Alderville First Nation
Student Services
MEET THE TEAM
April Smoke
Coordinator
Aaniin Alderville First Nation families! As a long-standing employee with Alderville it gives me a sense of great pride being from Alderville, living and working so closely with many of our families of young learners! You may have seen me in various roles and sometimes driving the bus lol I have spent the past 12 years working with our youth. With a community-based approach, your loved ones’ voices are included in all aspects of our mulit-faceted department. I maintain an open door policy and welcome and questions/comments and will continue to cheer on our youth. Miigwech
Jess Ross
ACES – Primary
Boozhoo, aanii!
Jess indizhinikaaz. Land defender and water protector.
Nimaamiikwendam to be in my 3rd year as an Alderville Community Education Support Worker at the elementary school level. I have been involved in child and youth work since 2012, with focuses in education support, life skills development, health and mental wellness, and intersectional identities. I am passionate about assisting our students in achieving their academic goals, as well as success, balance, and happiness in their everyday lives.
I believe in the strength and resiliency of our youth, the values of the seven sacred teachings, and defending the sacred.
Cathy Wanamaker
Day School
It is an absolute pleasure to be back with our Alderville students at AFNSS! I started a career with children in 1979, including 4 years at AFNSS. I have worn many hats in many capacities over the years, but nothing compares to the joy of working with Alderville students. The well- being of the students is crucial to me while working toward the students individual goals. It has been a trying year but here at AFNSS we are determined to meet safety needs for everyone while creatively implementing programs.
Ruth-Anne Washburn
Day ACES – Primary
I love working with students of all ages, especially at RCPS (Roseneath Centennial Public School) . A language learner and cheerleader for all things culturally relevant to be included in schools, I attempt to embody the Seven Grandfather Teachings within every activity at the school and throughout the afterschool program. Affiliated with the AFN Afterschool program since 2016, this is my second year as a full-time ACES special education worker – I have my Masters in Education and have been an Ontario Certified Teacher since 2007. I find one on one or small group tutoring to be the best recipe for finding sure footing in language, mathematics and perseverance. Always willing to go above and beyond for the students, I try to educate the whole student in a sensitive and kind way. Gitchi-Miigwetch for allowing me to work with your students.
Cheyenne Blaker
ACES – Secondary
Hi, I’m Cheyenne!
November 2020 marks one year of working with Alderville’s high school students at Cobourg Collegiate Institute. This has been such a fantastic opportunity to get to know the community’s youth and help with their educational success! I have years of experience working with school aged kids, I’ve planned day camps, lead hiking tours, worked closely with schools on a number of different projects and much more!
Programs offered through Student Services
In-School
In-school support for our First Nation students at Roseneath Centennial Public School and Cobourg East and West High Schools.
Support high needs students by providing daily assistance from ACES (Alderville Community Educational Support) Staff. Staff are involved with daily school activities.
After School Program located at 2 locations
Grades 1-7 are offered at the Coyle Building. The program runs Mondays to Thursdays. Beginning in grade one, students are invited to participate in our After School Program.
We offer:
- Homework assistance
- Availability to cross curricular learning activities
- Reading programs
- Research support for projects and assignments
Students may access a variety of books, novels, encyclopaedias, manipulative, games, computers and craft activities.
Grades 8+ is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at the Learning Centre. A qualified teacher and youth ACES worker are both on staff to assist older students in the more demanding and challenging subjects: English, Math and Science. The service is not limited exclusively to these areas.
A well equipped classroom and computer lab are available for student use.
Our ACES worker also interacts two days per week with students in their school environment and provides a wide range of support to keep them engaged in their high school programs.
Both these programs welcome children from all local schools.
Speech
Alderville children, ages three and up, may access speech services if they are deemed necessary following an assessment. Our experienced speech therapist provides services to our young pre-school and school aged children at Student Services.
School’s Cool
School’s Cool is a school readiness program which has been successful in preparing young students for the demands of kindergarten. The program runs for six weeks during the summer months at Student Services. The program focuses on self-help, cognitive language and social areas, which are critical to school success.
Drumming
The Sugar Island Singers has been developed through the support of Student Services.
Practices, supplies and necessary arrangements are made through Student Services ACES staff and are generously supported through the DREAMCATCHER FUND and our ACT (Alderville Community Trust) Fund.
Source: https://alderville.ca/our-offices-services/student-services/
Manager, Health & Social Services
Under the direct supervision of the First Nation Administrator, the Manager of Health and Social Services is responsible for the general management of all matters pertaining to the health and social services programs and departments, including overall financial management.
Alderville First Nation Child Welfare Advocate
Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Health and Social Services, the AFN Child Welfare Advocate (formerly called Band Representative) works in partnership with the First Nation Designated Person (FNDP) and is a highly motivated individual with exceptional advocacy skills, possessing critical knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION TECHNICIAN
The Ecological Restoration Technician will assist with Alderville Black Oak Savanna/Tallgrass Prairie restoration and Stream to Shore Restoration initiatives.