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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 52 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!! |
COVID OPERATIONAL PLAN 2020-to be updated before Christmas Break |
| covid-19_detailed_school_health_and_safety_operational_plan_final_ghuch_tla__002__update_dec_2020.docx |
Mask use in school- Masks are required now for all staff and students in common areas, hallways, library, washroom, kitchen, bus, etc.
Students 10 years and older are required to wear a mask, or Grades 4 and up. Children in K4-Grade 3 are not required to wear a mask in common areas or the classroom. They can wear one if they choose, but the mask is not a toy to play with, as hands are to stay off the mask and then it becomes a distraction. New 3-ply masks have been given to all students Grade 4 and up and staff. Small shields have been purchased for the K4-Grade 3 groups if they are required for working closely with others. We need parents to make sure masks are being worn when getting on the bus as we need those masks returned to school daily. Students having multiple masks gives everyone the opportunity to have them washed and ready to wear.
Students 10 years and older are required to wear a mask, or Grades 4 and up. Children in K4-Grade 3 are not required to wear a mask in common areas or the classroom. They can wear one if they choose, but the mask is not a toy to play with, as hands are to stay off the mask and then it becomes a distraction. New 3-ply masks have been given to all students Grade 4 and up and staff. Small shields have been purchased for the K4-Grade 3 groups if they are required for working closely with others. We need parents to make sure masks are being worn when getting on the bus as we need those masks returned to school daily. Students having multiple masks gives everyone the opportunity to have them washed and ready to wear.
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School Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 2, 2021. 6pm in the school library. |
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We do this together.
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2020-2021 School Year
BUSING UPDATE-Masks Now Required on the Bus
Age 5 and up
(Dec 17/20)
This year due to COVID restrictions and recommendations, Standard Busing is enforcing their expectations. Students who take the bus are picked up from home and dropped off at home. There are no other stops for the students. This means the bus driver will not drop at other locations other than the students home.
No stops at Daycare. No stops at Tagish recreation center. No different student's taking another bus to go be dropped off at a friends house.
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. Parents and Guardians doing the drop off or pick up, please wait outside of the school, we have limited space in the front foyer during arrival and dismissal. Any Parent or Guardian coming into the school must remain on the front foyer carpet, if you go past the carpet you are required to be wearing PPE (mask, or face shield).
The front door will be unlocked at 8:40 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 Venise 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. Access to the school is still under COVID health and safety guidelines, so please make an appointment to register.
BUSING UPDATE-Masks Now Required on the Bus
Age 5 and up
(Dec 17/20)
This year due to COVID restrictions and recommendations, Standard Busing is enforcing their expectations. Students who take the bus are picked up from home and dropped off at home. There are no other stops for the students. This means the bus driver will not drop at other locations other than the students home.
No stops at Daycare. No stops at Tagish recreation center. No different student's taking another bus to go be dropped off at a friends house.
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. Parents and Guardians doing the drop off or pick up, please wait outside of the school, we have limited space in the front foyer during arrival and dismissal. Any Parent or Guardian coming into the school must remain on the front foyer carpet, if you go past the carpet you are required to be wearing PPE (mask, or face shield).
The front door will be unlocked at 8:40 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 Venise 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. Access to the school is still under COVID health and safety guidelines, so please make an appointment to register.
| info_for_parents_-_my_school_bus_monitor_2020.docx |
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COVID-19 Updates
| 2020-11-19_ltr_parents_covid-19_response.pdf |
| roles_and_responsibilities_covid-19_case_and_school_2020.pdf |
| faq_covid-19_case_and_school_2020.pdf |
| 2020_11_25_ltr_h_s_updates_parents_2020.pdf |
| ltr_covid-19_school_health_and_safety_2021.pdf |
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
COVID and the many things we can and can't do is difficult. We have noticed some changes for the kiddos (from the littlies to the seniors), and we need you help to address them on a personal and home level. The students, your kiddo's need cuddle time. They need to feel and touch and be held in a safe way to feel grounded during this pandemic. Not being able to be physically beside or close to a friend or adult is tough, and it can be internalized that the other person doesn't care or want them around when they are told, "don't go near them...don't touch me...stay in your space...wash you hands". Please make time to sit closely with, cuddle with, hold their hand, brush their hair, touch, share your warmth at the beginning and end of the day, all in order to make that heart connection. We all need the human connection, we need hugs and affection as well as kind and respectful words. I am a hugger and would give hugs freely and share my warmth, and it pains me in my soul that I am not permitted to do so because of COVID. Do you remember the last time you hugged a friend? I am sending all of you virtual hug during the Christmas Season.
SLEEP
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MASKS-required
Any person coming into our school bubble or any other public place in the Yukon must wear a mask. We also ask that you sign in and out of the building. That is for our contact tracing of people who come into our school bubble. |
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.
GTC2020. Please let us know if you have not been able to join yet. You can message me or Robin.
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.
The Alternative Program will be running out of the GTC shop until we are cleared to move back to the C/TFN Capacity upstairs.
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.
The Alternative Program will be running out of the GTC shop until we are cleared to move back to the C/TFN Capacity upstairs.
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 !!!!! And then COVID struck...lunch and breakfast is changing. We have received funding from Jordan's Principle to continue supporting our students. C/TFN will be hiring a cook to support the breakfast and lunch program again this year. We have STEPHANIE back in the kitchen preparing meals for the students and staff. The menu gets posted on FB2020 our private Facebook group. 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 6/7/8/9 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. ATTENTION (Nov 12/20) Update to the above statement: Due to concerns brought forward to the School and School Council regarding student activities when they are off of the school grounds at lunch, School Council has moved that students no longer have the privilege to leave the school grounds at lunch. This means, no more trips to Montana's or to someone's house between 12 and 12:40pm. If a student wishes to leave the school grounds during the lunch hour, they must be picked up and returned to school by their parent or guardian. This will commence Monday, November 23, 2020. If any parents or guardians have issues with this decision, they can bring their concerns forward in writing to the School Council. 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. WINTER WEAR
If is important that all kiddos come to school with the proper winter gear each day, whether they arrive on the bus or are driven to school. Kiddos need hats, mitts/gloves, neck warmers, snow jacket, snow pants and winter boots. In the past we would have items for students to use in a pinch, we still have some of those things, but under COVID Operational Plans, items should not be shared. Any clothing item that may be shared will be washed and put back out, but this is for emergency backup, not everyday. The few extra mitts and gloves we did have are gone, students use them and then take them home to never be seen again. If a student leaves anything on the bus, our drivers bring them into the school. Please help us keep the kiddos warm when they go outside for recess and outdoor activities. |
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. 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. 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. |
"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.
Upcoming Events
Heritage Day Friday, February 26/21
March Break Monday, February 15-Friday, February 19/21 (one week)
Good Friday Friday, April 2/21
Easter Monday Monday, April 5/21
Victoria Day Monday, May 24/21
Heritage Day Friday, February 26/21
March Break Monday, February 15-Friday, February 19/21 (one week)
Good Friday Friday, April 2/21
Easter Monday Monday, April 5/21
Victoria Day Monday, May 24/21
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.-