Superior-Greenstone District School Board Launches a Video Series to Celebrate Students, Teachers

"Small Schools Make a Difference"

MARATHON, ON, Dec. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Superior-Greenstone District School Board (SGDSB) has launched the first video in a series that celebrates the sense of belonging the school board has helped to create at its 11 elementary and five secondary schools.

With the motto, "Small Schools Make a Difference", the school board has been working diligently for the past several years to engage with parents, guardians, teachers, and local communities to foster a caring environment where students are not just a number, but are individuals who are at the heart of all the learning that takes place.  

"The motto, Small Schools Make a Difference, is something that we truly believe in," says David Tamblyn, Director of Education. "These videos will showcase exactly what that means to our students and teachers as well as our larger school community.  

The video will be played at each elementary school's open house in February and will be available online to highlight that the school board fosters a sense of belonging that translates to higher academics and programming that focuses on the needs of all students.

"When you have smaller class sizes you are able to focus on each individual student and their unique needs," says Colleen Rose, an art teacher at Nipigon-Red Rock District High School. "You're also able to guide their way to their learning goals or their career goals."

"My message to people looking at Superior-Greenstone as an option would definitely be to take that opportunity and run with it," says Alex Halonen, a Grade 11 student at Lake Superior High School. "Our learning experience is completely different. There's not a hundred kids, or 40 kids in your classroom. There are 10 kids allowing the teachers to foster a connection with each student and embrace a different style of learning."

To ensure that each school encourages innovative and inclusive teaching, the board partners with local communities, keeps teacher-student ratios at optimal levels, retains knowledgeable special education experts and connects to the wider First Nations communities.

"This isn't just a place where we educate our youth," says Nicole Richmond, Aboriginal Liaison. "This is a place where we all come together and celebrate the local First Nations. It is really nice to see that in such small towns."

For parents or guardians who are looking for a school that embodies these traits and values, we encourage you to watch the videos, connect with us online and attend an open house.   The full series of videos will be available at http://www.sgdsb.on.ca/

"You won't believe the difference a small school can make."

About Superior-Greenstone District School Board

Superior-Greenstone District School Board is located in Northwestern Ontario and covers a vast area of 45,100 square kilometres. The board is responsible for providing public education, and its 16 schools are proud to serve the communities of Beardmore, Geraldton, Longlac, Nakina, Dorion, Nipigon, Red Rock, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Marathon and Manitouwadge.

The board office is located in Marathon on the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior.

Connect with Superior-Greenstone District School Board on Twitter and Facebook. 

SOURCE Superior-Greenstone District School Board

Video with caption: "VIDEO: Superior-Greenstone District School Board Launches a Video Series to Celebrate Students, Teachers". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20151215_C5155_VIDEO_EN_563975.mp4&posterurl=http%3a%2f%2fphotos.newswire.ca%2fimages%2f20151215_C5155_PHOTO_EN_563975.jpg&order=1&jdd=20151215&cnum=C5155

For further information: Media Contact: Laura Fracassi, Sussex Strategy Group, [e-mail], 647-984-6136; Board Contact: David Tamblyn, Director of Education, Pauline (Pinky) McRae, Board Chair, Superior-Greenstone District School Board, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-Mail: [e-mail] / [e-mail]