Grad piloting successful program in Nunavut
A secondary school in Nunavut is piloting a successful new program, titled ESTEEM, promoting emotional health and personal growth for students, while boosting attendance. It was developed by Nipissing graduate and school principal, Romeo Fournier (BEd’08, MEd’11) with a team of Inuit and non-Inuit staff.
ESTEEM stands for empowering students through elders, education and mentorship. It is being piloted at John Arnalukjuak School.
As part of the program, homerooms have been reworked to combine senior and junior students, and students will stay together in their home rooms throughout their educational journey. The move provides an extra sense of stability for students.
Homerooms also have the opportunity to take part in events and activities together, such as day spent on the land hunting and fishing with elders, which allows for multiple age groups of students to interact and get to know one another outside of traditional class time.
While the ESTEEM program is just beginning, all signs point to successes on many fronts and Fournier is planning to continue expanding it.
You can read more about the program in this CBC News story.