The Education Department promotes educational achievement and provides support, guidance and programming for students Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. We also oversee the operation of Nbisiing Secondary School. See the NFN Elementary and Secondary Policy & Guidelines for more details on the programs and services we offer.
As part of the Anishinabek Education System, we work closely with the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) to deliver educational programs and services for NFN students who reside on-reserve and locally off-reserve.
2021-2022 School Year Information
- COVID-19 school screening tool (August 27, 2021) (PDF Version)
- Nbisiing Bus Lines Student Transportation Approach to Back-to-School (August 13, 2021)
- NFN Education Centre Informational Booklet
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- 2021-2022: A guide to the safe reopening of Nbisiing Secondary School (August 30, 2021)
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- Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board: School Reopening Plan 2021-2022
- Near North District School Board: COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines
- Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord: Guide de retour en classe 2021-2022
- Conseil scolaire public du Nord Est de l'Ontario: Consignes pour la rentrée scolaire 2021
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- Students will attend in-person learning daily for the full school day (five instructional hours) in elementary and secondary schools across the province.
- Grade 1 to 12 students, as well as school staff and transportation staff, are required to wear a mask or face covering in schools and on school transportation. Kindergarten students are not required to wear masks or face coverings but are encouraged.
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- COVID-19: health and safety measures at schools (August 5, 2021)
- COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2021-2022) (PDF version) (August 13, 2021)
- COVID-19 Guidance: School Case, Contact, and Outbreak Management (August 11, 2021)
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- Kids Help Phone – COVID-19 – Articles and activities to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic
- How to take care of your mental health during COVID-19 and the return to school (SMHO)
- Tips for online learning: Fend Off Digital Fatigue | 5 Keys to Success in Virtual Courses
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- Noticing Mental Health Concerns for Your Child (SMHO)
- School Mental Health Backpack (CMHO) – Resources and tips to support your child’s mental health in school
- How to support your child’s mental health during COVID-19
Register your child at the Education Department (on-reserve)
If you live on-reserve, you must register your child at the Education Department to access services and programs, such as Nbisiing Bus Lines, incentives and special education assistance. Complete and send the following forms to the Elementary/Secondary Support Worker:
- Student Information and Bussing Sheet (must be completed every school year)
- Authorization for Release of Information (only complete if your child is starting school or changing school boards)
Student Incentive Program
The Education Department awards elementary and secondary students for their attendance, and secondary students for their academic excellence. On-reserve and local off-reserve students (attending a local school board or Nbisiing Secondary School) are eligible for incentives and awards.
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- $50 for on-reserve students from JK to Grade 9
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- Up to $40 for on-reserve elementary students each semester who are absent for 4 days or less
- Up to $25 for on-reserve secondary students for each course, to a maximum of 4 courses, minus $2.50 for each class they miss
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- $40 for on-reserve and local off-reserve grade 8 graduates
- $150 for on-reserve and local off-reserve grade 12 graduates
- $25 for on-reserve and local off-reserve secondary students for each course they pass and a bonus for total average for each semester:
80% - 100% = $100
70% - 79% = $75
Special Education Assistance
Every effort is made to address the needs of students in school. Some students will need a variety of program modifications and accommodations to their education program. Other students may require a more specialized education program to assist them. The NFN Education Department can help families with special education needs, such as reviewing Individual Education Plans and attending Identification Placement and Review Committee meetings.
See the NFN Special Education Plan or contact the Elementary/Secondary Support Worker for more information on special education assistance.
Local School Boards
The Education Department works with four local provincial school boards to support NFN students who reside on-reserve and locally off-reserve. The school boards are:
- Near North District School Board
- Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
- Conseil scolaire public du nord-est de l’Ontario
- Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord
Resources
Early Years Screening
Parents/guardians of children beginning Junior Kindergarten are urged to have vision, hearing and speech/language screening completed in the spring prior to the start of school in September. Visit the Nipissing District Developmental Screen website for a checklist of important skills expected of 3 and 4 year olds.
Reciprocal Education Approach (REA)
Ontario introduced the REA in September 2019 to provide support to First Nation students and their families through a consistent and transparent process when choosing where they wish to study – whether it be at a provincially-funded school or a First Nation-operated school.
- Notice to the Community about the REA
- Communications Kit – Background & REA Highlights
- Form 3064: REA Written Notice for Eligible Students to Attend an Eligible First Nation School
- Form 3065: REA Written Notice for Eligible Students to Attend a School of a School Board
Contact us
Daniel Stevens
Kinoomaagewin Niigaanzi-E-naakniged
Director of Education
705-753-6995 ext. 3013
Geraldeana Goulais
Gchi-kinoomaagewin Kendaason
Education Officer
705-753-6995 ext. 1282
Caroline Labrecque
Kinoomaadiwgamgoon / Kinoomaagewin Waadookaaged
Elementary/Secondary Education Support Worker
705-753-6995 ext. 3014
Office Address:
Binoojiiyag Enji-Kinoomaagsiwaad (Education Centre)
70 Semo Road, Garden Village ON P2B 3K2
Phone: 705-753-6995
Fax: 705-753-5827
To contact staff by email, please visit our Contact Us page.