Welcome Back!

The new school year is off to a great start - you can feel the energy in schools and classrooms across the Northwest Territories!

Teachers, both returning and those new to the NWT, are busy with school start-up activities - establishing classroom routines and contributing to an orderly and calm school environment. At the same time teachers are setting the stage and preparing students for exciting new learning experiences and achievements.

New teachers can look forward to experiencing, for the first time, the uniqueness of our northern environment; returning teachers can build upon past experiences as they embrace new opportunities. The NWT has much to offer with its rich culture, friendly people and abundance of outdoor adventures. I encourage you to jump into life in your community and take advantage of all that it offers.

Students and teachers are embarking on a new and exciting journey. In the midst of all this excitement, I am reminded about how sensitive students are to change. Whether it is a new teacher, an upcoming field trip, a class project, the enjoyment of friends and new classmates, or a new grade along with all of its unknowns, as educators we face the significant challenge of helping students work through change and setting them up to achieve to the best of their ability.

Research shows what we as educators know and practice: when children feel safe, valued, confident and challenged, and when they establish relationships with adults in their school, there will also be improved school behaviour and increased learning. In an era of increasing paperwork, curriculum expectations, new territorial initiatives and no additional time, it might seem overwhelming to try and build these relationships. The reality is that the time invested in establishing and maintaining relationships with students and parents results in less time spent dealing with negative behaviour, academic failure and attendance problems. Students matter and I know you as northern educators care enough to build these relationships.

This year, one of the things I most look forward to is the opportunity to visit your schools and classrooms. I see this as an occasion to celebrate what is working in education today - and there is much to celebrate. I intend to share the many positive things happening in our schools with our partners in education as I travel and meet with individuals and groups in my role as NWTTA President.

Here's to the start of another successful school year!

David Reid
President