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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 2022-2023
If you are wanting to register your child for school, please contact the office and Amie 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 Amie 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.
If you are wanting to register your child for school, please contact the office and Amie 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 Amie 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.
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
No School
Christmas Break-Monday, December 19, 2022-January 2, 2023.
School commences January 3, 2023.
Christmas Break-Monday, December 19, 2022-January 2, 2023.
School commences January 3, 2023.
If you have any Orange Shirts that don't fit your kiddos anymore could you please gift them back to the school for other students. We will be participating in an Orange Shirt Day provided by C/TFN on September 27th. Thank you for your gifting and thank you to C/TFN for purchasing shirts for the students for so many years.
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, and Micah Quinn is on a temporary assignment at FH Collins. New to our staff are; Brooke Peters-paraprofessional for the Early Learning and Kindergarten class, Ryan West-teacher for the Alternative Program and Joel Baumann-teacher for grades 7/8/9. Welcome to the team and welcome back to our existing staff. It is going to be a great year!
On the note of changes, we also have a new Superintendent for our school. Marilyn Marquis-Forster is the Yukon Education Superintendent for Elementary, we also have a new Assistant Deputy Minister- Cassandra Kelly.
On the note of changes, we also have a new Superintendent for our school. Marilyn Marquis-Forster is the Yukon Education Superintendent for Elementary, we also have a new Assistant Deputy Minister- Cassandra Kelly.
UPDATE August 15, 2022
We are getting back to normal after 2 plus years of COVID restrictions and guidelines. If you or your child wishes to continue to wear a mask, we support that decision. Masks are voluntary. We all will continue to endeavour to respecting other's personal space and continue to wash our hands- which is just good germ management and life skills in hygiene. Students will begin again to eat their meals together as a school community in the kitchen and not just in their classrooms. We ask if your child is sick-normal run of the mill sick like a cold or the flu or common infections, you keep them home and let us know they are sick for attendance.
MESSAGE FROM THE ADM of EDUCATION
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Dear staff and families,
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer and I am excited to welcome students back.
I would like to introduce myself to all of you in my new role. My name is Cassandra Kelly and I am the Assistant Deputy Minister for Schools and Student Services. With more than 26 years of Yukon government experience in 5 different departments, my work is informed by strong working relationships with a number of First Nations governments and partners. Excited to contribute and continue learning from the Yukon education system, I am also looking forward to working and learning alongside our colleagues and partners in the First Nation School Board as they realize their vision for learning in Yukon.
The year has many promising changes ahead. School Board elections are taking place on November 7 to elect School Board trustees to the First Nation School Board and Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon (CSFY). As well, we are making our schools more inclusive, safe and caring learning environments as we work on completing the actions in the Safer Schools Action Plan and implementing RISE: reimagining inclusive and special education.
Managing illness, including COVID-19
We are returning to a much more normal school year. We know the pandemic has had unintended effects on students. We are focused on a two-year recovery phase that supports learning, mental health and wellness for all. You can learn more about our recovery plan here.
As we continue to learn to live with COVID-19, we have the opportunity to make decisions based on our personal risk. The Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ranade, issued a statement yesterday on what students, teachers, staff and families can expect for the year ahead.
Parents and caregivers should use their best judgement to determine whether a child is well enough attend school or other activities. Children who are ill – regardless of symptoms – should stay home to rest, recover, and avoid infecting others. Observe and talk to your child frequently to see if they have new or worsening symptoms. You may find this updated stoplight guidance helpful.
We will continue to use the well-established process for school-based surveillance and reporting communicable diseases. This process requires principals to notify YCDC when there are an above-average number of absences due to reported illness. We know that these processes work from years of putting them into practice.
We are not re-instating mask requirements. The decision to wear a mask at school, on the bus or any public setting, is a personal one. Vaccination for children is not mandatory, but is encouraged, and remains the best way to protect against severe outcomes from COVID-19.
You can see the CMOH’s full statement here.
We are committed to keeping schools open and safe for kids – especially for those who depend on a school as a reliable safe space. The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of our educators, students, and their families, and we will continue to seek more and better ways to support each other.
We look forward to the 2022-23 school year ahead.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Kelly
Assistant Deputy Minister of Schools and Student Services
Department of Education
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Dear staff and families,
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer and I am excited to welcome students back.
I would like to introduce myself to all of you in my new role. My name is Cassandra Kelly and I am the Assistant Deputy Minister for Schools and Student Services. With more than 26 years of Yukon government experience in 5 different departments, my work is informed by strong working relationships with a number of First Nations governments and partners. Excited to contribute and continue learning from the Yukon education system, I am also looking forward to working and learning alongside our colleagues and partners in the First Nation School Board as they realize their vision for learning in Yukon.
The year has many promising changes ahead. School Board elections are taking place on November 7 to elect School Board trustees to the First Nation School Board and Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon (CSFY). As well, we are making our schools more inclusive, safe and caring learning environments as we work on completing the actions in the Safer Schools Action Plan and implementing RISE: reimagining inclusive and special education.
Managing illness, including COVID-19
We are returning to a much more normal school year. We know the pandemic has had unintended effects on students. We are focused on a two-year recovery phase that supports learning, mental health and wellness for all. You can learn more about our recovery plan here.
As we continue to learn to live with COVID-19, we have the opportunity to make decisions based on our personal risk. The Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ranade, issued a statement yesterday on what students, teachers, staff and families can expect for the year ahead.
Parents and caregivers should use their best judgement to determine whether a child is well enough attend school or other activities. Children who are ill – regardless of symptoms – should stay home to rest, recover, and avoid infecting others. Observe and talk to your child frequently to see if they have new or worsening symptoms. You may find this updated stoplight guidance helpful.
We will continue to use the well-established process for school-based surveillance and reporting communicable diseases. This process requires principals to notify YCDC when there are an above-average number of absences due to reported illness. We know that these processes work from years of putting them into practice.
We are not re-instating mask requirements. The decision to wear a mask at school, on the bus or any public setting, is a personal one. Vaccination for children is not mandatory, but is encouraged, and remains the best way to protect against severe outcomes from COVID-19.
You can see the CMOH’s full statement here.
We are committed to keeping schools open and safe for kids – especially for those who depend on a school as a reliable safe space. The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of our educators, students, and their families, and we will continue to seek more and better ways to support each other.
We look forward to the 2022-23 school year ahead.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Kelly
Assistant Deputy Minister of Schools and Student Services
Department of Education
School Council Meeting
Waiting on guaranteed reps to be appointed to the School Council. Once this is complete we will announce the date and time for the meeting.
Waiting on guaranteed reps to be appointed to the School Council. Once this is complete we will announce the date and time for the meeting.
2022-2023 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 Ami 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 Ami 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.
STOP Light Symptom Check Tool |
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Can your child go to school, daycare or return to regular activities?This guidance is for children ages 6 months and older, regardless of vaccination status.
This guidance does not apply if your child:
Red symptoms
Yellow symptoms
If your child has 1 or more red or 2 or more yellow symptoms, your child should stay home
This guidance does not apply if your child:
- is severely immunocompromised or has a complex medical history;
- has tested positive for COVID-19; or
- is younger than 6 months of age.
Red symptoms
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Yellow symptoms
- Headache
- Runny nose or congestion
- Sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea*
- Fatigue or just unwell (muscle aches not related to physical exertion, significant loss of appetite)
- Your child can go to school or daycare and return to regular activities.
If your child has 1 or more red or 2 or more yellow symptoms, your child should stay home
- Your child should not attend school, daycare or take part in regular activities until they feel better.
- Your child can participate in regular activities, school or daycare.
- Monitor your child for new or worsening symptoms.
- *However, if your child is throwing up or has diarrhea, keep them at home until 48 hours after their symptoms have gone away.
- If your child has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 45 days, they do not need to self-isolate or be tested. Once your child feels better, they can return to school, daycare and regular activities.
- You do not need a written note from your health care provider for your child to return to school, daycare and regular activities.
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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. 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. 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.
-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:
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.-