When student's who were not in the Open Roads Fine Arts program asked their teacher "What do you have for us?" she responded with an innovative program called "Explore: Endless Possibilities". 

Explore Program

On October 24th, guest speaker, Alison Allen, Grade 8 teacher at Open Roads P.S. filling in for the school's principal Syrena Lalonde, who was unexpectedly called away, described with abundant enthusiasm, a new program teachers had created for students who were not part of the schools Fine Arts program. 

The school had recently enrolled nearly 100 students from fly-in communities in the Far North. With the school's motto "Essential for one, beneficial for all" in mind, Alison and her fellow teachers created a culturally appropriate alternative program based loosely on the "Fine Arts" areas of Sport, Music, Art and Outdoor Education. 

Originally designed for just grades 7 and 8, the staff are now considering implementing a grade six program. The teachers have been encouraged by the student's enthusiasm for the program, their improved attendance and the level of parental support.  At one point she read a letter from a parent describing how it had helped her son's attitude towards learning.

Alison described how the program incorporates writing and basic math skills. She also explained how sports provides opportunities for students to analyze and list the skills they must learn in order to do something like hit a volleyball. The program has also proven useful for assisting teachers in preparing students to transition to high school.