Departments & Programs - Aboriginal Education
New Westminster Schools is committed to improving school success for Aboriginal students.
Our second Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement was signed in the fall of 2012 and represents a commitment by the Aboriginal and school communities, and the Ministry of Education:
- to honor the diverse histories and cultures of Aboriginal peoples,
- to increase the awareness of students, staff and community members of the contemporary and historical issues that affect Aboriginal peoples,
- to increase the integration of relevant Aboriginal resources in classrooms, and
- to increase academic and social success for all Aboriginal learners.
Our goal statements are:
- Help Aboriginal students develop pride, confidence and self-esteem through identification with their ancestry;
- Improve the performance of Aboriginal learners in Grades 4-7 in reading and writing;
- Support Aboriginal students in making smooth transitions as they:
- Enter school
- Move between schools
- Move from elementary to middle to secondary;
- Move from Grade 10-11 and 11-12; and
- Prepare to enter the workforce of post-secondary education.
New Westminster Schools will continue to monitor progress and adjust strategies and targets as needed. Our Aboriginal Education staff includes:
- Aboriginal Education Coordinator Bertha Lansdowne, responsible for the development, design and support of programs for Aboriginal students in K to grade 12.
- District Cultural Facilitator Laura Newman, supporting Aboriginal students at the secondary school level and assisting in the delivery of the District cultural program for kindergarten to grade 12.
- District Aboriginal Support Workers who provide academic, social and cultural support to Aboriginal students throughout our district; liaise between schools and families; and support the ongoing development and implementation of Aboriginal teachings.
- New Westminster Secondary School Aboriginal Youth Worker Lee Laufer, who provides individualized support to NWSS Aboriginal students as needed. Services may include: tutoring supports, homework clubs, cultural field trips, after-school programming, and post-secondary planning assistance.