SAEC Update 2023

Camosun College

We are so excited to be offering four Camosun programs at the SAEC this academic year. We started the year with roughly fifty students registered in our four on-site programs! We have our Academic Upgrading program for anyone interested in working on Math and/or English prerequisites for post-secondary programs. Upgrading courses are self-paced, meaning students can work through the content as quickly or slowly as needed. Upgrading courses are tuition free and are offered in person and online so students can choose the best learning format for them. These courses are also continuous intake, so you can start your journey anytime of the year! 

 The Indigenous College Prep (ICP) program is an 8-month certificate program that helps students get prepared and feel confident to enter the college or university program of their choosing. In the ICP program, learners are strengthening their academic skills, building on their self-awareness, exploring their strengths, and reflecting on their cultural heritage. The admission requirement is a C in English 11 (or equivalent) and the next intake for the ICP program is September 2024.  

 The Indigenous Community Wellness (ICW) program is a 10-month certificate program that has been designed to prepare learners to become culturally aware, active and positive role-models through applied knowledge, skills and land-based teachings and learning experiences. Students are learning to effectively build relationships and walk in wellness with service users to support their access to and engagement with programs and services. This is the first year this new program is being offered, and so far, the feedback from students has been positive and enlightening. The admission requirement for the ICW program is a C in English 12 (or equivalent) and the next intake is September 2024.   

We are also excited to be offering a delivery of the Early Learning and Care (ELC), Diploma program, in partnership with the SAEC this year. In the Early Learning and Care program, students are learning cutting edge knowledge and skills to work collaboratively with children, families, professionals and communities. Students are learning to create responsive environments that support each child to reach their potential in every area.  

We are thrilled to offer so many amazing programs in partnership with the SAEC, and we look forward to the new year. If anyone is interested in starting their post-secondary journey in September 2024, now would be a great time to start your upgrading journey so you can meet your program’s entry requirements. Anyone interested in learning more about our community-based programs is welcome to contact Erica Potvin at any time.  

Kim Linkert

I am happy to report the first part of the 2023/24 school year has been a lot of fun. We have a great group of students and the energy in the building has been awesome. Of course, we miss having Kendra here, but she will be back after Christmas.

Some of the highlights for me have been seeing elders in the school every day, the amazing lunches that Lois provides us, tons of progress in academics, laughter in the classrooms and hallways, skating, mini golf and our trips to Goldstream.

Exciting Trips being planned!

We are starting to plan for an overnight ski trip to Mount Washington after Christmas and also a trip to Vancouver later in the second semester! These trips will be for our students who are demonstrating strong attendance and a commitment to their studies. More information will be shared soon.

As a reminder to anyone reading this, I am Kim Linkert and my main focus here at SAEC is to teach math. I also help out with Inclusive Education and Active Living.

The Math Department

If you are considering taking a math course in the second semester here is a little information about some of the possibilities.

We offer a multitude of math courses here at SAEC including online options. The goal is to place students in the course that matches their individual level so that they can find success. We also make sure the courses students are placed in are appropriate for each person’s career path because universities and colleges require different specific math courses for entrance into programs. This takes a little time and energy but it is well worth it.

Some of the math courses offered are:

LF 3 Math

This is one of three LF math courses that have been designed for students who want to upgrade their Math skills. It is excellent for those who need an immediate sense of accomplishment or suffer from math anxiety. This course has four units and covers learning outcomes related to number concepts, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and measurement.

LF 4 Math

This course has five units and covers learning outcomes related to order of operations, introduction to fractions, decimals, measurement, and relationships.

LF5 Math

This course has five units and covers learning outcomes related to integers, order of operations, factors and multiples, fractions, algebra, measurement, and relationships.

Workplace 11

This course provides a practical, contextual focus that encourages students to develop their mathematical knowledge, skills and attitudes in the context of their lives and possible careers. There are 5 units:

Workplace 11 is organized into the following units: • Unit 1: Graphs and Change • Unit 2: Investing, Borrowing, and Debt • Unit 3: Personal Finance • Unit 4: 3D Objects • Unit 5: Surveys

Wednesday Activities

Here at SAEC we strive to provide group activities on Wednesday afternoons. The purpose is to have students and staff come together to build relationships and connections outside of the core academic courses. We try to offer a variety of opportunities that enrich and build on the learning that takes place in the classrooms.  So far we have hosted art workshops, wellness workshops, skating, Goldstream field trips, a vision board workshop, and even catch up days.  We have some fun planned for the new year so stay tuned.

Nichola Kach

LF English and English 10

From the start of the year, we have focused on ‘brushing up’ on the mechanics of language, including specific grammar rules and writing conventions. Students have then been able to reinforce their learning through entries in their personal journals. We look forward to studying paragraph structure and delving into short stories.

English First Peoples 12

Through articles, short stories, and essays, we have explored themes of voice, authenticity, and identity with respect to Indigenous peoples. Students have examined their own world view and expressed in their written work how it informs their identity.

Digital Photography 12

Our Photography class has zoomed in on the art of ‘making’ a photograph versus simply ‘taking’ one. The result has been a wide array of beauty and interest captured on our phones. We have even ventured out on a few photographic field trips to explore the world through a lens and have only lost a few of our participants in the process.

Art Metal and Jewellery 12

From our resident master carver, Reg Gladstone, students have experienced the many processes involved in carving a piece of jewelry. From creating an original design with a drawing, to carving it into a piece of copper or silver, and finally buffing, polishing, and cleaning it, we have produced some great works of art.

Denise Sam

ÍY SȻÁĆEL HÁLE.

This year for the 2023-2024 school year a total of 58 full-time students and six part-time students.

STUDENT BREAKDOWN:

Tsartlip members sponsored = 28 students

Tsawout members sponsored = 25 students

Tseycum members sponsored = 5 students

Part-time students = 6

The WSB sponsors students at the following institutions:

• Camosun College Trent University
• Selkirk College University of Alberta
• Simon Fraser University University of BC (Vancouver/Okanagan)
• Royal Roads University University of Victoria
• Thompson River University Vancouver Island University

STUDENT CARE PACKAGES/COOKIES AND CRAM

The staff at the WSB have small care packages available for students that include:

Note pads, pens, pencils, snacks, self-care items. This is the second-year packages are delivered by the Student Connections Facilitator, Aleena Lano. She is also hosting “Cookies and Cram”, this week where students gather to study for upcoming exams and papers.

NEW INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

The new Indigenous Language Proficiency was approved by the Ministry. In partnership with UVIC and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, a new Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language – SENĆOŦEN was approved in August 2023. The first intake is a small cohort. Several students graduated from the diploma program last term, and will be attending their convocation on November 15. W̱SÁNEĆ students recognized: Kristy Charlie, Addie Elliott, Michelle Jacks, Tua Vaa and Raven Smith.

STUDENT AWARDS 2023

Uncle Gabe Bartleman Bursary 2023

The Uncle Gabe Bartleman Bursary was established in honor of our late uncle who believed in education and the wellbeing of our Saanich People. The bursary was established in 2002 in memory of Gabe.

Awarded to: Judy Henry “GIXI MEL WHUT” Judy Henry of Pauquachin First Nation. She recently completed the Health & Human Services Program that was offered through the Saanich Adult Education Center and Camosun College, April 2023. She gained new employment with “Just Like Family Home Care.”

Awarded to: Chelsea Mills

Chelsea Mills of Pauquachin First Nation. She completed her Adult Dogwood at the Saanich Adult Education Centre in June 2022. Chelsea completed the Indigenous College Prep. Program in April 2023 and is currently enrolled in the Indigenous Community Wellness Program which is a certificate program.

The George and Geraldine Underwood Award

This bursary is awarded to a full-time post-secondary student from Tsawout, Tseycum, Pauquachin, or Tsartlip. They would like to recognize the commitment and perseverance of an adult learner to post-secondary education and to modelling W̱SÁNEĆ QENÁȽ – Responsibility; ŦELÁṈET – Self Initiative; ATOL – Respect for rights and values of others; SW̱ÍW̱I – Positive attitude and willingness to work hard; ȽḴIL – Confidence.

Awarded to: Molly Underwood-Mosley

“TZUL-HUTIYET” Molly of Tsawout First Nation. She completed the Indigenous College Prep. Program at the Saanich Adult Education Centre and is now enrolled full-time in the Early Learning Care Diploma Program at Camosun College. Her goal is to enroll in the Child and Youth Care Program at UVIC next fall.

Awarded to: William Charnley

William of the Tsartlip First Nation. He is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science, Nursing at Vancouver Island University. He has been on the dean’s list since the beginning of his studies. His goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Awarded to: Destiny Underwood

Destiny of the Tsawout First Nation. She is taking a Master’s degree in Kinesiology. Destiny completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at Camosun College. He goals is to support youth and women to help empower them.

HIGH SCHOOL VISITS 2023-2024

I will be visiting the local schools in the months of November and December to share information about the process of applying for funding. Each year we bring in pizza and door prizes to meet with the grade 11 and grade 12 students. This gives me the opportunity to meet with the students to get an idea of who may be interested in post-secondary education. These visits are ideal to meet and greet potential students.

Director’s Corner

ÍY SȻÁĆEL HÁLE

My name is Kevin Monkman, and I have worked as an instructor in the SAEC Adult Dogwood Program for 16 years.  This September I stepped into the Director’s seat to serve as Acting Director while Kendra Underwood is on leave.  I will be handing the reigns back over to her in late January/early February.

I have enjoyed my time in this role immensely and appreciate all the help and patience from students and our amazing staff family as I transitioned into this role.  We have a thriving Adult Dogwood Program, and an amazing four post secondary programs running in our Center this year, so our center is busy.

Early Learning and Care – Camosun College

Indigenous College Prep – Camosun College

Indigenous Community Wellness – Camosun College

Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language SENĆOŦEN – University of Victoria

I have enjoyed collaborating with our post-secondary partners to work towards creating relevant, engaging and accessible programming and I can’t thank everyone involved enough for their efforts.  

I will be returning to my role as the SAEC English/Humanities teacher in early February and though I have thoroughly loved my time as Acting Director, I can’t wait to return to the classroom!