MEET THE TEAM
April Smoke
Education Manager
Aaniin Alderville First Nation families!
As a long-standing employee with Alderville it gives me a sense of great pride being from Alderville, living and working so closely with many of our families of young learners! You may have seen me in various roles and sometimes driving the bus lol I have spent the past 12 years working with our youth. With a community-based approach, your loved ones’ voices are included in all aspects of our mulit-faceted department. I maintain an open door policy and welcome and questions/comments and will continue to cheer on our youth. Miigwech
Cathy Wanamaker
Day School
It is an absolute pleasure to be back with our Alderville students at AFNSS! I started a career with children in 1979, including 4 years at AFNSS. I have worn many hats in many capacities over the years, but nothing compares to the joy of working with Alderville students. The well- being of the students is crucial to me while working toward the students individual goals. It has been a trying year but here at AFNSS we are determined to meet safety needs for everyone while creatively implementing programs.
Hannah Slessor
Administration Assistant to Education
Aaniin!
Hannah indizhinikaaz.
A proud member of Alderville First Nation who is happy to be working on the homeland and to be reconnecting with my Indigenous roots.
Before becoming a part of the Alderville First Nation’s Student Services, I had the pleasure of working in the AFN Daycare for a short but sweet five months. Being able to connect with the youth of our community and surrounding areas has been a joy – watching them learn about the Anishinabemowin language and culture is incredible and inspiring, which I have also learned lots about myself!
With two years of experience working with children, from being employed as a Child Care teacher for the YMCA, taking classes in the Early Childhood Education program at Fleming College, and being a single mother to a beautiful 3-year-old, I am ecstatic to be bringing some of my knowledge on board to the ever-growing, ever-learning, ever-hard-working Student Services team.
I believe that we are forever teaching and learning from one another. Not only can we teach the youth, and they can learn from us, but they can also teach us and we can also learn from them.
Chi-miigwech!
Jess Ross
ACES – Secondary Panel
Boozhoo, aanii niijii-bimaadiziig!
Jess indizhinikaaz. Mi’gma’gi indoonjibaa.
I’m a psychology major who has been involved in child and youth work since approximately 2012.
My professional focuses include education support, life skills development, health and mental wellness, and intersectional identities.
I joined the Alderville First Nation Student Services team in the fall of 2018, and worked with our elementary students at Roseneath Centennial Public School until February 2022.
Currently, you can find me at Cobourg Collegiate Institute, supporting Alderville students at the high school level.
I am passionate about assisting our students in achieving their academic goals, as well as success, balance, and happiness in their everyday lives.
I believe in the strength and resiliency of our youth, the values of the seven sacred teachings, and defending the sacred.
Ruth Anne Washburn
OCT
I love working with students of all ages, especially at RCPS (Roseneath Centennial Public School) . A language learner and cheerleader for all things culturally relevant to be included in schools, I attempt to embody the Seven Grandfather Teachings within every activity at the school and throughout the afterschool program. Affiliated with the AFN Afterschool program since 2016, this is my second year as a full-time ACES special education worker – I have my Masters in Education and have been an Ontario Certified Teacher since 2007. I find one on one or small group tutoring to be the best recipe for finding sure footing in language, mathematics and perseverance. Always willing to go above and beyond for the students, I try to educate the whole student in a sensitive and kind way. Gitchi-Miigwetch for allowing me to work with your students.
Tina Cole
Binoojiiyag Kendaasawin, Cultural & Language Coordinator
Tina Cole is a member of the Ojibway of Alderville First Nation, Ontario. She has spent many years learning in a classroom as well as learning on the land, our first teacher.
Tina is the Binoojiiyag Kendaasawin, Cultural & Language Coordinator. This role shares Daycare mornings as classroom time, while afternoons are spent at Student Services with the school age students. Daily program learning and playing, in the am or pm, ideally happens outside on the land as much as the weather possibly permits!
Growing up a member of Alderville First Nation, making connections to community, it is natural Tina’s love for the language began as a child attending evening classes with her Mom where cousin Melody Crowe, Language Instructor, taught at the local Learning Centre. Learning through love of the Anishinaabe language, love for the natural world, seeking out ceremonies and teachings and exploring our unique Anishinaabe identity that connects us to this land brings joy.
Tina’s formal education includes a Business Administration Diploma from Georgian College and a Law Clerk Diploma from Fleming College. Working for and studying alongside an Herbalist for 4 years as well as in a Health Shoppe part-time for a decade offered many learning opportunities. Most recently making an exciting career move from AFN’s Administration/Finance department to return to, you guessed it, “The Classroom” and joining AFN Student Services and AFN Daycare!!
Passion for education, continued learning, the Anishinaabe language and our culture inspires sharing in the classroom and on the land in a working effort to build our Anishinaabe connections. Learning with our children and working with the AFN Student Services Team and AFN Daycare in a mutual commitment to learn our Anishinaabe language and culture together is a rewarding career full of purpose.
When Tina is not in the classroom, you’ll find her in nature, enjoying yoga, gardening and spending time with her family!
GENERAL INFO
Now located at the former Alderville Solar Farm, Student Services has been in operation since 1997. The staff are dedicated to helping students achieve their very best in many aspects of life and education. We incorporate Indigenous language, values, and teachings in everyday activities, lessons, and moments.
Alderville First Nation Student Services offers:
Alderville Community & Education Support workers (ACES)
AFNSS resource room at Roseneath
First Nation Resource at CCI, Cobourg
Access to technology, books and other school-related resources
Secondary Study groups & hot lunches at the CCI
Afterschool Program…
Nutritional snacks
Assistance with homework
Language & Cultural programming
Outdoor recreation
School readiness Programming (pre-K), Binoojiiyaag Kendaasowin (July – August)
Tutoring, Speech & Language Pathology and Occupational therapy supports
Transitions and Pathways for elementary-to-secondary-to-post secondary, workforce, post secondary open house tours
Collaboration with TRACKS and other Indigenous Leadership and Advisory initiatives
Student Services has a fantastic indoor education space with a kitchen, large dining room/work space, and library. The outdoor space consists of large trees and a field for students to play sports and run around. There is as well as a fire pit for cultural teachings and activities.
Alderville Community Education Support (ACES) staff are on site to facilitate a welcoming and safe learning environment. The ACES workers provide assistance with day to day school work, homework, and assignments. During COVID 19 ACES staff are committed to proper safety measures and sanitization.
PROGRAMS
COVID 19 – Online Day Program
Primary students who opted for online virtual school can access the Student Services equipment, facilities and staff for online school assistance. The day program has interactive incentive programs to keep students engaged and motivated through self directed learning.
ACES Worker(s): Jess, Cathy, April
Exam Blitz
Exam Blitz happens the Monday- Thursday prior to the Secondary School Exams. A Cobourg Collegiate Institute teacher is present for every day of Exam Blitz. Students have the opportunity to get clarification on anything that they may not quite understand before exams. The ACES worker(s) also offer aid to students who are doing final culminating assignments. EXAM BLITZ WILL NOT BE HAPPENING DURING COVID 19.Recent COVID-19 announcements have restricted this program. Please contact the Student Services Coordinator with any questions.
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