While we’re still soaking up summer, here’s a quick look at our return-to-school schedule:
• August 26 – Administration returns
• September 2 – Teachers and staff return
• September 8 – Students return
Amanda Baillie serves as the Director of Student Services for the Eskasoni School Board, a newly established role dedicated to enhancing student support across all Eskasoni schools from K-12. In this position, Amanda works collaboratively with schools, parents, teachers, and community agencies to identify priorities, develop future service plans, and provide professional development—all while aligning with school improvement goals.
A key focus of her work is supporting neurodiverse learners, particularly within Essissoqnikewey Siawa’sik Kina’matinewo’Kuom (ESK) immersion school, where nearly a quarter of students are neurodiverse. Partnering closely with staff, she is helping to expand services that build on the school’s strengths, such as small class sizes, structured routines, and visual supports that aid in Mi’kmaq language development. By applying trauma-informed approaches and universal design for learning, Amanda aims to create inclusive, calm, and supportive environments that foster both academic and personal growth.
Looking ahead, Amanda envisions strengthening school climates through professional development in social-emotional regulation, neurodiversity, trauma-informed practices.
Amanda Baillie, Director of Student Services amandbaillie@eskasonischools.ca
Shellena Steven’s role as Curriculum Coordinator is pivotal in fostering academic success and holistic development among our students. This position also entails designing, implementing, and assessing literacy and numeracy programs to ensure the academic progress of students.
As Curriculum Coordinator for the Eskasoni School Board, Shellena’s responsibility is to collaborate with teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders to identify literacy needs and develop strategies for improvement, coordinate with external partners to access additional resources (such as literacy/numeracy materials, technology, and professional development opportunities), and monitor and assess student progress in literacy and numeracy skills through regular evaluations and data collection.
As Curriculum Coordinator, there is are also responsibility for supporting Mi’kmaq Language and Culture revitalization efforts within the school community. This includes collaborating with the Land-Based Coordinator to ensure the needs of all students under the school board are being met.
Shellena Stevens, Curriculum Cooridintor shellena@schoolbd.ca
Kate Jadis, fondly known as “Chip” brings land-based learning into every day school life by organizing cultural experiences that allow students to engage with Mi’kmaw traditions in meaningful ways.
With a deep passion for cultural knowledge transfer and traditional teachings, Chip’s role as Land-Based & Culture Coordinator, is dedicated to strengthening the connection between students and the land.
From harvesting medicines, ethical hunting and tracking to drumming, beading, and traditional art, she collaborates with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community experts to ensure students experience their culture firsthand.
“By welcoming new perspectives on how we see and care for the land, we help our children understand their role as caretakers,” Kate shares. “Language is deeply tied to this process as many of our words are lived rather than just spoken. Being on the land, in ceremony, and receiving teachings empowers our students and strengthens their pride in being L’nu.”
With a strong belief that student success is deeply personal, Kate explains but above all, it is about reconnecting with identity. “Many students and even adults didn’t grow up with the language or cultural teachings. That isn’t anyone’s fault, but as a healing Mi’kmaw Nation, it’s our responsibility to support the next generations in reclaiming their heritage.”
One of Kate’s great strengths is to approaches challenges with optimism. She shares a “sacred work” mindset, knowing that every step forward is a step toward cultural resurgence.
It’s our turn now, Chip says, “Our ancestors carried this knowledge for us; now it’s our turn to ensure it continues for the generations to come.”
Kate (Chip) Jadis, Land-Based and Culture Coordinator katejadis@eskasonischool.ca
Jolene Clair is the School Inclusion Coordinator at ESK Immersion School.
With 15 years of experience at EEMS ~10 as a Teaching Assistant and 5 as an Autism Support Worker. Jolene brings a strong foundation in student support. After completing her education degree last year, she now leads inclusive education efforts at ESK Immersion.
In this role, she supports students with diverse needs by helping implement IEPs, guiding inclusive teaching strategies, working with families, and collaborating with school staff and community partners to ensure every learner can thrive; academically, emotionally, and culturally.
Jolene Clair, School Inclusion Coordinator, ESK Immersion jclair@eskasonischool.ca
From milestone service award achievements to well-earned retirements, staff members were recognized as the heart of our schools ~ their care, commitment, and impact is felt across generations of students. Wela’lioq to each and every one of you! Your service is seen and deeply appreciated!
