With class back in session, the Technical Vocational Institute is helping to usher in a new school year in Flin Flon.
Dean Grove, assistant superintendent of the Flin Flon School Division, says the new building will house the division’s first intro to trades program.
“The concept is to expose [students] to a variety of trade options,” said Grove.
The program will be offered to high school students this year with focus on plumbing, electrical and carpentry.
“And we hope to see some other trades as well,” said Grove, pointing out career options such as heavy-duty mechanics. “We think it will encourage more [students] to focus on other careers in trades. We’ll get more [students] exposed and see it as a potential career option for them.”
Grove said the institute, located near Hapnot Collegiate, will benefit from the support of entities across the community.
“It’s a positive [sign] and people seem to support the program,” he said.
Intro to trades will primarily welcome Grade 11 and 12 students. It will be listed as an option course in the high school curriculum.
New faces
New students won’t be the only fresh faces in schools this year as the division has welcomed five new teachers: Laura Sparling, Jonathon Boulton, Nakia Patire, Craig Bancroft and Kristy Cestas.
“We’re very excited to have them on staff,” said Grove.
The five new educators will help the division strive toward its goal of ensuring 95 per cent of students obtain at least one year’s academic growth in 2014-15.
New programs
The division is also continuing work on its math and reading recovery programs, designed to ensure every student is at the appropriate level.
The reading recovery program has been in place for a number of years within the schools, said Grove.
This month, local teachers will travel to The Pas to meet with other teachers from the region, learning new ways to help struggling readers.
“It’s all about one-on-one support for students who have not grasped the initial concepts of reading,” Grove said. “They improve their reading skills and by the end of Grade 1, they have caught up with their schoolmates.
“We want [students] to get off to a strong start before they start to feel that they aren’t readers or lose their confidence.”
The math recovery program involves the same basic principles, he said.
Extracurricular
Transitioning from one school to another, or even one class to another, can be difficult for students.
To help make the shift smoother, Grove said the division strongly believes in the Two Voices project.
The project supports students in making that change and offers them valuable encouragement.
“It shows that those engaged in extracurricular activities are more engaged in school,” Grove said, noting that this could be sports, music or even a club.
“We want to have every student in the school system engaged [and] involved in extra programs and activities. Often we have [students] who fly under the radar and we’re not sure of their interests. If we can find those interests, we can help them get involved in their school and in their school career.”
Student body
Classes got underway yesterday at Flin Flon’s four schools of Hapnot, Many Faces Education Centre, École McIsaac School and Ruth Betts Community School.
Grove expects a final enrollment figure to be available closer to the end of the month as new students arrive or others have changed schools.
Classes for grades 1-12 also got underway at Creighton Community School yesterday. Kindergarten at Creighton is to start Friday.
