June 23, 2008

The First Principal – Aboriginal Education at School District No. 23

KELOWNA, BC:  In late August, School District No. 23 will be welcoming a new staff member who will help serve the educational needs of approximately 2,000 Aboriginal students from Peachland to Lake Country.  As Principal – Aboriginal Education, Jason Seright’s primary responsibility will be to foster Aboriginal student success in each of the four directions of the Medicine Wheel (Intellectual, Social/Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical), and to work with the current Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement between School District No. 23, the Aboriginal Education Committee, and the Ministry of Education.

Mr. Seright has been a principal for seven years at Ermineskin Junior Senior High School near Edmonton and has spent a total of 14 years in the education field.  He is relocating to Kelowna over the summer and recently met with the District’s Aboriginal program staff.   “He made an outstanding first impression on staff, students, and the community members who have met him,” says Director of Instruction Terry-Lee Beaudry.  “Not only is he culturally astute, intelligent, articulate, and thoughtful, he wears his heart on his sleeve and is committed to do whatever it takes to support Aboriginal students.” 

In his new role, Mr. Seright’s focus will be on improving the chances for life success among Aboriginal students.  A main avenue to accomplishing this is via graduation from high school with the skills and qualifications to access a range of post-secondary options.  Although the District Aboriginal graduation rate has improved substantially in recent years (from 25% in 1994 to 60% in 2007), it still lags behind that of other students.

Mr. Seright has extensive experience working with Aboriginal students who struggle in the formal education system.  “The last seven years have been the most rewarding, difficult and proudest moments of my life,” says Mr. Seright.  “I look forward to working with School District No. 23 and have been very impressed with what the District is doing and the talented, dedicated individuals I briefly met over the last month.  I look forward to working together to reach our goal of having at least 75% of our Aboriginal students graduating by 2011.”

Mr. Seright also brings to the District his love of sport.  When he’s not working, this former junior hockey player is often golfing, and playing or coaching hockey and other sports.

The new Principal – Aboriginal Education will be based in the Central School location and have an active role with staff, parents and students throughout the District. He will take over the duties of Alice Gro, the Aboriginal Education Program Coordinator, who will be retiring this month.  (He will also take on new tasks.)  “Alice has been instrumental in advancing the graduation rate for our students,” says Beaudry.  “She’s done an outstanding job for nearly two decades as an advocate for Aboriginal student success.”

Goals of Our Enhancement Agreement

These goals reflect the teachings of the Medicine Wheel:

Intellectual: To improve Aboriginal student academic achievement from kindergarten to grade 12.

Spiritual: To increase awareness and knowledge of Aboriginal history, traditions, culture and language.

Physical: To increase the awareness of healthy choices that will enhance the physical wellbeing of Aboriginal students.

Social/Emotional: To increase a sense of belonging, self respect and pride of heritage for Aboriginal students.

Approved by the Superintendent and Terry-Lee Beaudry June 23, 2008

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For comments, please contact:

Moyra Baxter, Chairperson of the Board (250) 767-6153

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

Terry-Lee Beaudry, Director of Instruction, (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284