The Graduation Coach Program entitled Four Directions was implemented at Beaver Brae Secondary School in 2015 and focuses on First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) students. The goals of the Four Directions is to: increase the graduation rates of high school FNMI students; increase retention in high school FNMI students; and to improve the transition experience of FNMI students from elementary school to high school.
The role of the Graduation Coach is to provide mentoring and guidance to FNMI students to ensure they are provided with a nurturing and safe environment that supports them as they find a sense of competence and achievement. Responsibilities include: helping students plan their high school courses; career planning and goal setting; easing transition concerns; tutoring; building a sense of community; promoting school engagement; advocating for students; developing leadership skills; fostering parent engagement; and linking students with community resources. The Graduation Coach also communicates with parents/guardians on a regular basis to ensure that they are kept up to date on any attendance/behavior concerns, recommended supports/interventions and most importantly successes and achievements of individual students.
In this position the Graduation Coach will also work with students transitioning to Beaver Brae Secondary School from elementary schools within the community and surrounding area; this includes both public and separate schools. Transition activities may include but are not limited to high school prep classes; transition retreats; high school open house and tours; summer transitions programs; reach ahead credits; and orientations and welcoming events.
This initiative is also complementary to many of the existing programs at Beaver Brae Secondary School and will increase the network of support for FNMI students.
Four Directions Community Pathways Partnership Program
The Four Directions Community Pathways Partnership Program is a pilot project supported by the Northwestern Health Unit and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. The program emphasizes a preventative approach and employs FNMI Student Support Navigators to coordinate health and social services, and to connect students with culturally relevant supports extending beyond those already provided in the school setting. The Navigator complements the work of the Grad Coach by assisting students to achieve non-academic goals they have identified, such as involvement with health and wellness activities, accessing transportation, employment, food and housing, attending medical appointments and connecting with mental health and addictions services. These and other community pathways are directed by the students and focused on reducing risk factors while enhancing protective factors. A key goal of this program is to co-create and maintain meaningful relationships with youth, families and staff, while establishing culturally and socially responsive community based support systems
It is an exciting time and we are eager to support and build upon the development of our programs and foster the success of our FNMI students!
If you have any questions about Four Directions, or require additional information please do not hesitate to contact:
FNMI Graduation Coach - Gyles Frenette (gyles.frenette@kpdsb.ca) or (807) 468 - 6401 Ext#3228
FNMI Student Support Navigator - Jessi McEwen (jessi.mcewen@kpdsb.ca) or (807) 468 - 6401 Ext#3228