Waabgon Gamigl

Mission Statement
The Chippewas of Georgina Island will take control of our education, embracing our culture and ensuring superior academic standards for future generations. Belief statements - We believe education:

• Is a doorway to the future;
• Fosters responsibilities;
• Is a lifelong learning process;
• Is not only formal learning but also means the gathering of knowledge and wisdom;
• Means having a balance – cultural values and respect;
• Builds leaders and strong community members;
• Comes from our whole community;
• Must acknowledge individuality; and
• Should lead to choices.

The Waabgon Gamig is located at the center of the Georgina Island First Nation community on the east side of Chief Joseph Road, next door to the Georgina Island medical building.

The school building recently underwent building upgrades. The existing structure had interior renovations completed such as widening of narrow hallways, a new staff room and new washroom facilities. The school received a wheelchair lift and is now wheelchair accessible. The school building also underwent a major expansion with the addition of the new, innovative and award winning Georgina Island library.

The Waabgon Gamig provides education for children from junior kindergarten to Grade 5. We have two classrooms, a breakfast room and a music/language room. Our staff consists of two full time teachers, child and youth worker, school secretary, caretaker and First Nation education manager.

Other

We purchase our teaching services through the York Region District School Board. The school teachers and child and youth worker are employees of the York Region District School Board. We honour their collective agreements and the Morning Glory school principal provides teacher evaluations and offers us consultation services as needed. Our students often join Morning Glory students for team sports, track and field days and elective days such as skiing. We enjoy our partnership with the YRDSB and Morning Glory Public School.

Other

The Waabgon Gamig follows the Ontario Curriculum. We feel this gives our students the best start to their educational journey. Students must leave our First Nation School to attend provincial schools in Grade 6 and we want to ensure an easy transition. However, this does not mean we do not provide unique programming. We offer many program enhancements for students adding to the educational diversity and ensuring the cultural values of our island school.

Other

As part of the First Nation’s mandate to take control of their education, the Waabgon Gamig recently completed the development of an extensive and well defined school policy. We no longer adopt the York Region Board policy in the daily operations of the island school.

Other

In March 2002, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Chief and Council formally established the Georgina Island Education Committee. The Georgina Island Education Committee is accountable to the First Nation members. They are guided by a terms of reference and have direction from Council to carry out their duties and responsibilities in accordance to these terms.

Education Staff
Education Portfolio:  Mrs. Pat Big Canoe
Education Manager:  Mrs. Lauri Williamson
Aboriginal Student Advisor: Greer Atkinson

School Staff
Teacher:  Miss Elaine Charney
Teacher:  Miss Tanya Leary
Native Language Teacher:  Mrs. Barbara McDonald
Child and Youth Worker:  Mrs. Debbie Smrke
Secretary:  Mrs. Ann Big Canoe
Community Coordinator:  Miss Sue Smoke
Caretaker:  Miss Darla Trumble
Bus Driver:  Miss Lesley Monague

Contact
Box N-13
RR#2 Sutton West, Ontario L0E 1R0
Phone: 705-437-1529
Fax: 705-437-4024