Darren Pietrobono, Lenora Rabbit Carrier, Linda Andres, David
Steele, Rhian Schroeder, Vince Hill (Standing left to right)
Hector Winnipeg, Vic Budz (Sitting left to right)
|
September 29, 2014
Anytime partnerships can be established, individuals and
communities benefit. Bassano School is no exception to this principle. For 46
years now, Siksika First Nation students have been attending Bassano School
with First Nation graduation rates increasing each year. Siksika students, who
attend Bassano School demonstrate tremendous commitment to their education.
Many of them spend up to two hours on the school bus each day. According to Tristan
Weasel Head, Grade 12 student, “Coming to Bassano School has been a great
experience and given me more opportunities and choices for my career path.”
Experiences like Tristan’s have been made possible because
of the new three year partnership agreement that Grasslands Public Schools and
Siksika First Nation negotiated this year. This agreement involves 73 students
attending from Siksika from Grade 1 – 12. A First Nations person is employed as a Community
Liaison worker to enhance communication with parents and students. In the new agreement this position will be a
Grasslands position.
Siksika spokesperson, Lenora Rabbit Carrier, Assistant
Superintendent said “The partnership with Grasslands has been very positive,
which is due to the collaborative efforts from both parties. We are proud of the commendable achievements
of our students and the increasing graduation rates. The diverse programs offered, academic
support and cultural infusion have given our students the tools to seek their
academic goals and dreams”, and Grasslands Superintendent David Steele added
“We are very proud of the programs in Bassano and the achievements of our
Siksika students.
Vince Hill, Principal, who has been working with First
Nation students for the past 25 years and just moved to Bassano, is thrilled to
be working in a school which celebrates diversity and embraces all cultures. “I
count it a privilege to be given this opportunity to support our First Nation
students in a partnership such as this,” says Mr. Hill. “We have great students
coming from Siksika, who want to be here, and want to learn.”
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