Several years ago, the Cree School Board began planning to improve digital literacy and learning technologies in concert with Quebec’s Digital Action Plan for Education. Student laptops, accounts, and an eventual department for e-learning was a long-term vision for the CSB. However, COVID-19 school closures changed what was once a gradual, decade-long strategy into a sprint to digital readiness.

Pink Shirt Day happened on February 24, 2021, and it was a day where Cree School Board students and employees took a stand against harassment and bullying in our schools, workplaces, homes and online. Pink Shirt Day has shown the importance of supporting each other, especially for those who need it. Here are a few things our students and employees participated for the anti-bullying campaign in their schools.

Using a computer to communicate, research, and collaborate is an important life skill for students. The Cree School Board is currently providing students with Office 365 accounts, online learning materials, and other online learning supports, so they can build these skills for the future. These resources will also make sure we are prepared in the case of another COVID-19 closure.

Here are some resources to help you get started with Office 365, Teams, and other technologies.

Things may look a little different this year, but our schools have found many creative ways to have fun and share joy this holiday season. Here are a few things our students are enjoying as we head into the holiday season!

With 2020 coming to an end, it is a time to reflect on the year’s highlights. While dealing with the many challenges COVID brought, it can be easy to lose sight of our accomplishments. However, we must stop and count our blessings since with reflection comes appreciation and drive for a better future.

One of our best highlights of this year was the number of our high school graduates! The 2019-2020 school year had a record-breaking number - with 248 receiving their high school diploma! What a year!

Cree School Board Director General calls partnership a “significant step forward” for Cree capacity building.

With plans to hire over 600 new positions in the next five years, capacity building is a significant focus for Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB). To help more Crees qualify for these roles, the Cree School Board’s Sabtuan Adult Education Services is now offering “direct-to-employment” training programs in partnership with CBHSSJB.

As a result of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Chibougamau and Chapais (Region 10), beginning tomorrow on Wednesday, November 25 all Mistissini and Oujé-Bougoumou Elementary and High schools will be following the Scenario B of the pdf CSB Alert System . The chart outlines the necessary changes for everyone’s health and safety. They will be in effect until Friday, December 18 unless Public Health advises otherwise. Please note that all other community schools remain in Scenario A.

Maintaining the safety of our students, employees and communities is our top priority. Thank you for continued collaboration in following all the public health measures for everyone’s protection. For any COVID-19 related questions, we encourage you to visit the COVID Cree Board of Health website or call the public health information line at 1-866-855-2811.

The Cree School Board mourns the passing of Rusty Cheezo on October 27, 2020. Rusty was a valued member of Eeyou Istchee, including the Cree School Board. He worked as a School Commissioner for Eastmain (1989-1992 and 1992-1995). At the same time, Cheezo worked as a Vice-Chairperson between his terms (1990-1991 and 1993-1995), and Chairperson (1999-2000) of the Cree School Board.