Recent News
No School | PD Days
Just a friendly reminder that there will be No School tomorrow, Thursday, April 21st and Friday, April 22nd, 2022 due...
School Closure Alert | Closed Due to Snowstorm
Boozhoo families! Due to the road conditions and worsening weather conditions in the area, GaagageKiizhik Elementary ...
Notice to Families | In-Person Learning Resumes April 11/22
We will be returning to in-person classes on Monday, April 11, 2022. We have taken steps to ensure that all students ...
Register Your Child for Minor League Baseball
The Kenora Minor League Baseball season is about to begin. We encourage sport and would like to invite your child to...
Notice to Families | Remote Learning Week April 4-8, 2022
Gaagagekiizhik School will be closed from Monday, April 4, 202 through Friday, April 8, 2022 and students will be “...
Spirit Week Announcement
Spirit Week is here and we’re asking that you ensure your child(ren) are dress warm for all the fun winter acti...
The name GaagageKiizhik School (Gaagagekiizhik GaKinoo’amaawadiiwi’gamig GaKinoo’amaawasowin) was determined at an Anishinaabe ceremony and symbolizes the sky, cedar, and learning lodge – all of which hold a sacred meaning in Anishinaabe culture.
The intiative started with a vision and with time and dedication Gaagagekiizhik School became a reality – opening its doors in 2015, becoming a historical event in efforts to preserve the Anishinaabe culture through learning.
We offer both Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes.
Students must be 4 years of age on or before December 31st to be eligible to attend our JK classes.
Gaagagekiizhik has three classrooms that are split grade.
Currently our classrooms are organized as follows: 1-2, 3-4 and 5-7.
We offer a breakfast and lunch program here at Gaagagekiizhik. To start the day, we offer a cold breakfast for students upon arrival. Students also recieve a mid-morning snack before recess. Students then get a warm lunch.
Our Nutrition Program has a qualified cook on-site preparing new menus and meals daily. The program also uses Anishinaabe food staples such as moose meat, wild rice and fish.
We accomodate all allergies and dietary restrictions that students may have.
Language learning is provided daily at our school. Through initiatives like our Phrase of The Week, in-class lessons and visits from our Traditional Knowledge Keepers, we infuse the language so our students may gradually learn.
The ease of learning the language and culture is different for each student. Many of our students so not understand the language at first, and are gradually introduced at thier own pace. Language and culture are integral to our education program, where standard Ontario Curriculum and Anishinaabe teachings go hand in hand.
Some of the school activities that are provided are:
- Monthly Anishinaabe Niimi’idiwinan and Anishinaabe Traditional Knowledge People visits
- Aftercare
- Nutrition
- Swimming Lessons
- Music Lesson
- Anishinaabemodaa Bowl (Language Bowl)
- Regalia making
- Summer programming
*Please be advised, that due to Covid19 restrictions, some of these activities may not be available
Do you follow the Ontario Curriculum?
Yes, all our teachers belong to the Ontario College of Teachers and are bound to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Curriculum. They also have Anishinaabe teachings that supplement our learning program.
Is Gaagagekiizhik School only for First Nation students?
No. Gaaagagekiizhik is open to anyone.
Do they need thier Anishinaabe name/s to attend Gaagagekiizhik School?
No they don’t. We believe that decision is for the parents, ookomimaag or omishoomisimaang to decide. If you have any questions about Anishinaabe names, we are happy to help.
My child doesn’t know the language. Will it be hard to attend Gaagagekiizhik School?
Not at all! The ease of learning the language and culture is different for each student. Many of our students so not understand the language at first, and are gradually introduced at thier own pace. Language and culture are integral to our education program, where standard Ontario Curriculum and Anishinaabe teachings go hand in hand.
When can I register my child?
You can register your child at anytime; just come see us at the school, give us a call or use our online registration form.
Coming soon.
