Learning

Learning at Zhingwaako Zaaga'igan School

At Zhingwaako Zaaga'igan School, we are committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that support the academic, social, emotional, cultural, and personal growth of every student.

Our educational programming follows the Ontario curriculum while creating opportunities for students to strengthen their connection to Anishinaabe culture, community, language, and the land.

Elementary Learning | JK–Grade 8

Our elementary program provides students with a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

From Kindergarten through Grade 8, students develop their knowledge and skills across the Ontario curriculum while participating in engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Our teachers work to create classrooms where students feel safe, supported, included, and encouraged to learn. Literacy, mathematics, inquiry, creativity, physical activity, cultural learning, and student wellbeing are important parts of the elementary experience.

As students progress through the grades, we support them in developing the confidence, independence, and skills needed for a successful transition to secondary school.

Secondary Learning | Grades 9–12

Our secondary program supports students as they work toward their academic, personal, and future goals.

Students in Grades 9–12 participate in courses based on the Ontario secondary curriculum and receive support in planning their educational pathways.

We strive to help students develop the knowledge, skills, responsibility, and confidence they need for life beyond secondary school, whether their pathway leads to post-secondary education, apprenticeship, employment, community involvement, or other opportunities.

Graduation & OSSD

Zhingwaako Zaaga'igan School is committed to supporting secondary students as they work toward meeting the applicable requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Students receive guidance to help them understand their academic progress, course requirements, graduation requirements, and future pathways.

Our goal is not only to support students toward graduation, but to help them leave school with the knowledge, confidence, skills, cultural connection, and sense of identity needed for their next journey.

Special Education & Student Support

We recognize that every student learns differently.

Our school works to identify individual strengths and learning needs and to provide appropriate supports that help students participate, progress, and experience success at school.

Teachers, support staff, families, and service partners work collaboratively to support students who may require additional academic, behavioural, social, emotional, or developmental assistance.

We believe in building on each student's strengths and creating an inclusive learning environment where every student belongs.

Land-Based Learning

The land is an important place for learning, connection, and growth.

Land-based learning provides opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom through experiences connected to the land, water, seasons, community, culture, and traditional knowledge.

Where appropriate, students have opportunities to learn through outdoor and community-based experiences that encourage respect for the environment, strengthen relationships, and connect classroom learning with the world around them.

We value the knowledge and contributions of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, and community members in enriching these learning experiences.

Anishinaabe Language & Culture

Anishinaabe culture, identity, language, and community are important parts of the learning environment at Zhingwaako Zaaga'igan School.

We strive to create opportunities for students to strengthen their understanding and appreciation of Anishinaabe language, teachings, traditions, values, history, and ways of knowing.

Through collaboration with community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, and staff, we aim to create meaningful connections between education, culture, identity, and community.

Our goal is for students to be successful learners while also being proud of who they are and where they come from.

Connected North

Connected North helps expand learning opportunities for our students by connecting classrooms with educators, experts, organizations, cultural programming, and interactive learning experiences through technology.

Through virtual sessions, students can participate in educational experiences that complement classroom learning and provide access to opportunities beyond our geographic location.

Connected North programming can support areas such as curriculum learning, STEM, arts and culture, Indigenous knowledge, career exploration, health and wellbeing, and experiential learning.

We look forward to continuing to use these connections to enrich learning and create new opportunities for our students.

Learning Together

At Zhingwaako Zaaga'igan School, education is about more than what happens inside a classroom.

It is about students, families, culture, community, relationships, the land, and preparing young people for their future.

Learn • Grow • Connect • Succeed