This is part-two of my search for information about aboriginal communities - this also in BC, and comparatively more weathy than many communities across Canada. Seabird Island has its own school
http://www.seabirdschool.ca/ and the Seabird band has done something amazing. They created their own wireless community - bought all the equipment from Siemens and are even offering to sell services to other nearby First Nations without internet. Apparently nobody would send cable out to them and they didn’t have high speed access. So they launched the project themselves which included e-resources and an excellent platform on which to build programming and services, and possibly partnerships. Here is a link:
Also found this: Aboriginal Portal with stats on other communities, too.
~Deborah
by Teaching Tips Contributing Editor, Renee Kirchner
If you’re a parent of a new elementary student and you’re unfamiliar with the time-honored parent-teacher conference, there are some easy ways to make the most of your conference. The conference is designed as a face to face meeting between a child’s teacher and his or her parents. Open and honest communication is critical in this first meeting so the child will have the best chance of succeeding in school. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
PREPARE BEFORE THE MEETING
It isn’t just the teacher that needs to come prepared to the first meeting. Before the meeting parents should talk to their child about the teacher and the child’s class. Do they have any questions or concerns that have come up during the first week or two of school? Parents can make some notes before the meeting about important information they don’t want to forget to discuss with their child’s teacher. This list might include family dynamics, the child’s personality, special needs, medical issues, work habits, etc. Parents should let the teacher know the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Is your child neat as a pin? Do they tend to procrastinate? The teacher would benefit from this type of information.
DURING THE CONFERENCE
What will your child learn this year?
It is important to find out what the learning goals are for the school year. Ask the teacher if the school gives students standardized tests. If so, what is the average passing rate at the school? How many chances will each child have to pass the test? If your child has special needs because they are either gifted or learning disabled, be sure to ask what type of programs the school offers for your child. Finally, ask the teacher about any major projects or assignments for the year and the due dates so that you can help your child plan their time wisely.
What is the best way to get in touch with you?
It is important to find out when the teacher’s planning period is. You also need to find out if it is easier to get in touch with them by phone or email. Email is often easier because the teacher can respond when she has time to sit at her desk.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
The parent-teacher conference is the first step in the two-way dialogue between you and your child’s teacher. If you go into the meeting with a positive attitude, it will go much smoother. Don’t let this meeting be the last time that you get in touch with your child’s teacher. Keep the lines of communication open all year long. Never wait until you have a huge problem to talk to the teacher.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Be on time. If you are running late, call the school. Only use your allotted time spot – don’t go over because other parents are waiting. Always be respectful and stay calm. Don’t argue with the teacher.
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