Together with partners in the education field, the Government of Yukon is reimagining the Yukon school system and working to create school environments that are safe, inclusive and build on student strengths.
Today, the Honourable Jeanie McLean tabled the 2022 Annual Report for the Department of Education in the Yukon Legislative Assembly, highlighting progress in supporting learners, fulfilling commitments with Yukon First Nations, and helping ensure student and staff health and safety.
Additional highlights include:
- The historic creation of the First Nation School Board with eight schools voting in January 2022 to join the new school board. The eight schools transitioned to the First Nation School Board authority for the 2022-23 school year and in November five trustees were elected to the board.
- Progressing Ready-to-Learn Schools at St. Elias Community School in Haines Junction, Nelnah Bessie John School in Beaver Creek and Grey Mountain Primary School, Jack Hulland Elementary School, Takhini Elementary School and Selkirk Elementary School in Whitehorse.
- Key capital projects to build or renovate schools to ensure they reflect modern learning practices, including: advancing the Whistle Bend elementary school project, the Kêts’ádań Kù Burwash school project, modular classrooms at Robert Service School and planning to replace École Whitehorse Elementary School; and,
- Collaboration with Yukon University on programs and infrastructure, including meeting the demands for early childhood educators and licensed practical nurses in the Yukon.
This report demonstrates progress made on Minister McLean’s mandate letter commitments, including working with First Nations to advance mutual educational priorities, making improvements to education services, building new schools, and continuing to support Universal Early Learning and Child Care, while also celebrating the work of staff and students and outlining plans for 2023.
In 2022, our government worked with partners to improve the Yukon’s education system for our young diverse population. We upheld commitments to First Nations partners and improved student and staff health and safety. A highlight for me was the creation of the new First Nation School Board, which took years of collaboration and hard work. It will no doubt be central to creating opportunities for youth to learn and engage in First Nations ways of knowing, doing and being.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
Department of Education annual reports are required under the Education Act. Under the Act, the Minister of Education has oversight of all public schools and school boards in the Yukon.
Further details about the department’s ongoing work to transform and reimagine the Yukon’s school system can be found in the 2023 progress report to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
867-332-1364
michael.edwards@yukon.ca