C het w y nd Echo
61.2 per cent grad rate Continued from page 16
"We started some interventions last year, and we're thrilled with the increase, but we can't say for sure the cause behind it," said Jones, who mentioned there have been fluctuations in numbers over the years but also considerable drops, declaring that she hopes the new numbers are a sign of a future incline, reiterating the point that there is still a long way to go to bring aboriginal rates up to non-aboriginal averages. Jones acknowledged the addition of new teaching models to the Aboriginal Education Program as a possible cause behind the rising numbers, but she would not entirely attribute the numbers to new implementations, without further proof. Looking forward, the aboriginal education department has overhauled its program to implement new practices, with some being initiated last year, to improve aboriginal grad rates under the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement, a partnership between SD 59, Ministry of Education, and the Dawson Creek and Chetwynd
Candlelight Vigil
Aboriginal Education Advisory Councils, agreed to by its members June 2011. Included in the current Aboriginal Education Program (ABED), but brought forth last year, is the Grad and Grade Coaching module, which Jones regards, even after one year, as a constructive initiative and looks forward to seeing its success rate in the future. "What [Grad Coaching] really means is making deliberate connections with [aboriginal students] with immediate interventions," described Jones, who said the program encourages teachers and support staff to oversee and guide students' path to graduation. Julie Hamilton - who heads the Grad Coaching program at Dawson Creek Secondary - also wouldn't speculate about the cause behind the new grad rates, but added that the response from students and parents has been encouraging. "I feel like there was definitely some positive connections being made between the parents and the kids and we are hopeful that the trend obviously continues," said Hamilton.
A candlelight vigil was held downtown Friday night during the community light up in memory of resident and District Councillor Joanne Roberts. Roberts was an avid proponent of the Communities in Bloom/Winterlights competiPhoto by Naomi Larsen tion.
December 2, 2011
17
Have you lost your memories? Do you want them back?
Come in to the CHETWYND ECHO office and look through the giant file of photos we’ve collected over the years. We’re located at 5016 50th Ave. in downtown Chetwynd