Native Student Advisor
Native Student Advisor Program:
Dedicated to enhancing the learning environment and experienc
es of Aboriginal Students
The primary role of the Native Student Advisor (NSA) is to provide support for students of Aboriginal descent and their families, to make schooling a more positive experience, thereby helping students achieve success and remain in school.
Native Student Advisors work with the support of the school administration and staff, under the direction of the RCH Coordinator. They work as part of a team, which includes students, parents, principals, teachers, support staff and, at times, community agencies.
The Native Student Advisor Program is designed to:
- Provide positive role models.
- Assist in developing a learning environment and atmosphere that is conducive to learning for all students.
- Establish, as necessary, personal contact with parents/guardians through visits to the home or by phone.
- Monitor the academic progress of students, and, in cooperation with school staff, establish a method for tracking that progress and relaying appropriate information to the home.
- Keep apprised of student disciplinary difficulties in order to attempt to avoid the need for suspension or expulsion. In the case of suspension, ensure steps are taken to minimize its impact on academic performance.
- Work with system staff and appropriate external educational organizations for stay-in-school strategies and academic success.
Native Student Advisor in Action:
- Providing personal support to identified students (and parents when appropriate) in a variety of settings.
- Liaison between students, staff, parents/guardians, and community.
- Being familiar with the histories and circumstances of students.
- Identifying the availability of external educational support initiatives (such as tutoring programs, special scholarships, cultural activities, etc.).
- Exploring with students appropriate course selection, as well as post-secondary career and education options.
- Encouraging students' daily attendance and punctuality.
- Providing assistance to staff and students to help make the school reflective of cultural diversity and a welcoming place.
The AVRSB has established the Native Student Advisor Program in the following areas:
West Area
Annapolis East Elementary School
Annapolis West Education Centre
Bridgetown Regional Elementary School
Champlain Elementary School
Lawrencetown Consolidated School
Middleton Regional High School
Central Area
Cambridge & District Elementary School
Central Kings Rural High School
Pine Ridge Middle School
Somerset & District Elementary School
West Kings District High School
East Area
Brooklyn & District Elementary School
Hantsport School
Horton High School
L.E. Shaw Elementary School
West Hants Middle School
Contact Information
West Area Native Student Advisor
Middleton Regional High School
Box 860, 18 Gates Avenue
Middleton, NS B0S 1P0
Phone (902) 825-5350
Central Area Native Student Advisor
Central Kings Rural High School
6125 Highway 1
Cambridge Station, NS B0P 1G0
Phone (902) 538-4700
East Area Native Student Advisor
Hantsport School
Box 392, 11 School Street
Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0
Phone (902) 684-4000
For further information on the Native Student Advisor Program, contact the AVRSB RCH Coordinator: