Remote Learning Beginning January 10, 2022
January 7, 2022
To all Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1) parents and guardians:
Re: Remote Learning Beginning January 10, 2022
The COVID-19 situation in the Northwest Territories (NWT) continues to evolve and we are seeing rapidly rising case numbers. On January 6, 2022, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) recommended that schools in Aklavik, Behchokǫ̀, Fort Providence, Hay River (including K’atl’odeeche First Nation), Whatì, and Yellowknife, including Ndilǫ and Dettah, shift to remote learning.
This recommendation was made for communities currently experiencing or showing evidence of imminent community spread. As of January 6, 2022, the NWT had the highest number of infections recorded in a 24-hour period ever in the territory, and there are infections in every region.
Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1) is supportive of this recommendation and beginning January 10, 2022 all YK1 schools, K’alemi Dene School and Kaw Tay Whee School will shift to remote learning for all students. YK1 is in regular contact with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) to ensure that all necessary steps are followed to keep students and staff safe and to provide additional resources, such as technology, to support the continuity of learning for students.
YK1 recognizes that families will be eager to learn the details around remote learning for students. Updates with specific information for your child and remote learning will come from their school. We recognize that this shift has an impact on everyone and thank you for your continued commitment as we navigate the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and families. We will continue to keep you informed as the situation evolves.
Mindful that changes to daily routines and changes to the supports provided through schools can be difficult for some students, below is a list of mental health supports students may wish to explore:
- School-based child and youth care counsellors (please contact your child’s school)
- BreathingRoom: A newly launched e-mental health program for youth aged 13-24 that supports youth and young adults in learning new ways to manage stress, depression and anxiety, as well as strengthening existing coping skills. NWT youth can access this program here
- NWT Help Line: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is 100% free, confidential and anonymous. Call 1-800-661-0844
- Kid’s Help Phone: Young people needing to talk to someone can call Kid’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca
- NWT Community Counselling Program: This program is available free-of-charge to every NWT resident in every region of the NWT. It helps people deal with a variety of issues including family violence, mental health issues, and addictions
Thank you for your understanding,
Dr. Cindi Vaselenak
Superintendent/ CEO
Yellowknife Education District No.1 (YK1)
Phone: (867) 766-5050
Email: cindi.vaselenak@yk1.nt.ca
