Education

Thessalon First Nations Education Department's mandate is to further the education of our younger generation/students in a caring, respectful and accepting environment to promote individual success! The feeling of self-worth is paramount for our students. We believe that it is very important for our students to receive all of the benefits and opportunities that a quality education can provide. Our students from kindergarten to grade 6, attend the Thessalon Public School and Grades 7 to Grade 12 attend Central Algoma Secondary School (CASS).

 

Our program administers dollars to the Algoma District School Board for tuition and transportation. 

 

Our Post-Secondary program assists students to attend an accredited college or university which 

covers tuition, allowance and book/supplies for full-time students. The annual deadline for submitting acceptance letters is June 1st with decisions made by June 30th.

 

Our Education Department programs are:

 

 

The Student Support Workers, Laura Lewis and Shelley Reid, work as advisers to the school, administration and staff to raise awareness and understanding of cultural, personal, and community issues that may impact the success of students. The Student Support Workers will support both aboriginal and non-aboriginal students through:

 

Student Cultural Rooms

 

The Education Support Workers provide assistance and guidance for Thessalon First Nation students and any others that require assistance. Both Central Algoma Secondary School and Thessalon Public School offer the students a Cultural Room within their buildings. The rooms are used to create awareness and understanding of the Aboriginal culture within the education system by basing positive morals through the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and the values of them. The Seven Grandfather Teachings go hand-in-hand with the school principles of conduct. Truth, Love, Bravery, Honesty, Respect, Wisdom and Humility.

 

The Cultural Room offers a quiet and peaceful working environment for the students during class time, spares or lunches. The students also have access to computers, which are equipped with internet and special learning programs such as Kurzweil, Dragon Naturally Speaking, DT Trainer, and more. Guest speakers and activities are also held in the Cultural Room for students and classes that are interested.

 

The Education Support Workers are available to assist with reading, explaining tests, exams/assignments, as well as scribing. They are dedicated to the success of the students by providing students with spiritual, emotional and cultural support, which we believe increases their success. By focusing on culture, we are encouraging our youth to learn about who we are as Aboriginal people to build confidence and to help them seek mino-bimaadiziwin (the good life). ​

 

 

Tutoring/After School Program

 

The Tutoring Program is offered to children and youth of all ages and grade levels. The program is held in the Business Resource Center and when needed, computers in the library are available. Computers are equipped with internet and special learning programs such as Kurzweil, Dragon Naturally Speaking, DT Trainer, and more. Tutoring is our active step towards achieving educational success. 

 

Tutors are our Native Student Support Workers, Laura Lewis and Shelley Reid, along with our community members, Donald Oliver and Terri MacDonald. The tutors are available during sessions to assist with homework and other studies. 

 

Healthy snacks and drinks are also provided to those that participate. If any students are in need of help with homework then bring your books and come on over to the tutoring program and we will be more than happy to assist you! ​

 

The tutoring program is held during the school year only, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm every Monday to Wednesday with the exception of statutory holidays.

 

 

Library

 

Thessalon First Nation Library is a welcoming and helpful life-long learning center that encourages respect and sharing for library materials and resources. 

 

The Thessalon First Nation Library is located in the Community Center where our librarian maintains the resource library and computer lab. We also have a contract with Contact North to provide the opportunity for students to take online classes. 

 

We aim to provide the informational needs of our community by offering a large collection of books, magazines, web resources, as well as an extensive native collection. Thessalon First Nation Library has been in operation since 1995 and since then, have grown!

 

North is happy to announce that the First Nation Languages Portal is now available to all First Nation Public Libraries!  The portal provides access to great resources, information and material related to the Cree and Ojibway languages.

 

 

Contact North

 

Contact North is an online program enabling over 4 million Ontarians in 600 small, remote, rural, and Aboriginal communities across the province to participate in online and distance programs and courses from Ontario’s 24 public colleges, 22 public universities and 250 literacy and basic skills and training providers without having to leave their community.

 

The Thessalon First Nation Contact North program offers:

 

 

The centre staff are ready to assist you with: