Our presentations today focused on the important theme of education opportunities in Thunder Bay and surrounding District with a special interest in Indigenous youth education. We also honoured Past President Art Warwick.
(left to right:) President Warren Philp, Rotarian Brian Walmark, Dr. Lindeman, Angelina Tassone and Past-President Bill Everitt
We heard first from Angelina, Principal of St. James Public School, partnered in our club Community Service Partnership in many successful and innovative ways. Angie was introduced by PA Rotary lead Bill Everitt, and spoke of the demographics and major challenges in education and community development in this JK-Grade 8 school within the Lakehead District District School Board with approximately 202 students (identified as a "high needs" school). The diverse ways contributed by the club were outlined and a fine brochure was circulated. Thanks to the many participants involved.
Then came an eye-opening address by Dr. Carlana Lindeman, veteran Thunder Bay educator and Education Director of the Martin Family Initiative (MFI).
The always energetic and positive Dr Lindeman educated us on the MFI (“Martin Family Initiative”), a charitable foundation launched by Paul Martin in 2008 (www.themfi.ca) and doing remarkable work in 3 major projects across Canada right now, all aimed at improving educational opportunities for success in indigenous students. It has been so successful and appreciated that the parents - adults - have become included in some newer programs.
Her census stats showed the burgeoning population of indigenous students and the very critical need to get sound evidence-based methodologies in education going early on.
Some targeted areas discussed in more detail include: Monitoring (Gr 9-10) with dedicated professionals such as accounting firm and legal firm volunteers; a Model Schools Pilot Literacy Project (commencing in several southern Ontario FNs) that has already raised reading and writing to or near provincial levels; a Principal's Course (to teach the teachers); an Entrepreneur Course (Grades 11-12) that has met with success in NWO (Fort Frances, Matawa in TB for example); and the world's largest virtual library (www.themfi.ca/ppw), used by thousands.
Dr. Lindeman's passion shone through. We are grateful. She was introduced again by Bill Everitt and thanked by Brain Walmark ("you have opened so many doors over the years").
Also celebrated today was Past-President Art Warwick (pictured in middle) who was presented with his Paul Harris plus 2 pin, from President Warren Philp and Rotarian Jaro Kotalik (Rotary Foundation Chair). The Paul Harris award stands for outstanding Service in Rotary..congrats to Art!