positive Restorative Practices into our daily lives.
For those habituated to high levels of internal stress since early childhood, it is the absence of stress that creates unease, evoking boredom and a sense of meaningless. People may become addicted to their own stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, Hans Selye observed. To such persons stress feels desirable, while the absence of it feels like something to be avoided. -Gabor Mate M.D.-