The Education Department promotes educational achievement and provides support, guidance and programming for students Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. We also oversee the operation of Nbisiing Secondary School. See the NFN Elementary and Secondary Policy & Guidelines for more details on the programs and services we offer.
As part of the Anishinabek Education System, we work closely with the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) to deliver educational programs and services for NFN students who reside on-reserve and locally off-reserve.
2020-2021 back-to-school information
- Guide to reopening Ontario’s schools
- Nbisiing Bus Lines Student Transportation Approach to Back-to-School (September 1, 2020)
- Nbisiing Secondary School: Staggered re-entry plan | Back to School Guidelines
- Near North District School Board: Staggered re-entry plan | Back to School Guidelines
- Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board: Staggered re-entry plan | School Reopening Plans
- Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario: Back to School 2020 information for parents
- Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord: Letter to Parents: Progressive return to school
- COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres – Updated weekdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Parent Guidance – Letter from Minister of Education (August 26, 2020)
- COVID-19 and School Reopening – Public Health Information for Families (North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit)
- Supporting mental health and wellness during the return to school: Tips for parents and families
- Tips for online learning: Fend Off Digital Fatigue | 5 Keys to Success in Virtual Courses
Register your child at the Education Department (on-reserve)
If you live on-reserve, you must register your child at the Education Department to access services and programs, such as Nbisiing Bus Lines, incentives and special education assistance. Complete and send the following forms to the Elementary/Secondary Support Worker:
- Student Information and Bussing Sheet (must be completed every school year)
- Authorization for Release of Information (only complete if your child is starting school or changing school boards)
Student incentive program
The Education Department awards elementary and secondary students for their attendance, and secondary students for their academic excellence. On-reserve and local off-reserve students (attending a local school board or Nbisiing Secondary School) are eligible for incentives and awards.
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- $50 for on-reserve students from JK to Grade 9
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- Up to $40 for on-reserve elementary students each semester who are absent for 4 days or less
- Up to $25 for on-reserve secondary students for each course, to a maximum of 4 courses, minus $2.50 for each class they miss
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- $40 for on-reserve and local off-reserve grade 8 graduates
- $150 for on-reserve and local off-reserve grade 12 graduates
- $25 for on-reserve and local off-reserve secondary students for each course they pass and a bonus for total average for each semester:
80% - 100% = $100 70% - 79% = $75
Special education assistance
Every effort is made to address the needs of students in school. Some students will need a variety of program modifications and accommodations to their education program. Other students may require a more specialized education program to assist them. The NFN Education Department can help families with special education needs, such as reviewing Individual Education Plans and attending Identification Placement and Review Committee meetings.
See the NFN Special Education Plan or contact the Elementary/Secondary Support Worker for more information on special education assistance.
Local School Boards
The Education Department works with four local provincial school boards to support NFN students who reside on-reserve and locally off-reserve. The school boards are:
- Near North District School Board
- Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
- Conseil scolaire public du nord-est de l’Ontario
- Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord
Resources
Early Years Screening
Parents/guardians of children beginning Junior Kindergarten are urged to have vision, hearing and speech/language screening completed in the spring prior to the start of school in September. Visit the Nipissing District Developmental Screen website for a checklist of important skills expected of 3 and 4 year olds.
Reciprocal Education Approach (REA)
Ontario introduced the REA in September 2019 to provide support to First Nation students and their families through a consistent and transparent process when choosing where they wish to study – whether it be at a provincially-funded school or a First Nation-operated school.
- Notice to the Community about the REA
- Communications Kit – Background & REA Highlights
- Form 3064: REA Written Notice for Eligible Students to Attend an Eligible First Nation School
- Form 3065: REA Written Notice for Eligible Students to Attend a School of a School Board
Contact us
Tracy Hanzlik
Kinoomaadiwgamgoon / Kinoomaagewin Waadookaaged
Elementary/Secondary Education Support Worker
705-753-6995 ext. 3014 | tracyh@nfn.ca
Office Address:
Binoojiiyag Enji-Kinoomaagsiwaad (Education Centre)
70 Semo Road, Garden Village ON P2B 3K2
Phone: 705-753-6995
Fax: 705-753-5827