As the school year comes to a close, educators and students alike breathe a sigh of relief for the summer, but CICK News spoke with 3 administrators and teachers on the last day of the school year to reflect on the 2021/22 year at I Count (Kyah Wiget Education Society).
I Count is a unique educational initiative, open to any student between the grades of 8 to 12 who, for whatever reason, may be having difficulty fitting into the regular school system.
The Education Centre is a FNESC accredited independent school that is connected to School District 54 (Bulkley Valley), and the teachers are highly experienced and accredited by the Ministry of Education.
CICK News reporter Jordyn Morin interviewed Linda Stringfellow (admin), Valerie Angus (pre-employment manger), and Kathleen Morin (I Count Manager, Teacher and Principal) to talk about the unique I Count approach to education for Witset students and adults seeking to further their education.
The school is called I Count and it means what it sounds like: for the students to understand that each of them matter (or count).
I Count opened September 4th 2012 and the approach to educating students involves projects that encompass their grade level curriculum and allow them to explore lessons through hands-on and active lessons. The lessons are culturally relevant and allow the opportunity to utilize the great knowledge of Witset's elders.
Listen below to Jordyn's interviews with Kathleen, Valerie and Linda.