Improving student success in the far North may just start with engagement.
Education workers for eight Northern communities within the Matawa First Nations came together for the annual Education Conference Wednesday at Valhalla Inn.
The conference provides teachers in the North with a unique opportunity for professional development.
Sharon Nate, education manager with Matawa First Nations said this year they are focusing on student retention, attendance, learning and engagement in the schools.
"There is definitely a need for student retention, attendance and increase measures for literacy, numeracy and performance measures." she said, adding that there are certain programs that do improve student engagement, which then tends to increase attendance.
The education conference gives teachers a chance to network and share ideas and programs that are working.
"They share what works in the classroom for student engagement, learning and also for attendance," Nate said.
The more information shared among the staff increases what they are able to bring back to these communities.
The seminar featured various topics which included a presentation on the Truth and Reconciliation, a presentation from the Ontario College of Teachers as well as a screening of Moose River Crossing which is a film based on the impact of residential schools.
