The K-7 Students of Alvin A. McKay Elementary School were warmly welcomed back to school by there anxiously awaiting teachers and support staff today as leadership, family and community members marched students back to school.
Lax̱g̱altsʼap Village Government Chief Councillor Don Leeson, Sr., Deputy Chief Peter Leeson, Councillor Matthew Bright and Councillor Pamela Wright joined the march with students, parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents from LVG grounds, down North Road and over to Alvin A. McKay Elementary.
Upon arrival to the school, School Principals Martha Swinn and Jessica McKay and teachers and staff welcomed the students in to the school singing ‘Veen ahl ts’im goyp’at (Walk in the Light). A short program took place in the school gymnasium with a formal welcome back to school, words of encouragement by Sim’oogit Hlgu Amaa Gat – Chief Councillor Donald Leeson and Lax̱g̱altsʼap School Board Trustee Danica Stephens. Encouraging the importance of education, Chief Councillor Leeson reminded the students that they will be leaders one day.
Ms. Swinn and Ms. McKay then introduced all new and returning teachers, and the program ended with teachers, parents and community members forming a circle around the children, each raising their hand towards the children as Chief Councillor Leeson closed the gathering in a blessing and closing prayer.
Lax̱g̱altsʼap Village Government proudly offers support to the children throughout the year with the annual purchase of bulk school supplies, back-to-school allowance, coat and boot allowance, and an after school tutoring program.
Lax̱g̱altsʼap Village Government wishes all children and families the best of success in th-e coming school year! Si’aamhl wilsirh!
