New upgrading school promotes light-hearted learning

Page 12

No barriers to learning supplemented with a positive energy exchange is the key to success at the Alexis Training Centre and Nikoodi Upgrading School.

The $1.6 million venture is funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and has been operating since last October.

"We are inviting anyone who wants to attend from the general public, Metis communities, other First Nations and non-Native people," said principal Sonny Verreault. "We are accepting anybody. We're throwing the doors open. It's for anyone who wants to complete high school."

The vision of the school that allows for adult upgrading also includes a goal of providing plenty of additional training.

"We want to make sure to offer Microsoft computer specialist programs," said Verreault. "We want to offer pre-employment carpentry, welding, mechanics and then take it that step further and have apprenticeships."

A faculty of six instructors currently teaches all the necessary credits to receive a high school diploma. The centre is also working on getting courses approved by NAIT for students to attain diplomas.

"We also want to see areas in looking after the Elders under the practical nurse program and (programs) looking at managing water and sewage," said Verreault. He added they are also interested in developing and offering programs and courses related to environmental issues such as forestry.

"All of our courses will be under 52 weeks, which is very important because the HRDC (Human Resources Development Canada) will work with us. What it would mean is that HRDC would provide funding toward the training of our students," said Verreault.

Along with providing a vast amount of training, the centre maintains a focus of traditional values to ensure comfort for the students.

"We have taken a Native philosophy to our school. We have a sharing circle Wednesdays and we pray and smudge," said Verreault. "We plan to take our students and our staff out to a sweat. And once a month we have a feast for the Elders in the community, so Elders can pop in. We are also looking at setting up an Elders' program, where we have an Elder come in two to three times a week for guidance and counselling."

Verreault spent several years teaching junior high, high school, and adult upgrading, and feels confident with his new postion as principal. It's those years of experience that have formed his vision of strong but gentle leadership.

"We really encourage a sense of humor, and that is really important to have a light heartedness. The teaching staff wants to bring that to the building," said Verreault. "A sense of peacefulness and motion in working towards your goal, and of course most importantly we want to bring results. We are shooting for roughly an 80 per cent success rate."

This term the comfortable environment has 70 students enrolled who range from 18 to 54 years of age, all working at different levels in achieving their educational goals.

"What happens is when everybody is feeling really good then it is a lot easier to learn and it's OK to make mistakes. If you've ever seen Ms. Frizzel from the Magic School Bus she has a saying 'OK kids lets make mistakes. Lets get messy.' It's that process of discovery and then to get it right," said Verreault. "I encourage the students to make mistakes. If you don't know the answer, we're not going to ridicule you. It's all right."