FOR RELEASE
January 29, 2026

This is a joint release between the Government of Yukon and Every Student, Every Day Society, Yukon.

Every Student, Every Day, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, is proud to announce a $300,000 funding commitment for the Attendance Initiative Fund for the 2026–27 school year. Applications are now being accepted until March 27, 2026. This fund, which also includes contributions from Yukon businesses, including many in the mining sector, supports innovative, grassroots projects designed to improve student attendance and engagement across the Yukon.

Established in 2012, Every Student, Every Day has raised over $3 million in support of student attendance initiatives across the Yukon, with $1.9 million going towards projects supported by the Attendance Initiative Fund. The $300,000 committed for the 2026–27 school year will bring the total funding investment to over $2.8 million. We will continue to support educators, schools, community organizations and Yukon First Nations governments and organizations in their work to help students thrive.

Projects may include a wide range of attendance-focused initiatives, including those that strengthen student engagement, belonging, wellbeing and barriers-to-attendance supports that help students consistently get to school.

The application process for project implementation during the 2026–27 school year is now open. The application form is available on Every Student, Every Day’s website and is also distributed by the Department of Education to all Yukon school principals. Projects can be submitted by educators, school administrators, school councils, Yukon First Nations and community groups.

Quotes

Our government is proud to continue to partner with Every Student, Every Day to move important attendance projects forward. I look forward to seeing innovative solutions come forward from school communities and seeing this investment in action for next school year.

– Minister of Education Scott Kent

The landscape for education is changing, and schools are being asked to do more with less. Student wellness and belonging matter more than ever — and when kids are supported, they show up. This year’s $300,000 commitment is about backing the people closest to students with practical, community-led solutions that help remove barriers and strengthen attendance. We’re grateful for the partners who make this possible, and we’re excited to see what Yukon schools and communities bring forward.

– Every Student, Every Day Society Yukon President Tara Christie

 Quick facts

• Applications are now open for the 2026–27 school year. The form is available on Every Student, Every Day’swebsite at everystudenteveryday.ca.
• For the 2026–27 school year, $300,000 has been allocated to support initiatives that address attendance challenges and foster student success.
• The submission deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026.

Background

• Every Student, Every Day Society Yukon is an independent, Yukon-based registered charity funded by Yukon businesses, including the mining and mining support industries, that supports student attendance and engagement through community-led projects. 
• Since 2012, Every Student, Every Day has raised over $3 million to support Yukon students and delivered this impact through more than 270 grassroots projects with Yukon schools, educators, Yukon First Nations and community partners.
• Applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee, including educators and Every Student, Every Day representatives, with successful proposals selected in the spring.
• Funded projects focus on reducing barriers to attendance and strengthening student engagement, belonging and wellness.

Related information

• Every Student, Every Day

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca  

Zara Soukoroff

Communications, Education

867-332-6481

zara.soukoroff@yukon.ca 

Tara Christie

President, Every Student, Every Day Society Yukon

778-928-0556

tchristie@banyangold.com

The post Every Student, Every Day fund commits $300,000 to fund student attendance projects in 2026 appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR RELEASE
Setptember 9, 2025

This is a joint release between the Government of Yukon and Every Student, Every Day Society, Yukon.

Every Student, Every Day Society, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, has awarded $200,000 to 22 locally designed and led projects across the Yukon through the Every Student, Every Day fund. 

Over the next school year, schools and school councils will implement 22 projects designed to help increase student attendance. These projects work directly to remove barriers, increase engagement in student learning, and promote a greater sense of belonging in school communities. 

Since its establishment in 2012, the Every Student, Every Day fund has directly supported more than 200 local student attendance projects with over $1.85 million raised from Yukon businesses and individual donations.  

This year, the Every Student, Every Day fund introduced a new funding category to support kitchen improvements in schools. This allows schools and school councils to purchase kitchen equipment and appliances, helping to bridge funding gaps and strengthen collaboration between the Every Student, Every Day Society, the Government of Yukon, and local non-profits to better support student nutrition.

Quotes

Our government understands the value of a collaborative, community-driven approach to addressing complex issues like improving student attendance and engagement in Yukon schools. We’re proud to support the Every Student, Every Day funding program, helping to drive innovative projects that create better outcomes for all Yukon students. I’m eager to see how these initiatives will make a difference in the daily learning experiences of every student. Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

Every Student, Every Day was created to support locally-driven solutions to a complex issue: school attendance. It’s powerful to see schools and school councils leading creative, practical projects that remove barriers and help students feel seen, supported, and engaged. We’re incredibly grateful to the Yukon business community—including many friends and colleagues in the mining sector, and especially my team at Banyan, who never stop showing up for this cause. Thanks to their generosity, and our growing partnership with the Yukon Government, we’re proud to fund initiatives that make a real difference in students’ daily lives.

President of Every Student, Every Day Society and President of Banyan Gold Tara Christie

 Quick facts

• A committee of Department of Education staff and Every Student Every Day Society representatives selected the successful projects. The funds will be implemented in the 2025-26 school year. 

Related information

• Every Student, Every Day  
• How you can help Yukon students  

Background

Every Student, Every Day – Student attendance projects funded for 2025-26 

Del Van Gorder School – Faro

Commercial Dishwasher – $12,000 

• Purchase and install a commercial dishwasher in their kitchen to provide better and more sanitary cleanup, while providing employability training to students who work in the kitchen.  

Ecole Whitehorse Elementary School – Whitehorse 

Projector and Speakers – $5,800 

• Install a large projector screen and projector with sound for the gymnasium, which will allow the school to provide visuals during presentations, facilitate parent information nights and engage students during assemblies.  

F.H. Collins Secondary School – Whitehorse 

Makerspace – $20,000 

• This project will renovate a classroom into a makerspace to support students in creative, innovative and design thinking.  

Gadzoosdaa Student Residence – Whitehorse 

Providing a home-like environment – $10,000 

• This funding will go towards making Gadzoosdaa a more home-like environment for its residents and creating opportunities for community recreation and customized activities to meet students’ individual needs and interests.  

Golden Horn Elementary School Council – Whitehorse 

Mobile Kitchenette – $2,923 

• This funding will support the creation of a mobile kitchenette that can be signed out and utilized as a hands-on learning tool by classes. This mobile kitchenette will offer students valuable experiences in their life skills, cultural knowledge and harvesting practices, enhancing their education through practical engagement. 

Golden Horn Elementary School Council – Whitehorse 

Sea Can – $3,000 

• Funding will go to acquiring a 20-foot shipping container to serve as a centralized storage solution for a Lending Library, which supports the Great Outdoor and Experiential School (G.O.E.S) program. The container will house pre-prepared bins containing educational resources currently scattered throughout the school, ensuring accessibility and organization for all educators as well as providing shared space for other educational resources to be purchased/donated. 

Holy Family Elementary School – Whitehorse 

Upgraded Kitchen Facilities – $15,000 

• Holy Family will be expanding their kitchen space and acquiring essential equipment, which will create an inclusive and interactive learning environment where students can develop food literacy skills, build confidence in meal preparation, and explore traditional food practices. 

Individual Learning Centre – Whitehorse 

Attendance Initiatives – $12,000 

• Hygiene supplies – Supplies for a cabinet outside the school bathrooms that will be able to be fully stocked with razors, deodorant, shampoo, soap, etc. Each of the individual bathrooms have a small “end-table” stocked with other hygiene products. This funding will also be used to buy pregnancy tests, socks, underwear, vitamins, “boost” drinks, first aid items, etc. which are kept in the counsellor’s office and can be accessed when required. 
• Art Supplies – Various art workshops targeted to students with interest in art to encourage them to attend classes. They will also have opportunities to work on their First Nations grad regalia – encouraging them to complete their schoolwork while supporting them to practice art. 
• Employment Ready – Supporting students to get certifications to help with employment (eg. First Aid) and to get their drivers licenses/learners.  

J.V. Clark School – Mayo 

Hands-on Learning Supplies – $20,000 

• To augment academic classroom environments with hands-on equipment which provides interest to students and motivates them to attend school on a regular basis. 

Porter Creek Secondary School – Whitehorse 

Attendance Initiatives – $28,000 

• Welcoming and Inviting Space – The intent of this funding is to make classrooms at Porter Creek Secondary School more inclusive and welcoming for all students. When looking to the future student populations who attend Porter Creek Secondary School, there is a need for classrooms to be open and inviting so students are more likely to attend. One way to achieve this is by providing a welcoming and inviting space that students come into everyday. 
• Improve outdoor space – Transforming an underused outdoor space with picnic tables and sign-out outdoor games. This space will also support flexible learning, allowing teachers to use it for lessons, group work, and brain breaks making school more engaging and welcoming environment. 
• Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good – The funding will go to infrastructure in a classroom to create more space and beauty stations for students to use to make themselves feel better. This initiative would help support a lunch club, the “nail club”, where students can access materials and the space during breaks and lunch. With this funding there will be more opportunity to provide students to make themselves feel good through beauty at school. 

Porter Creek Secondary School Council – Whitehorse 

Kitchen Upgrades – $6,600 

• Upgrading classroom kitchen stations, enhancing the foods programming. The funds will support the purchase of modern appliances such as blenders, food processors, and other essential equipment, along with updated kitchen tools. These upgrades will enable a broader range of hands-on cooking experiences, allowing students to develop practical skills for home, career, and academic success. This will foster engagement, creativity, and a deeper understanding of food preparation, making the programming more appealing and effective. 

Programme Confluence – Dawson City 

Kicksleds – $1,900 

• Purchase of four kicksleds for students, which will allow all students to participate in outdoor excursions.  

Selkirk Elementary School Council – Whitehorse 

Transportation to Kids on the Farm – $6,000 

• Every Student, Every Day funds will go towards transportation costs to transport as many students to participate in Kids on the Farm as possible. This will leverage transportation subsidies offered by Kids on the Farm and help to avoid charging students transportation fees to participate, increasing the ability of all students to participate.  

St. Elias Community School – Haines Junction 

Potato Harvesting Initiative – $13,300 

• The funding will be used to provide students with the tools and resources necessary for a potato harvesting initiative and will be allocated for interdisciplinary learning opportunities, including a photography class/ club and capturing students learning experiences. 

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School – Whitehorse 

Fire Fridays – $13,913 

• Fire Fridays is a learner-led initiative to address attendance barriers, increase engagement, and foster a supportive learning environment for neurodiverse and learning-disabled learners. Learners develop essential life skills through hands-on, community-based experiences, build confidence, and connect their learning to real-world applications. 

Whistle Bend School Council – Whitehorse 

Attendance Initiatives – $8,638.95 

• Soccer Nets – Purchase of four soccer nets for the school field to increase physical activity and bring students together by playing soccer. 
• Picnic Tables – Outdoor furniture for the school to promote a positive environment that helps students feel supported, safe and motivated to attend school.  

Wood Street Centre – Whitehorse 

Bicycle Maintenance and Repair – $20,000 

• The funding will go toward tools to repair bicycles, and a covered trailer to store tools, parts and bicycles. The trailer will allow Wood Street Centre students to travel to communities outside Whitehorse and help teach maintenance and repair of bicycles throughout the Yukon.  

Related information

• Every Student, Every Day
• How you can contribute to this attendance initiative

Media Contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Dana Clark
Communications, Education
867-332-3743
dana.clark@yukon.ca

Tara Christie
President, Every Student, Every Day Society Yukon
778-928-0556 
tchristie@banyangold.com

The post Yukon schools and community organizations receive $200,000 for student attendance projects appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR RELEASE
February 25, 2025

This is a joint release between the Government of Yukon and Every Student, Every Day Society, Yukon.

Every Student, Every Day, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, is committing $200,000 funding to support student attendance improvement projects for the 2025–26 school year. This funding will continue to support innovative, grassroots projects designed to boost student attendance across northern Canada.

This joint effort will continue supporting educators, schools, community organizations and First Nations in their vital work to help students thrive.

For this year, a new project funding category has been added, to clarify funding around purchasing small kitchen equipment and appliances, and to fill the gap with other funding programs that help schools feed students, maximizing collaboration between Every Student Every Day, Yukon Government and other non-profits.

Applications are now open for the 2025–26 school year. The application form is available on Every Student, Every Day’s website at www.everystudenteveryday.ca and is also distributed by the Department of Education to all Yukon school principals. Projects can be submitted by educators, school administrators, school councils, Yukon First Nations and community groups.

The submission deadline is Friday, March 28, 2025.

Quotes

The Government of Yukon is proud to continue supporting the Every Student, Every Day initiative, which empowers school communities to develop creative solutions to improve student attendance. With $200,000 available for the 2025–26 school year, including a new category focused on improving school kitchens, I look forward to seeing the meaningful impacts these grassroots projects will bring to Yukon schools.

– Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

Every Student, Every Day has always been about working together to create opportunities for students to succeed. This year’s $200,000 in funding will continue to drive meaningful grassroots projects focused on improving student attendance. The incredible support from our donors, suppliers and community partners, who continue to rally behind this initiative, has been truly inspiring. While funding has been adjusted this year, we remain committed to helping students thrive and schools, First nations and Communities to champion student attendance for their own communities. We encourage everyone with project ideas to connect with us – we’re excited to see the innovative and impactful solutions that emerge.

– Every Student, Every Day President Tara Christie

Quick facts

• Every Student, Every Day Society Yukon is an independent, registered charity that supports student attendance and engagement in the Yukon.
• Since its establishment in 2012, Every Student, Every Day has raised over $2.6 million, supporting more than 240 grassroots projects in collaboration with Yukon educators, First Nations and community partners.
• For the 2025–26 school year, $200,000 has been allocated to support initiatives that address attendance challenges and foster student success. The Government of Yukon has provided $100,000 and Every Student Every Day has provided $100,000.

• The application form is available on Every Student, Every Day’s website at www.everystudenteveryday.ca and is also distributed by the Department of Education to all Yukon school principals.
  
• A committee of volunteer representatives comprised of educators and Every Student, Every Day staff will evaluate and select the successful proposals this spring.

Related information

• Every Student, Every Day
• How you can contribute to this attendance initiative

Media Contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Dana Clark
Communications, Education
867-332-3743
dana.clark@yukon.ca

Tara Christie
President, Every Student, Every Day Society Yukon
778-928-0556 
tchristie@banyangold.com

The post Every Student, Every Day fund commits $200,000 to fund student attendance projects in 2025 – Applications now open appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR RELEASE
May 28, 2024

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society’s Every Student, Every Day funding program.

A total of $400,000 in support has been awarded to 31 projects across the Yukon through the Every Student, Every Day fund, with support from the Government of Yukon.

For the 2024–25 school year, Yukon schools, school councils and community organizations will implement 31 projects designed to help increase student attendance. These projects directly aim to eliminate obstacles, enhance student engagement in learning and foster a stronger sense of belonging within school communities.

Established in 2012, Every Student, Every Day has donated over $2.25 million dollars to directly support more than 240 Yukon student attendance projects. Funding is raised primarily from annual fundraising events and donations from individual and corporate donors from Yukon and around the world. This year, Every Student, Every Day has increased its funding to $300,000. The Government of Yukon has also increased its contribution to $100,000, along with continuing to provide administrative support to coordinate with participating schools and non-governmental organizations. This year’s funding commitment is the largest ever and will support communities in addressing student attendance challenges in creative ways.

A complete list of this year’s funded projects is included in the related information section below.

Quotes

“This initiative is dedicated to supporting innovative projects that improve results for all Yukon students by encouraging attendance and engagement. Our government is deeply committed to  advancing education through a collaborative, community-led approach. We’re proud to  increase our contribution to the Every Student, Every Day funding program and look forward to seeing these projects empower students on their educational paths.”

– Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

“With our increased funding and additional support from Yukon Government, we are able to continue to support schools, communities and First Nations to tackle the issues that hinder school attendance and, ultimately, student success. We have seen increases in the need for supports for projects that build connections between home and school and make students feel welcome – projects that are culturally relevant and/or related to mental health, learning needs, arts, culture, technology & trade skills. We are excited for this positive momentum to continue growing.”

– President of the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society Tara Christie

Quick facts

• Every Student, Every Day is a project funding program operated by the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society (the “Society”), a registered Yukon society and a registered Canadian charity.
• A committee of Department of Education staff and volunteers representing the Society selected the successful projects and the funds will be implemented in the 2024–25 school year.

Related information

• Every Student, Every Day 2024–25 projects  
• Every Student, Every Day
• How you can help Yukon students

Contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca

Amanda Dieckmann
Communications, Department of Education
867-456-6751
amanda.dieckmann@yukon.ca

Tara Christie
President, Victoria Gold Yukon Encouragement Society
778-928-0556 
tchristie@banyangold.com

News release #24-xxx

Backgrounder

Every Student, Every Day Community Projects funded for 2024–25 

CENTRE SCOLAIRE SECONDAIRE COMMUNAUTAIRE MERCIER – WHITEHORSE 

Mountain Bikes $5,000 

• CSSC Mercier will purchase several bikes, which will provide bicycles for students who don’t own their own and allow them to participate in biking excursions with their classmates. 

DEL VAN GORDER SCHOOL COUNCIL – FARO 

AST/STTEAM Resources $16,220 

• This Every Student, Every Day funding will allow the school council to acquire a laser cutter for the school, along with necessary materials for both the laser cutter and their existing 3D printer setup. Having these resources on-site will ensure that students can continue to express themselves creatively while aligning with the ADST curriculum, even in the absence of a full-time ADST or elective teacher. 

ÉCOLE EMILIE-TREMBLAY – WHITEHORSE 

Boules de Feu $10,250 

• Boules de Feu is an active living program offering cross-country skiing and running activities that promote well-being and where students of all levels learn in a positive environment. This program increases students’ sense of belonging to the school and community, offers experiential teaching based on First Nations approaches to education. Students’ readiness to learn increases significantly when their level of weekly physical activity increases.  

ÉCOLE WHITEHORSE ELEMENTARY – WHITEHORSE 

STTEAM Program Materials $12,000 

• Funding to allow École Whitehorse Elementary to purchase quality materials and tools for their Arts and Design Studio. This studio aims to unlock intrinsic motivation, imagination, creativity and play that creates authentic learning situations that support social emotional learning and equips students with the necessary competencies and agency to confidently face their future.  

ELIJAH SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – WHITEHORSE 

Neuro-diverse and inclusive space and Outdoor cultural learning space $19,000 

• These projects support a neuro-diverse and inclusive space at Elijah Smith Elementary school that supports regulation and relationship building for equity-deserving students. Elijah Smith Elementary school have also, in partnership with KDFN and YFNED, developed an outdoor cultural learning space to bring traditional teachings to their students. This Every Student, Every Day funding will allow Elijah Smith to further develop this space and expand opportunities to host more students and elders.  

ELIZA VAN BIBBER SCHOOL – PELLY CROSSING 

Come on in! $14,650 

• Eliza Van Bibber will be receiving funding for several initiatives to improve attendance such as improvements to common areas to improve community presence in the school. This includes photos in common areas that will showcase student learning and class trips as well as adding flexible seating in the foyer to give students a place to gather and build community and decrease the number of students who leave the school during lunch.  

FH COLLINS SECONDARY SCHOOL – WHITEHORSE 

Audio/Visual Equipment $24,935 

• This project is to purchase equipment for state of the art audio/visual equipment to allow students to create high quality projects to communicate their learning. Senior students in the STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) program will become leaders while using the technology by collaborating with teachers to instruct fellow students throughout the school how to use the equipment. 

GADZOOSDAA STUDENT RESIDENCE – YUKON 

Attendance Initiatives $7,500 

• This project includes various initiatives to improve attendance including funding for students to participate in extracurricular activities and to receive training and certification in their personal areas of interest.  

GOLDEN HORN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – WHITEHORSE 

Outdoor Cultural Space $11,858 

• Funding to purchase a wall-tent and platform to act as an outdoor Cultural Classroom for Golden Horn Elementary School students to enhance Yukon First Nations ways of knowing and doing and to support student attendance.

GREY MOUNTAIN PRIMARY – WHITEHORSE 

Mountain bikes and Family connection events $10,000 

• Grey Mountain Primary will be purchasing several bikes to provide for students who don’t have their own to enable full participation in classroom cycling excursions. The school will also host “Family Connection” events throughout the school year to build relationships and connections between families and the school. Students are more likely to come to school when their families feel comfortable and connected with the school team. 

HIDDEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – WHITEHORSE 

Camping nights $11,860 

• On site camping nights for primary classes (grade 2-3) where students and families have opportunities to participate in overnight camping experiences while building their outdoor skills in a safe environment close to the school with access to needed amenities. The primary goal of this project is to increase HVES student engagement and attendance by creating opportunities for all students to participate in outdoor learning activities. This project will purchase camping gear to reduce barriers to students participating due to lack of gear. 

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING CENTRE – WHITEHORSE 

Attendance Initiatives $11,910 

• Initiatives to support Individual Learning Centre students in all aspects of their lives. This funding will go towards things to improve student wellness, from CGC passes and shower supplies to emergency funding for clothes and glasses, and potlatch gifts for students’ families. Every Student, Every Day funding will also support students to get certifications that they need to successfully get part-, full-time or summer employment.  

J.V. CLARK SCHOOL – MAYO 

Equipment for Older Students $25,000 

• This project will allow J.V. Clark School to purchase equipment that offers students opportunities for learning and experiences that they find compelling enough to want to attend school more frequently and augment career choices. This will include purchasing equipment related to horticulture, sound and video engineering, and trades and business. 

JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – WATSON LAKE 

Sports and experiential learning activities $15,000 

• To help improve attendance, students will learn the physical skills, rules, and fundamental strategies to participate in all sports through a variety of skill-related activities, lead up game, low organization games and eventually the sports themselves. The funding will go towards purchasing the necessary equipment, training, and skill development programming for common sports, and traditional activities. 

LDAY CENTRE FOR LEARNING – YUKON 

Literacy Tutoring & Literacy Camps $10,000 

• Funding for Literacy Tutoring which takes place after school, in the evenings, and on weekends during the school year for students who otherwise could not afford the costs. This funding will also go toward funding students to participate in LDAY’s literacy intensives where learners can access a trained literacy expert for several tutoring sessions during a one-month period. Literacy tutoring is available to students of all ages and is offered in person and on-line. 

PORTER CREEK SECONDARY SCHOOL – WHITEHORSE 

Paddling for Punctuality $24,060 

• Outdoor leadership initiative that will develop students’ outdoor leadership skills while achieving qualifications in Whitehorse Rescue and wilderness first aid. Every Student, Every Day funds will be used to purchase equipment and student certification fees. 

Jam Space $5,000 

• Funding for a shared music space for students at Porter Creek Secondary School. With the funding requested, PCSS students plan to generate a student-led ‘Jam Space’ set up in a portable building attached to the school. Instruments and sound gear would be purchased so that students could engage in a positive shared music playing experience during lunch, breaks and after school.  

The High School Fly-Fishing Academy $3,000 

• In partnership with members across the Whitehorse high schools, this project will create an opportunity for students to learn and experience fly-fishing skills on the land.  

ROBERT SERVICE SCHOOL – DAWSON CITY 

Attendance Data, STTEAM Project & First Nation Art $15,000 

• Robert Service School indents to develop attendance data communication materials to share with the school community. This funding will also go toward expanding the STTEAM program for grades 4-12 and enable students to use STTEAM skills to create First Nation art for display in the school. 

ROBOTICS NORTH SOCIETY – YUKON 

First Lego League $53,964.32 

• This funding will provide comprehensive support for schools to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Program, which is geared toward high school students who are 14-18 years of age, First Lego League Challenge Level (ages 8-14) and Explore Level (ages k-4). First Lego League programs help youth to build a strong foundation for computational thinking and engineering skill development with in-classroom and /or after-school curriculum that connects students to the world through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). FIRST Tech Challenge registration includes curriculum for educators and facilitators to help facilitate team sessions designed to expand greatly on engineering, coding and community involvement through real-world problem solving. 

ST. ELIAS COMMUNITY SCHOOL – HAINES JUNCTION 

Metals Club $16,000 

• St. Elias Community School will establish a Metal Club that will provide greater access for students to learn how to weld and do metal work. These activities appeal to some students who otherwise struggle with attendance issues, operating the program after school and during lunch will give these students motivation to attend schools. This funding will go towards tools, safety equipment and other necessary supplies to provide a well-equipped shop.  

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL – WHITEHORSE 

Wellness and gym equipment $18,000.00 

• This project will support piloting a new Wellness PE program that will provide a safe space for girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ students to explore movement and build self-esteem and confidence, without the perceived barriers and the competitive atmosphere associated with most physical education classes. In this protected environment, the focus of the course will move away from this traditional model, and instead build students’ mental and physical health through movement, self-acceptance, and community. Every Student, Every Day funds will also go towards replacing outdated and worn-out gym equipment with more modern, versatile, and inclusive exercise machines that cater to a diverse range of physical fitness needs and abilities.  

TAKHINI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – WHITEHORSE 

emPOWERing Kids $12,000 

• Learning a trade is important for the practical skills, problem solving abilities and confidence earned as kids learn and master new skills. This project will teach students age-appropriate trade skills through fun, hands-on opportunities for learning by purchasing a variety tools and construction kits.  

TANTALUS COMMUNITY SCHOOL – CARMACKS 

Attendance Initiatives $14,928 

• Tantalus community school will be using their Every Student, Every Day funding for after school activities, school trips to Whitehorse, and to create a comfortable space in the school for high school students to spend their breaks, keeping them at the school. 

YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT CENTRE – WHITEHORSE 

Arts Programming $13,150 

• Educational programming at the Youth Achievement Centre is rooted in the First Peoples Principles of Learning, which recognizes the important role that Indigenous knowledge plays in learning, that learning must focus on relationships and connectedness, and that learning is needed for the well-being of self. This funding will help to provide access to culturally relevant, supportive, and enriching arts programming to support Indigenous students in learning through the lens of these Principles.  

The post Yukon schools and community organizations receive $400,000 for student attendance projects appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Janurary 10, 2024

This is a joint release with Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024–25 school year for Every Student, Every Day, a funding program run by the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society in collaboration with the Government of Yukon.

This funding initiative allocates $400,000 for projects aimed at improving student attendance in the 2024–25 school year.

These funds will support Yukon educators, schools, community organizations and First Nations throughout the territory to develop and implement grassroots projects to help improve attendance in Yukon classrooms.

The application process for project implementation during the 2024–25 school year is now open. The application form is available on Every Student, Every Day’s website at everystudenteveryday.ca and is also distributed by the Department of Education to all Yukon school principals. Projects can be submitted by educators, school administrators, school councils, Yukon First Nations governments and community groups.

The submission deadline is Friday, March 8, 2024.

Quotes

Our government is excited to continue its partnership with the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society as we work together to support students to attend school and engage in their learning. The Every Student, Every Day initiative continues to offer communities an opportunity to undertake innovative, local solutions that resonate with their own students. We are pleased to once again increase our funding for this initiative and we look forward to many more success stories in the future.  

– Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

We are pleased to increase our funding for projects that complements resources for schools for the promotion of attendance and learning for all students. We encourage applicants to reach out and discuss their project ideas or brainstorm how Every Student, Every Day could benefit their school or community so we can help support as many Yukon students as possible. We also want to thank our educators who remain committed to ongoing collaborative endeavours that enhance our children’s learning opportunities.

– Victoria Gold Yukon Encouragement Society President Tara Christie

Quick facts

• Every Student, Every Day is a funding program operated by Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society, a registered Yukon Society and a registered Canadian charity.
• Since its establishment in 2012, the society, with support from the Government of Yukon and community partners, has directly supported more than 200 local projects with over $1.85 million raised primarily from Yukon businesses and individual donations.
• For the 2024–25 school year, the society has increased its funding to $300,000 and the Government of Yukon has increased its annual contribution to $100,000, for a total of $400,000.
• The application form is available on Every Student, Every Day’s website at www.everystudenteveryday.ca and is also distributed by the Department of Education to all Yukon school principals.
• A committee of volunteers comprising educators and Every Student, Every Day representatives will evaluate and select the successful proposals this spring.

Related information

• Every Student, Every Day  

Contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Amanda Dieckmann
Communications, Department of Education
867-456-6751
amanda.dieckmann@yukon.ca

Tara Christie
President, Victoria Gold Yukon Encouragement Society
778-928-0556 
tchristie@banyangold.com

The post Every Student, Every Day fund commits $400,000 to fund student attendance projects in 2024 appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2023

WHITEHORSE, YUKON – Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society (the “Society”) announces that it is among the twelve finalists in iA Financial Group’s Canada-wide philanthropic contest. The Society has the chance to win a donation of up to $100,000 which will allow the Society’s funding program, Every Student, Every Day, to support more Yukon schools, community groups and First Nations governments with their projects aimed at improving school attendance and engagement – leading to increased graduation rates.

Until November 30, 2023, the public is invited to go to donations-contest.ia.ca/community and vote for submission they find the most inspiring in each market from among the twelve finalist submissions.

“We are excited that iA Financial Group chose our submission. This donation would allow us to provide more funding to projects like Science, Technology, Trades, Engineering, Arts and Music (STTEAM) programs, supporting mental health programs, empowering young girls through mentorship programs, personal development and cultural learning. We invite everyone to vote!”, states Tara Christie, President of Victoria Gold Student Encouragement Society.

Note that a donation of $100,000 will be made to the four charities that receive the most votes and the remaining eight charities will each receive $10,000. Contest results will be announced in December.

Contest details are available at donations-contest.ia.ca/community.

About Every Student, Every Day 

Every Student, Every Day is a project funding program operated by the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society (the “Society”), a registered Yukon society and a registered Canadian charity. The Society was established in 2012 to help address student attendance challenges in the Yukon and raise funds that individual schools and communities can apply for to develop and undertake innovative and local solutions that support student success. The Society is supported through annual fundraising events and donations from individual and corporate donors from around the world.

About iA Financial Group

iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada. It also operates in the United States. Founded in 1892, it is one of Canada’s largest public companies. iA Financial Group shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols IAG (common shares) and IAF (preferred shares).

Media Resources:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube

Contact:

Tara Christie
President
778 928 0556

Jasmine Sangria
Communications
jsangria@banyangold.com
604 312 5610

Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society
250 – 2237 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 0K7

The post IA FINANCIAL GROUP PHILANTHROPIC CONTEST – VICTORIA GOLD YUKON STUDENT ENCOURAGEMENT SOCIETY IN THE RUNNING TO WIN A DONATION OF $100,000! appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2023

WHITEHORSE, YUKON – Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society (the “Society”) hosted its annual charity gala on September 23rd and successfully raised $65,000 for the Society’s Every Student, Every Day (“ESED”) funding program, to support projects designed to curb the high rates of school absenteeism and to increase Yukon student attendance and engagement.

“With the amount raised at this year’s annual gala, we are closer to our goal of funding $400,000 in projects for the 2024-25 school year to Yukon schools, school councils, other community groups working with students and First Nations governments. On behalf of the Society, we thank the donors, community partners and volunteers who came together for this annual fundraiser,” said Tara Christie, President of Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society.” Your generous contributions will allow us to continue to connect with the communities to support their projects to increase student attendance.”

“This year’s event would not be possible without the generosity of the Yukon community supporting the Every Student, Every Day fund. We are pleased that Yukon Government has also increased their funding commitment from $70,000 to $100,000 for the 2024 school year. Thank you to Premier Pillai and Honorable Ministers who came out to support the fundraiser in-person. These dollars will make a big difference to support attendance programs for Yukon’s children and youth,” John McConnell, President and Chief Executive Officer at Victoria Gold Corp.

Held at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, the event welcomed 170 guests with the support of 60 sponsors and numerous volunteers.

Special highlights of this year’s annual gala were the silent and live auctions, the return of “Live from the Red Carpet” hosted by Leneath Yanson and live music from Ten Souljers. Adam Gerle and Carolina Roldan took home Best Dressed Awards for the “Tropical Formal” theme. New this year, all event sponsors were entered into a draw to win an exclusive Mexican resort getaway, which was won by long-time ESED partner, Ewing Transport.

Every Student, Every Day is committed to giving back to children and youth in Yukon communities through various programs and partnerships. Since 2012 it has:

• Donated more than $1.85 million towards projects focused on helping address student attendance challenges
• For the 2023-2024 school year, a total of $350,000 was awarded to 36 projects
• The 2024-2025 school year, a record amount of funding is expected to be available and will be announced early January 2024
• Supported more than 200 projects designed to help assist Yukon schools and communities with initiatives to remove barriers and encourage increased engagement and a greater sense of belonging at school
• Contributed towards helping increase graduation rates in the Yukon

ABOUT EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY 

Every Student, Every Day is a project funding program operated by the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society (the “Society”), a registered Yukon society and a registered Canadian charity. The Society was established in 2012 to help address student attendance challenges in the Yukon and raise funds that individual schools and communities can apply for to develop and undertake innovative and local solutions that support student success. The Society is supported through annual fundraising events and donations from individual and corporate donors from around the world. The next fundraising events will be held on: Golf Tournament on July 5, 2024 and annual Northern Lights Gala on October 19, 2024.

Media Resources

Gala Photos
Gala Video
Website
Videos

To learn more about Every Student, Every Day, please visit www.everystudenteveryday.ca or find the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/everystudenteveryday/.

Contact:

Tara Christie
President, Every Student, Every Day
778 928 0556

Jasmine Sangria
Communications, Every Student, Every Day
jsangria@banyangold.com
604 312 5610

Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society
250 – 2237 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 0K7

The post VICTORIA GOLD YUKON STUDENT ENCOURAGEMENT SOCIETY’S ANNUAL GALA RAISES $65K FOR YUKON STUDENTS Copy appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2023

WHITEHORSE, YUKON – Victoria Gold Corp. (“VGCX”) hosted its 5^th annual charity golf tournament this month and successfully raised $80,000 for Every Student, Every Day (“ESED”), a project funding program operated by the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society (the “Society”), to support projects designed to curb the high rates of school absenteeism and to increase Yukon student attendance and engagement.

“This tournament raised a record amount of funds for Every Student, Every Day. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our donors and community partners who continue to support this cause that’s close to their hearts,” said Tara Christie, President of Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society. “This year, we were able to further increase our funding contribution from $300,000 to $350,000 for the 2023-24 school year for Yukon schools, school councils and First Nations governments. The funds raised at this tournament will allow us to continue to increase our funding and connect with the communities to support their projects to increase student attendance.”

“Once again, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yukon community in supporting the Every Student, Every Day charity. With 24 teams and an increase of 25% more sponsors from last year, we are extremely pleased with the result. These dollars will make a recognizable difference to support attendance programs for Yukon’s children and youth,” John McConnell, President and Chief Executive Officer at Victoria Gold Corp.

Held at the Meadow Lakes Golf Club in Whitehorse, the event welcomed over 130 guests with the support of more than 50 sponsors and numerous volunteers.

A special highlight of this year’s annual tournament was the Hawaiian theme with diverse sponsor-led contests at various holes which helped contribute to the monies raised at the event. The tournament was a tropical extravaganza complete with island music and an epic pig roast.

Every Student, Every Day is committed to giving back to children and youth in Yukon communities through various programs and partnerships. Since 2012 it has:

• Donated more than $1.85 million towards projects focused on helping address student attendance challenges.
• Supported more than 200 projects designed to help assist Yukon schools and communities with initiatives to remove barriers and encourage increased engagement and a greater sense of belonging at school.
• Contributed towards helping increase graduation rates in the Yukon.

ABOUT EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY 

Every Student, Every Day is a project funding program operated by the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society (the “Society”), a registered Yukon society and a registered Canadian charity. The Society was established in 2012 to help address student attendance challenges in the Yukon and raise funds that individual schools and communities can apply for to develop and undertake innovative and local solutions that support student success. The Society is supported through annual fundraising events and donations from individual and corporate donors from around the world. The next fundraising event is the Northern Lights Gala which will be held on September 23, 2023.

To learn more about Every Student, Every Day, please visit www.everystudenteveryday.ca or find the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/everystudenteveryday/.

Contact:

Jasmine Sangria
Communications, Every Student, Every Day
jsangria@banyangold.com
604 312 5610

Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society
250 – 2237 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 0K7

The post VICTORIA GOLD CORP. 5TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES $80K FOR YUKON STUDENTS appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR RELEASE
June 12, 2023

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society’s Every Student, Every Day funding program.

A total of $350,000 in support has been awarded to 36 projects across the Yukon through the Every Student, Every Day fund, with support from the Government of Yukon.

For the 2023–24 school year, Yukon schools, school councils and community organizations will implement 36 projects designed to help increase student attendance. These projects work directly to remove barriers, increase engagement on their learning and promote a greater sense of belonging in school communities.

Since its establishment in 2012, Every Student, Every Day has directly supported more than 200 local student attendance projects with over $1.85 million raised primarily from Yukon businesses and individual donations. This year Every Student, Every Day has increased its funding to $280,000. The Government of Yukon has also increased its contribution to $70,000, along with continuing to provide administrative support to coordinate with participating schools and non-governmental organizations. This year’s funding commitment is the largest ever and will support communities in addressing student attendance challenges in creative ways.

Quotes

“Our government recognizes the importance of using a collective, community-based approach to tackling complex challenges, such as increasing student attendance and engagement in Yukon schools. We are proud to increase our contribution as part of the Every Student, Every Day funding program to support progress on innovative projects that improve outcomes for all Yukon students. I look forward to seeing how these projects will support every student, every day on their educational journeys.”

– Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

“Every Student, Every Day is proud to support community-driven projects with another record amount of funding this year. Together, with the generosity and support of our partners, we are excited to be building stronger school communities by removing barriers and fostering inclusivity through increased engagement resulting in a greater sense of belonging at school.”

– President of the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society Tara Christie

Quick facts

A committee of Department of Education staff and society representatives selected the successful projects and the funds will be implemented in the 2023-24 school year.

Related information

• Funded projects for the 2023-24 school year
• Every Student, Every Day
• How you can help Yukon students

Contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Krisandra Reid
Communications, Department of Education
867-336-0653
krisandra.reid@yukon.ca

Tara Christie
President, Victoria Gold Yukon Encouragement Society
778-928-0556 
tchristie@banyangold.com

News release #23-xxx

Backgrounder

Every Student, Every Day – Student attendance projects funded for 2023–24

Aurora Virtual School – Yukon
AVS Experiential Science Field Studies Program and iDea Lab Renewal  $8,300

• With support from Every Student, Every Day, Aurora Virtual School launched the AVS iDea Lab, bringing together rural students who were previously isolated in their studies. This successful program offers hands-on science and technology activities for high school credit. The project aims to replenish lab materials and organize Field Studies opportunities for Grades 10 to 12.

BGC Yukon – Haines Junction
BGC Summer Programming $10,000

• BGC Yukon aims to offer an after-school drop-in project to foster positive relationships between students, the school, and other adults. The project also offers opportunities for both volunteers and young individuals to develop leadership skills through peer interactions, coaching, and employment readiness training. By extending the program into the summer months, a continuous connection is maintained between school years. Engaging young people with the school, promoting their active involvement in the community, and supporting their return to class in the following fall are key objectives of BGC Yukon, a youth-led organization that prioritizes fulfilling the needs of young individuals.

CSSC Mercier – Whitehorse
Club de Musique $10,000

• CSSC Mercier will establish a music club at the school, where students with an interest in music will have access to instruments, equipment and a teacher who will guide them in exploring various music genres. The program will invite specialists from the Francophone community, First Nations and the broader community through the “artist in the school” program. The music club will provide a platform for students to showcase their talents, affirm their identity and foster a sense of belonging within the school community.

Dawson City Arts Society (KLONDIKE INSTITUTE OF ART & CULTURE) – Dawson City
After School Art Programming $2,000

• Robert Service School high-school students participate in KIAC’s annual Youth Art Enrichment program, a week-long camp for all Yukon Youth providing opportunities to learn artistic skills, connect with other youth around the territory, and to build empowerment and self-esteem. The funding will cover the costs of materials required for after-school programming to ensure that activities are free for youth.

Del Van Gorder School – Faro
Self-Regulation Space $5,300

• A project creating a sensory/self-regulation space in the school. The aim is to support students in attending school regularly, especially those with self-regulation difficulties. The project will improve attendance and reduce instances of students leaving school or disengaging from learning. Students will learn self-regulation techniques and incorporate them into the classroom.

Del Van Gorder School – Faro
Cultural Connections $9,100

• This project emphasizes the importance of connections, role models and guidance for First Nations and all students to strengthen their cultural identity and pride. The Cultural Connection project is a year-long cultural integration program with workshops, speakers, Elder visits, language teachers, Indigenous athletes, traditional activities and land-based learning. Consistent interactions throughout the year aim to foster understanding and positive representation of local and Indigenous knowledge.

Ecole Whitehorse Elementary School – Whitehorse
PE Class Enhancements $5,035

• École Whitehorse Elementary School is implementing an innovative physical education project aimed at promoting student engagement, physical literacy and overall wellbeing. The school has a popular Mission Impossible Obstacle Course unit, where students navigate various obstacles and challenges. To ensure safety, landing mats will be installed, allowing students to take risks and push their physical capacities. By prioritizing physical education, the school aims to strengthen student-school connections, build relationships and ultimately improve attendance, mental health and academic performance.

Eliza Van Bibber School – Pelly Crossing
Attendance Initiatives $5,900

• The school plans to distribute school magnets to each student and their family. These magnets will include school contact information and will display the school schedule, allowing parents to easily reference it daily.
• The school also intends to allocate funds for the purchase of art supplies and resources that will be used for field trips.

FH Collins – Whitehorse
Learning Commons $5,600

• The iLibrary – Learning Commons serves as the central learning hub for the school. This project aims to expand and improve the space to accommodate a larger number of students across all grade levels. Enhancements are planned to make the area a more accessible, comfortable and inviting environment where students can thrive and engage in their learning journey.

FH Collins – Whitehorse
Carpentry Kits and Supplies $9,270

• The school plans to purchase carpentry tools and supplies to enhance students’ understanding of mathematical concepts such as measurement, 3D representation, trigonometry and finance. This experiential approach aims to boost student motivation and interest in math by bridging classroom learning with real-world applications and experiential learning. By integrating this approach, the school strives to create a culturally responsive and supportive math learning environment for all students.

Gadzoosdaa Student Residence – Yukon
Attendance Initiatives $10,000

• Gadzoosdaa Student Residence has organized University tours for students to explore post-secondary institutions and gain insights into future opportunities beyond graduation. These tours provide valuable interactions with current students and admissions counselors, targeting students in grade 10 who may find it challenging to envision their future prospects.
• In addition, the school plans to enhance the dormitory experience to create a more homelike atmosphere. These efforts align with the objective of making Gadzoosdaa Student Residence an engaging and desirable place for students, evoking a sense of belonging and home away from home.

Golden Horn Elementary School – Whitehorse
Play-based Learning $6,000

• This project aims to foster and promote play-based learning in the primary wing of Golden Horn Elementary. Recognizing the benefits of creative learning environments, this project aims to facilitate deep learning experiences, student engagement, equity and self-regulation.

Golden Horn Elementary School Council – Whitehorse
Cross-Country Ski Gear $12,000

• The project aims to acquire cross-country ski gear for the GHES Outdoor Education program. The focus on cross-country skiing addresses the need for active winter pursuits, ensuring equity by providing high-quality equipment to all students. Regular outdoor excursions strengthen class cohesion, improve well-being, and concentration upon returning to the classroom, creating enriching and inclusive learning experiences for GHES students.

Grey Mountain Primary School – Whitehorse
Indigenous Art in the School $2,000

• Grey Mountain Primary is working hard to increase communal knowledge of the land on which we live and the Indigenous stories that help support our care and protection of the natural environment. This project will help the school to better reflect local Indigenous culture by bringing Indigenous art into the school.

Grey Mountain Primary School – Whitehorse
Winter Gear Library & Benches $10,000

• Land-based learning provides a wide range of advantages for students, fostering a sense of place and serving as a foundation on which to explore natural curiosities. Engaging with the outdoors not only promotes physical well-being but also aids in emotional regulation among students. To support these endeavors, this funding aims to ensure that the school has adequate winter gear for all students.

Hidden Valley School – Whitehorse
Gaga Ball $10,000

• The project involves establishing a “gaga ball” pit to facilitate student play during class time, recess and gym classes at Hidden Valley School. This engaging game provides students of all ages with the chance to interact and play alongside peers from various grade levels, fostering stronger connections within the school community.

Individual Learning Centre – Whitehorse
Hygiene Supplies $3,000

• The project supplies hygiene products and builds upon the success of the previous year’s Hygiene Supplies program. In addition to the basic supplies, the funding allocated was utilized to purchase other items such as pregnancy tests, socks, underwear, vitamins, “boost” drinks,  first aid items and catering to specific situations.

Individual Learning Centre – Whitehorse
Certificates $3,000

• The goal of this project is to support students to acquire certifications to help them be ready for summer or post-graduation employment. There are many jobs that require their employees to have their drivers license, CPR/First Aid certification, I.T. certifications and other professional certifications.

Individual Learning Centre – Whitehorse
Soft Start $4,200

• Implement a “soft-start” option, where students have access to materials that will help them ease into the day and help them feel more comfortable in the open-concept classroom. This project will also support the purchase Smart Auto Phone Timer Lock Boxes with self-control timer locks to give students the option of separating from their cell phones for a chosen period of time to help students focus on schoolwork instead of their phones.

Industrial Arts and Technology Society of Yukon – Dawson City
After School Shop Program Materials $1,000

• IATSY has partnered with Robert Service School for two years to provide after school shop programming in both wood and metal trades. The funding will help cover the costs of shop materials, supplies and consumables to implement the after-school programming free of charge to youth participants.

Jack Hulland Elementary School – Whitehorse
Kicksleds $20,000

• JHES will purchase 25 kicksleds to be used by all classes to facilitate more outdoor and on-the-land learning. Kicksledding is a low-barrier winter recreation and active transportation mode for any age group and fitness level. Outdoor, land-based learning activities improve attendance in students by making school a fun place to learn.

Jack Hulland Elementary School CounciL – Whitehorse
Centre for Excellence for Cultural and Land-based Learning $15,000

• Construct a First Nations gathering area with an interpretive trail that includes areas for conflict resolution, empathy building and self-expression. The outdoor gathering area will include a covered structure with a table and stump seating. It will provide an area for students to participate in learning opportunities in an outdoor environment year-round.

Johnson Elementary – Watson Lake
Attendance Initiatives $20,000

• Implementation of an extra-curricular program to provide opportunities for students in fine arts, athletics and club activities to enhance student and parent engagement in school. To help improve attendance, students will learn the physical skills, rules and fundamental strategies to participate in all sports. JES also plans to incorporate experiential learning activities such as ice fishing, drumming, tool and snare making, identifying animal tracks and medicinal plants and camping into school programming. Elders, instructors, staff, and local artisans will be leading and assisting with the delivery of these cultural activities.

Khatinas.axh Community School – Teslin
Movement Based Classroom equipment $25,000

• Equipment purchased will help students complete hands-on projects in the Tlingit room such as mitt making, caribou tufting and food preparation.

LDAY Centre for Learning – Yukon
Literacy Tutoring $10,000

• LDAY’s Literacy Tutoring takes place after-school, evenings and weekends during the school year. In the summer they offer literacy intensives where learners can access a trained literacy expert for a number of tutoring sessions during a one-month period. The Every Student, Every Day funds will help LDAY connect students in the Yukon to trained tutors.

Porter Creek Secondary School – Whitehorse
HOPE and ABEL Programs $15,000

• The HOPE and ABEL programs are shared resource programs at Porter Creek Secondary School for neurodiverse and vulnerable students who have not had success in mainstream programming. These programs focus on functional life-skills and experiential learning. This project will fund practical field trip opportunities, such as cooking classes and mitt making. 

Porter Creek Secondary School Council – Whitehorse
Rainbow Room Enhancements $9,250

• The Rainbow Room provides a place where 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies can come together to be supported, to work on important projects, be themselves and ready themselves for learning. This project aims to enhance the Rainbow Room space by making the environment more welcoming, comfortable and feel more like a place where students are at ‘home’.

Robert Service School – Dawson City
STTEAM Implementation Strategy $15,000

• Continued support for Robert Service School’s integrated STTEAM (science, technology, trades, engineering, arts and music) implementation strategy. Robert Service School, in partnership with Tr’ondek Hwech’in and their school community, are committed to ‘Connecting Learners and Learning to People and Place’. Funding will be used for STTEAM classrooms such as the science lab, trade shops, music room, art room and foods kitchen.

Selkirk Elementary School – Whitehorse
Kicksleds $7,636

• The goal of this project is to increase student attendance at Selkirk Elementary school, particularly among our vulnerable student population, by offering additional educational opportunities through the class-led use of kicksleds on and around school grounds, on the public trails leading from it along the river, etc.

St. Elias Community School – Haines Junction
Self-regulation and Mental Wellness $19,000

• This project will address self-regulation, inclusion, mental wellness, and attendance concerns for students. Specifically, focusing on materials and equipment for attendance projects and self-regulation tools.

St. Francis of Assisi – Whitehorse
Table Tennis $1,500

• Table Tennis is a fun and inclusive sport, this project will be to purchase an additional table tennis table for the school. This project gears toward the success of both attendance, mental health and happiness rates around for all of our students from various social, academic, cultural, ability backgrounds while breaking any potential barriers some face every day because of their differences.

St. Francis of Assisi – Whitehorse
Barrier-Free Music Program $10,000

• A major by-product of having a thriving music program has been an increased attendance for at-risk students and students with a history of missing large amounts of days/classes per year. Funding would go towards purchasing additional instruments and adding an additional music room/rehearsal space with a proper sound system and sound treatment in the school.

Takhini Elementary School – Whitehorse
Mountain Biking – expanding to younger grades $15,000

• Extend the broad and deep benefits mountain biking offers our older students to the younger students. The Ride for Focus program would fill the gap in the school’s bike stock for grades 1 to 4 students. This helps to keep our Takhini Elementary “Timberwolves on the Land” program accessible to all students and thereby allowing students of all sizes to bike with their peers.

Tantalus Community School – Carmacks
Attendance Initiatives $24,904

• Create a youth and cultural space that youth can call their own. This funding will purchase arts and crafts materials to improve the attendance from the children who attend BGC Yukon programs. This project will also provide transportation and accommodations for students to attend sports teams, so they feel accepted into the school environment and want to attend school.

Teen Parent Centre – Whitehorse
Indigenous Art and Culture Programming $5,000

• Provide local, community-based Indigenous Art and Culture programming to support young women, girls, and those identifying as women with hopes of supporting and improving learning outcomes, attendance and overall educational engagement. The focus is on a main project for students to learn how to make parkas with instruction from a trained local artist as well as smaller art projects which can support and promote mental wellness. By integrating cultural practices and mentorship through art programming, all students at the Teen Parent Centre will have opportunities to develop meaningful, healthy relationships, gain a strong sense of cultural identity, manage mental health and avoid harmful behaviours.

Teen Parent Centre – Whitehorse
Attendance Initiatives $6,000

• Provide an incentive program to reward students with a 100 per cent attendance record, and those with 90 per cent and 80 per cent attendance, as becoming a parent brings financial stress. The rewards would be given with the idea of family in mind and promoting a positive lifestyle for the teen parents, as well as their child(ren).

The post Yukon schools and community organizations receive $350,000 for student attendance projects appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.

FOR RELEASE
February 2, 2023

This is a joint release with Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society.

In partnership with the Government of Yukon, Every Student, Every Day, an initiative of the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society, has committed $350,000 in funding for student attendance improvement projects in the 2023–24 school year. This is the largest funding commitment the program has made to date.

These funds will support Yukon educators, schools, community organizations and First Nations throughout the territory to develop and implement grassroots projects to help improve attendance in Yukon classrooms.

The application process for project implementation during the 2023–24 school year is now open. The application form is available on Every Student, Every Day’s website at www.everystudenteveryday.ca and is also distributed by the Department of Education to all Yukon school principals. Projects can be submitted by educators, school administrators, school councils, Yukon First Nations and community groups.

For more information, including examples of previous projects, visit: https://everystudenteveryday.ca/funding-application/. The submission deadline is Friday, March 10, 2023.

QUOTE

The Government of Yukon is proud to continue its partnership with the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society to support the Every Student, Every Day initiative. Student attendance and engagement are important factors in student success. We’re happy to be able to increase our funding again this year for the Every Student, Every Day projects. These projects work directly to support students, engage them in their learning and promote presence in school. We encourage educators, schools, community organizations and First Nations throughout the Yukon to submit their project ideas. – Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

We encourage applicants to reach out and discuss their project ideas or brainstorm how Every Student, Every Day could benefit their school or community so we can help support as many Yukon students as possible. We want to acknowledge the challenges students are facing and support them to stay engaged in their learning and attend school each and every day. We also want to thank our amazing educators who are working tirelessly to create an environment where students can learn. – Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society President Tara Christie

QUICK FACTS

• Every Student, Every Day is an initiative of Victoria Gold Corp’s registered, not-for-profit charity.
• Since its establishment in 2012, the Society, with support from the Government of Yukon and community partners, has directly supported more than 180 local projects with over $1.85 million raised primarily from Yukon businesses and individual donations.
• For the 2023-24 school year, the Society has increased its funding to $280,000 and the Government of Yukon has increased its annual contribution to $70,000, for a total of $350,000.
• A committee of volunteer representatives comprised of educators and Every Student, Every Day will evaluate and select the successful proposals this spring.

RELATED INFORMATION

• Every Student, Every Day
• Funding application. How you can contribute to this attendance initiative.

CONTACT

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Maria Paré
Communications, Department of Education
867-332-1506
Maria.Pare@gov.yk.ca

Tara Christie
President, Victoria Gold Yukon Encouragement Society
778-928-0556
tchristie@banyangold.com

The post Every Student, Every Day fund commits $350,000 to fund student attendance projects in 2023 appeared first on Every Student. Every Day. | Empowering Students, Building Futures | Yukon, Canada.