Information For Students

Welcome students! Here you will find information and web resources designed specifically for you!  These tools will help you succeed as you move between different stages of school, work and home!

Best Practices

Web Resources for Students

Best Practices for Going from Preschool to Elementary School

It is important to be a part of a younger sister or brother’s successful transition from preschool to elementary school.  Younger kids often look up to their older brothers and sisters as examples of how to behave.  You are one of their key role models.  To support the little ones in your family as they move from preschool to elementary school, you can:

  • Help plan and attend their daycare or preschool graduation
  • Take part in shared events between the preschool and the elementary school
  • Go with your family to a literacy centre, math centre or library in your community
  • Encourage your younger brother or sister to attend programs like “School’s Cool”
  • Ask questions about events like “Jump Ahead Days” and community BBQ’s at the school
  • Be a role model to them
  • Talk to them about “riding the big bus”
  • Help keep them on a good routine (sleep, meals, play, homework) with positive messages

Best Practices for Going from Elementary to High School

Going to high school is a major change in a young person’s life. It can be exciting and scary all at the same time.  The majority of young people going to high school are having the same feelings as you. You are not alone. They too feel anticipation, curiosity, fear, anxiety and a range of emotions. All youth going to high school are in the same boat. You also now have a level of independence that you did not have in elementary school. This important transition can be less stressful if you:

  • Go on a tour of the high school
  • Meet the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Counsellor and ask about the services and programs
  • Ask your Counsellor about an academic/career plan for you (like dual credit courses in high school)
  • Choose your high school courses with a professional
  • Take part in a mentorship and buddy program
  • Find out about the extra-curricular activities and trips offered through the high school
  • Go to the workshops on academic and career success
  • Go to events where role models, career fairs and job fairs are available
  • Meet the teachers and staff at the high school
  • Ask your Counsellor about “subsidies” for participating in extra-curricular activities
  • Include your parents/guardians and community in this important time of your life
  • Keep a routine during the week that includes homework, meals, and enough sleep and time for friends and family

Best Practices for Going from High School to College or University

Going to college or university is about independence. Many young adults may be relocating to a new city. Or, you may be staying at home and attending a post-secondary institution near you. The move from high school to college or university can be overwhelming and wonderful all at the same time. It is important to know that the transition from secondary to post-secondary can be less stressful if you try some of these strategies:

  • Ask yourself if you are ready and have the tools in place to attend post-secondary (personally, financially, academically)
  • Take a career and personality inventory to find out where your strengths and challenges lie
  • Have a program selected (with options) and update your career plan from grade 8
  • Implement your updated career plan and make it happen
  • Ensure this plan is done with the support and guidance of a professional
  • Visit the post-secondary institution/s of your choice (live or on the web)
  • Meet the staff and orientate yourself to the services of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Unit at the college/university
  • Go to a workshop on “How to Apply for Post-Secondary Funding” or ask your Counsellor, Band, or organization about the funding process
  • Apply for scholarships and bursaries through the Financial Aid office at the college/university, through your funder or through this website
  • Go to workshops on academic skills, resources, training and services at the college or university
  • Participate in a mentorship or buddy program
  • Go to events at the college or university
  • Find out about the “clubs” at the post-secondary institution of your choice
  • Ask the Counsellor about the services in the city for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples
  • Develop a personal support network at home and at school
  • Establish a routine that is consistent (classes, homework, adequate sleep, meals, free time)

Best Practices for Going Between Institutions

Going to another post-secondary institution has its challenges. You may be transferring. Or you may be graduating from one program and pursuing a degree or diploma. Or you have selected another pathway. Going between post-secondary institutions has its own unique struggles and rewards. To make this transition less stressful you may want to consider some of these ideas:

  • Meet the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Counsellor, unit and First Nations, Métis and Inuit services/programs at the new institution
  • Ensure that your credits or credentials (certificate, license, diploma, degree) are transferable
  • Go on a tour at the new institution and investigate the student support services (including Financial Aid)
  • Talk to your Counsellor, band or funding organization to see what the process is for student financial support
  • Assess your readiness for this change (personal, financial, career)
  • Attend workshops on academic success
  • Participate in a mentorship program at the institution
  • Meet your professors or instructors ahead of time
  • Apply for scholarships and bursaries through the institution, your funder or through this website

Best Practices for Going to Work

Going to work may mean that you are seeking employment while in school or beginning your career after post-secondary training. This is an exciting time for you as you make your place in the world. There are many resources that can help you in this transition. It is strongly recommended that you try some of these strategies to get work (either part-time or full-time).

  • Go to a workshop on cover letters, resumes, curriculum vitaes (CV’s), reference letters and portfolios
  • Research interview skills and participate in a mock interview
  • Find out about the many job search resources and web-based engines
  • Analyze how you exemplify the essential skills of workplaces
  • Have a plan on how you will balance work, life and/or school
  • Investigate the benefits and challenges of volunteering
  • Access a mentorship program
  • Find out if placements or internships can be subsidized by a government or private funder
  • Seek out possibilities for paid apprenticeships
  • Attend a financial planning workshop
  • Apply for a small business loan
  • Have a life plan that includes your living arrangements, financial and social needs
  • Establish and maintain a healthy routine (work, meals, sleep, free time)

Best Practices for Going Home

Going home can be a complicated experience. Going home, especially after years of being away at school, can be a “culture shock”.  Culture shock refers to feelings of “being out of place”, “not fitting in” or “disorientation”.  You have gone away to school or work and come back with new ideas and a different perspective on the world. The reward of going home is being able to share your gifts, skills and talents. The challenge of going home is that many in your community may not be ready for these new ideas. It is important to know that First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are in the process of healing and this has many levels of growth.  Patience, humility and understanding will be required of you as you make the journey home. Know that deep down your community is very proud of you for taking the chance on getting an education or career. It is very brave to take that risk to go to school or work and then come home. Some of the strategies that may assist you in making this transition home less stressful are:

  • Have a plan for returning home (living arrangements, finances, social network, cultural supports)
  • Contact your support network, especially your Education Counsellor, and let them know of your intentions to go home
  • Share your plan with your support network
  • Link into a support network or group that is live or online that can assist with the changes
  • Connect with Elders and cultural resource people
  • Find and use resources at your health, education, social and recreational departments
  • Participate in a “welcoming event” if it is planned

Additional Resources