From the Education Director
Hello to everyone!
As we reflect on the opening of classes for the school year 2025–2026 this past September, I want to acknowledge the dedication and resilience shown by our students, staff, and families.
I am grateful for the hard work and care you provide to our children each day.
As the Christmas season approaches, I extend my warmest greetings to you and your families. I wish you a peaceful, healthy, and successful New Year as we welcome 2026 with hope and renewed purpose.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the education and well-being of our students.
With respect and gratitude,
Adam Knott
Director
Wasagamack Education Authority
From the Vice Principal
The opening of a new school year (2025 -2026) brings excitement and a sense of renewed purpose. Students and teachers alike set new goals and share aspirations for the months ahead. This season introduces creative activities, fresh challenges to overcome, and opportunities to grow through both achievements and setbacks.
We expect to face challenges both within and beyond our WFNS organization but are confident that each one will be met with resilience and determination. Together, as we work collaboratively with parents, teachers, students, and community leaders, we will confront every challenge with strength and purpose.
As we gather to celebrate the warmth and joy of Christmas, may this season remind us of the power of kindness, gratitude, and unity. Each day, our students, teachers, support staff, and administrators bring light into our school and community through learning, laughter, and care for one another.
May this Christmas fill your hearts with peace, your homes with love, and the year ahead with hope and purpose. Thank you for being part of the story that makes our school special to learn and grow together.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the entire school family.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God. Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. (Isaiah 9:6)
Matthew Garrick
Vice Principal
From the High School Science - Grade 9B Homeroom
Keith Ranville - Science Teacher
Hello Wasagamack!
I hope everyone is doing good. We have been open for a couple of months now. The school year is going good. Students are coming and having fun while learning from their assignments. I have many extra activities scheduled for this school year. Examples are drama trips to the city, chess tournament trip to the city, regional science fair and regional chess tournaments just to name a few. I hope the high school students like their Christmas gift this year.
In case there is no other newsletter before the holidays, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.
Stay safe and keeping smiling.
From the High School English Language Arts 11 & 12 - Grade 12B Homeroom
Corazon Rabasto - Teacher
BSBA-Accounting, CTP, MA-ELA, CTESL
Greetings and salutations!
Last September marked an exciting return to School Year 2025 – 2026 as students and teachers came together for the start of a new academic year. The opening weeks were filled with fresh goals, new friendships, and a shared commitment to learning and growth. From the first day back in the classrooms to early activities and lessons, the school community quickly settled into a productive and positive rhythm.
ELA 11 & 12 students were focused on reviewing key grammar concepts to strengthen their reading and writing skills. Accounting Essentials students learned the Accounting Cycle from recording of Journal entries to preparation of financial statements with emphasis on how to analyze transactions.
As the Christmas season approaches, the school is filled with a renewed sense of excitement and warmth. High school students are counting down the days to the holidays, balancing final assignments and exams with festive anticipation. Hallways feel brighter with decorations, laughter and conversations about holiday plans, traditions and well-deserved rest.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents for your continued trust, ensuring your children attend school and supporting their learning journey.
As the year comes to a close, we wish all students, staff, and families a joyful Christmas season and a refreshing break filled with peace and happiness.
From the High School Mathematics 11 & 12 - Grade 12A Homeroom
Lorna Wood - Teacher
Hello from Grade 12A!
We are in the middle of our semester and towards to our Christmas holidays. We are putting our effort into completing our assignments. Some of us are potential grads and we hope we can do it.
We would like to wish everyone a Peaceful and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
From the High School Guitar Class - Grade 9A Homeroom
Bobby Knott - Guitar Teacher
Greetings from the Guitar room!
First of all I would like to thank all parents/guardians that continue to send their children to school. As we all know, Christmas break is just around the corner. Our guitar groups are already getting music ready for Christmas concert December 10, 2025. During our grade 6, 7 and 8 guitar groups performance everyone not playing will be encouraged to sing/hum along while the students are playing.
I hope all parents will make an effort to watch how well their child is doing in his/her guitars classes. Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and stay safe throughout the holidays.
Thank you for reading.
From the MY/HS Computer Lab
Butch Rabasto - Computer Teacher
CompTIA ITF+
Hello everyone!
As we look back on the opening of the 2025–2026 school year last September, I am proud of the progress our Grade 9 and 10 students have made in the computer lab. This year has been both challenging and exciting as students explored computer concepts, hardware and software, coding basics, and keyboarding skills. Their curiosity, effort, and willingness to learn new technologies have made each lesson rewarding.
I appreciate the patience and determination shown by students as they continue to build their digital skills and confidence. It has been a pleasure guiding them through hands-on learning and problem-solving in the lab.
As the holiday season arrives, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to students and families. May this Christmas be filled with rest, joy, and quality time with loved ones. I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and successful New Year as we welcome 2026.
Thank you for a great start to the school year.
From the High School Native Language - Grade 10B Homeroom
Marilyn D. Harper - Teacher
Greetings from Grade 10B class!
I am Marilyn D Harper and I am the new High School Anisininew Language teacher this year. It has been a very new and exciting start of the school year for me. A lot of things have changed since the last time I was in the classroom so I am still learning the new ropes. So far, the students and I are enjoying learning from each other. I am witnessing the slipping away of our language and it is up to us to fight to keep it alive. Parents and grandparents need to talk to their children in our language. I am doing my part and you need to do yours too. It is very important that you use your language at home. I always tell my students to use all the words they know, no matter how little they know. Please encourage your children to speak and never make fun of them when they try.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Kumi Duck
HS Math 9-10/Visual Arts Teacher
Kimkim Harper
HS Social Studies & Grade 11A Homeroom Teacher
Maralee Wood
HS ELA 9-10 & Grade 11B Homeroom Teacher
Cheyenne Mason
HS Home Ec & Grade 10A Homeroom Teacher
Darrin Ross
HS Phys Ed Teacher
Jeff Monias
HS Industrial Arts Teacher
Murdo McDougall
HS Industrial Arts Assistant
Scott Wood & Michelle Harper
HS Education Assistants
Greetings from Grade 7A
Cecilia Harper - Teacher
Hello from Grade 7A!
In the beginning of the school year, Grade 7A and I went on the field trip to do medicine picking. The medicine picking was one of the units we started off and the students enjoyed their time out there. I am sure the students felt really good being out there and getting fresh air. We hope to do more of the field trips as we go along.
Oh yeah! I caught one rabbit in my backyard and when this happens, I usually set up a time to share my catching with my students. Also, I showed them with preparation along with their learning of bannock making. They all did a very good job in making their bannocks.
At this time, the students are making their mittens to prepare for their other upcoming field trip. Another time to go in nature. I hope all the students will know to dress warm.
As we all know Christmas will be here in no time. This means we need to get ready to spend time with our beautiful families.
Please, be safe out there!
Greetings from Grade 7C
Linda Harper - Teacher
Hello from Grade 7C!
The Grade 7C have been working really hard as our Term 1 is drawing nearer to the end. The students moved along in each subject units quite smoothly. I am encouraging parents and guardians to send their children to school everyday, as they get lost when they missed out lessons.
They are looking forward to the upcoming holiday to spend time with their families and friends. The Grade 7C wishes everyone a very Happy Holiday and stay safe.
Greetings from Grade 8A
Kathie Little - Teacher
Hello from Grade 8A!
Greetings from Grade 8A.
My name is Kathie Little. I have numerous years’ experience at all grade levels and look forward to a successful year teaching your children. This is my second year at WFNS teaching Grade 8. We have 24 students in our class this year and are assisted by our EA, Sylver Knott.
So far this year we have studied the novel “Call of the Wild” and worked on grammar skills. We have been improving our penmanship with the goal of progressing to cursive writing in the new year. In math we are reviewing basic facts and then advancing to pre-algebra.
With Social Studies we are looking at the past and seeing how it relates to the current day. I would encourage you and your family to talk about local traditions and customs to keep the culture alive. Science has focused on water and the need for conservation.
We have completed a number of art projects and I have posted pictures on the WFNS Facebook page. We have some great artists in our midst!
Grade 8 is a transitional year for the students as they prepare for high school. Regular attendance and development of independent work habits is all important. I am looking forward to the success of each and every student!
Have a joyous holidays, everyone!
Greetings from Grade 8B
Fabian Harper - Teacher
Hello from Grade 8B!
Students have been learning and getting along as a unit. Winter is upon us and students are encouraged to dress warm and parents are asked to keep their children at home if they are sick. Phone the school and let the administration know that your child is sic so they can be excused from class.
I hope that students, staff and community members would have a happy and safe Christmas holidays!
Until next year!
Season Greetings!
Rosalida Handel
School Librarian
Mary Wood
Elder
Emma J. Harper
A/Language Coordinator
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Floyd Mason
Landbase Coordinator
Arlene Knott & Yvonne Mason
Truant Officers
Happy Holidays! From the Cleaning Ladies
Mary J. McDougall
Josephine McDougall
Desney Harper
Emma J. Wood
Micheala Mason
Cheryl McDougall
Lawrence Harper
Martha Harper
Harley Harper
Chris McDougall
Season Greetings from the O & M Department!
Arnold McDougall
Mike McDougall
Joey Harper
Roger Harper
Gerald M Harper
Brooks Harper
Feliz Navidad! From the Security Department
Harvey Harper
Richard Andrews
Antoine Flett
Happy Holidays! From the Transportation Department
Bus Drivers:
John McDougall
Martin J. Harper
Terry McDougall
Bobby Knott Sr.
Linden Knott
Gabby McDougall
Illa Knott
Noah McDougall
Bus Supervisors:
Mariah Harper
Bruce Knott
Welcome, 2026! From the Newsletter Committe
From the Principal
Hello to all community members, greetings!
I would like to welcome you to our School Year 2025-2026. We started our school with a joint force of teachers, educational assistants, resource teachers, custodians, maintenance, bus drivers, supervisors, cooks, elders, coordinators, counsellors and the administration to make a safe, meaningful and wonderful year for all students and staff.
We have observed and celebrated various events in our school for the students and community as the year progresses. We are looking forward to exploring new methods and strategies catering to the needs of our students. Each student is unique with different strengths and skills. It is with great expectation that as our school continues its course in 2026, we will work as a team and give our best efforts to make this school year successful that will make a big difference in the lives of our students.
Enjoy the holiday season and wishing you all the best in the coming new year!
Randy Harper
Principal
From the HS Guidance Counsellor
Hello,
My name is Nora Whiteway and I am the High School Guidance Counselor. I am here to help the school and the students.
I always remind the students that it is good to be in school and get a good education. Nothing is permanent with problems for there is always a solution to be able to solve it.
Let us communicate with each other and look forward to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the winter season.
Nora Whiteway
High School Guidance Counselor
From the HS Guidance Counsellor
Hello,
I am one of the High School counsellors of WFNS. I am just here if you need somebody to talk to and you are in need of help with school matters.
We are here to help you of anything and we always encourage our students to be in school to gain more knowledge and understanding of the things around them.
Sierra Harper
High School Guidance Counsellor
From the Home School Counsellor
Hello Everyone!!!
It is very nice to see the students coming to school.
Please keep sending your kids to school and always inform us if they cannot come.
Let us all do our part in following the protocols to keep our school safe.
Thank you.
Have a Merry Christmas and stay safe!
Donna Lee Harper
Home School Counsellor
From the Home School Counsellor
Hello, Everyone!!!
It has been a very busy year since school started in September for both students and staff. It is always wonderful seeing Early Years, Middle Years and High School students coming to school every day. We always try our best to encourage students to succeed in their attendance, academics and to have the best behavior in school and outside the school.
Christmas is just around the corner and there will be lots of activities for fun coming up for all students!
I would like to wish everyone especially our students a fun and safe holidays. Merry Christmas to everyone!
Miranda McDougall
Early/Middle Years Home/School Guidance Counselor
Holiday Greetings from the Resource Department
April Harper, Resource Head
Glenda Harper, Resource Aide
Samantha Harper & Carrie McDougall, Inclusive Educators
Cassandra Knott, Speech and Language EA
Greetings from Nursery Classes
Hello everyone!
There are quite few things to share. There are 2 Nursery classrooms this school year. Nursery 1 is Amanda & Heather and Nursery 2 is Mary Helen & Brenda. We will be working together and we will try our best to have a better communication with the parents. This past month we did Halloween activities and students were very happy. We will also be doing our traditional units and it would be based on 100% instruction in our language which is mostly in the Island Lake dialect.
Last October, we started a pack sack unit and students learned the unit vocabulary words like “wanikew paskewas.” In this unit students need to make a pack sack with their parent’s participation. We invited parents to help their child to make a pack sack, either to make it at home or in the classroom. If any parents would like to make it in our classroom, we provided thread and needles. We sent out the pattern on “how to make a pack sack”. Parents’ participation is very much appreciated in all of our traditional activities.
We always create an atmosphere of love and respect inside the classroom.
Thank you for sending your child in school. Have a safe and joyous holiday season!
Greetings from Kindergarten
Maggie R Harper - Teacher
Hello everyone!
We are keeping busy in class and participating in school activities. We learned about bus safety and now we are learning about ice safety. Please dress them warm as the days are getting colder.
Enjoy the upcoming holiday season!
Thank you.
Greetings from Grade 1A
Cindy Knott - Teacher
Greta Comber - Teacher Assistant
Hello from Grade 1A!
Wacheeyeh nitootemuk, so far the students are doing great since school started. They are wonderful happy children who easily made friends and they are getting used to the new daily routine.
They learned both the contemporary and traditional teaching. The elders come in at a certain slot in every other day cycle to assist the teachers and students. They love having elders in our classroom in which they provide gentle teaching and guidance.
Feel free to visit our classroom anytime. We would love to meet you.
Have a wonderful Christmas and stay safe!
Greetings from Grade 1B
Francine Wood - Teacher
Hello everyone!
We are busy in our classroom with activities. We remind students to dress warmly as it is getting colder There are 17 students in our classroom. Parent participation is always appreciated, especially during parent-teacher meetings.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Greetings from Grade 1C
Annie Harper - Teacher
Hello everyone!
Students have traditional and contemporary learning. The elders come to the classroom three times a week to share stories with the students. The students enjoyed traditional hands-on activities.
Please continue to send your children to school.
Have a safe Christmas!
Greetings from Grade 2A
Marilyn S Harper - Teacher
Hello from Grade 2A!
Our class has been very busy learning and participating in our school wide activities. We have just passed all the Halloween activities and we had fun participating in spirit week! The season is slowly changing from takwakin and into pipon. Please remember to keep our children dressed warm as the weather is getting cold and also remember to talk to the children about ice safety.
Stay warm and keep sending your children to school!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
Greetings from Grade 2B
Doreen Harper - Teacher
Hello from Grade 2B!
We are the grade 2B class, and we have been busy with our school work. Doing a daily routine has been a big part of that. We are lucky to have such a great group of grade 2s and we are all excited about what the new year will bring.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!
From Grade 3A
Amanda Harper - Teacher
Greetings from Grade 3A!
The Grade 3A has started off to a great start this year. We have started with lovely stories of the summer and the cultural week for students that went out to their camps. The students have been getting along with their peers very well and cooperating in class. Learning has been fun in class and enjoying the school activities.
Halloween was fun! The students decorated and hallways and classrooms. Everyone was into the Halloween spirit. And now we’ve come to the freeze up season, we encourage the students about the dangers of the ice. They have made posters to warn people and kids to stay off the ice!
Enjoy the joyous spirit of Christmas and the new blessings of the coming new year!
Thank you!
From Grade 4A
Lesley Harper - Teacher
Greetings from Grade 4A!
The year 2025 is zooming to 2026 we have lots of things to learn in grade 4.
We have covered some basic stuff like the numerals in Math and some science, as well as social studies. We are learning with the elders as well. They come and teach the children the names of things and what and how we use the like the snowshoes. It is fun for the students. They learn fast.
We are into December and Christmas is just around the corner. We are making Christmas decorations and decorating our classroom. We will be singing at the concert. We are slowing learning the concepts we need to know in grade 4 that will help us when we go to grade 5.
Have a safe Christmas and holidays!
From Grade 4B
Lydia Wood - Teacher
Greetings from Grade 4B!
We are happy to begin with our new school year of 2025-2026. We are looking in learning new tasks and making new changes to work together and enjoy school throughout the year. Students have been excited and learning new tasks and routines. Please, call the school if your child cannot make it in for absenteeism. Please have your child dress properly as it is getting cold.
Have a safe and joyous holidays ahead!
Greetings from Grade 5A
Nathan Knott - Teacher
Greetings everyone!
We are happy school has started and we can begin our school Year 2025-26. We have new faces in the class and would like to encourage our students to make new friends and enjoy this year together. It will be a cool year and much fun throughout the year. Please call the school if your child cannot make it to class on any particular day.
Have a safe day everyone and enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Greetings from Grade 5B
Violet Wood - Teacher
Hello from Grade 5B!
Grade 5 students are very enthusiastic about learning and school. We hope to do field trips, outdoor activities moving forward.
Happy learnings everyone and have a safe, joyous holiday season!
Greetings from Grade 5C
Sudeepika Gunasekera - Teacher
Hello from Grade 5C!
Children in Grade 5C started their new school year with great enthusiasm. They were excited to learn about the classroom promises and the seven grandfather’s teachings on the very first day. After seeing their time table, they were glad about the nature days and had many first hand learnings from nature. The water puddles near the rocks helped them to made ripples in the water and they checked the depth of water with the twigs they found. Some were very interested getting to know about the trees with the text book they had and after finding the name of the trees they brought the branches in and kept them in their cardboard vase. They painted the different kinds of rocks they collected and kept them in the class. The pictures we took were printed and displayed them in our classroom bulletin board so they can see them every day with a great pride while arousing their self-esteem.
Have a safe holiday season ahead!
Greetings from EY Physical Education
Davin Harper - Teacher
Hello families!
In Physical Education, students from Grades 1-8 has been focusing on staying active, developing and building skills and working together collaboratively. Younger grades are practicing basic movement skills and playing cooperative games, while older students are developing sport skills, teamwork and fitness habits.
We continue to encourage students to stay active at home, make healthy choices and bring a positive attitude in class.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
From the Early Years Computer Lab (Grade 2-6)
Kanishka Gunasekera - Computer Teacher
Hello everyone!
Students at Wasagamack First Nation School began an exciting new semester in their Early Years Computer class on September 8th. This term, 13 classes, each with about 12 students, were guided through a hands-on program that blends technology, creativity, and early learning.
Students practiced essential computer skills, like using the keyboard and mouse, navigated educational websites, and safely explored digital spaces, all while engaing with fun, age-friendly activities such as Toca World, kids cooking games, Snap Circuits-style exploration, and Roblox. These games sparked storytelling, sequencing, collaboration and problem-solving, and helped students grow confident and capable with computers.
The students loved the class, eagerly participating seach day and oftern asking for extra time to continue their projects and play-based learning. By working together in the computer lab will help students build communication skills while also preparing them for more advanced technology courses in later grades.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Maggie McDougall
Grade 2C Teacher
Karen Harper
Grade 3B Teacher
Shirley McDougall
Grade 6A Teacher
Jennifer C. Knott
Grade 6B Teacher
Ken Harper
Grade 6C Teacher
Harriet Wood
Grade 7B Teacher
Solomon Harper
EY Native Language Teacher
Stay SAFE this winter and enjoy the upcoming Christmas holidays!!!
