Chief Zzeh Gittlit School
Nakhwanyàa’in geenjit shòh ìidìlii
Located in Teechik (Old Crow), Chief Zzeh Gittlit School (CZGS) is Yukon's northernmost school. It serves Learners from Early Learning (K4) through Grade 12.
Land-based, experiential learning is an important part of education, so all CZGS Learners study the Gwich’in language and take part in cultural activities.
Teechik is a fly-in community north of the Arctic Circle near the junction of the Chyah Njik (Crow River) and the Ch’oodeenjik (Porcupine River).
We acknowledge and respect that Chief Zzeh Gittlit School is on the Territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
We honour our responsibility to live and work on Gwich’in Land in a good way.
School Growth Plan
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Literacy
We will work to cultivate a community of proficient, confident, and enthusiastic readers, ensuring every Learner achieves literacy success by developing strong foundational reading skills and the fluency necessary to read for meaning and lifelong learning, alongside working towards improving literacy through University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) programs and reading fluency initiatives with a clear, guided set of goals and a compelling vision rooted in the Science of Reading.
We will also utilize UFLI programming and the Science of Reading approach to help develop and grow Learners’ pronunciation of word sounds in the Gwich'in language.
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Numeracy
We support Learners’ numeracy skills through programs like Mathology, while focusing on hands-on learning that encourages Learners to build deep conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and a positive mathematical identity.
This approach aligns with best practices in Education, like the Concrete-Representational-Abstract model.
Our numeracy strategy is built around three core pillars: Conceptual Mastery, Procedural Fluency, and Positive Engagement.
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Whole Child
By working closely with our Land and Language Connector and Whole Child Coaches, we will ensure land-based activities and outside education, a cross-cultural curricular lens with instructional pedagogy, and rich, supportive school-community learning environments.
We will utilize pedagogical outdoor education and local Gwich’in ways of knowing to meet all CZGS Learners’ needs. reach every child and their needs.
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Land and Language
Land-based learning and Gwich’in language and culture are integral to all programming at CZGS — from Early Learning through Grade 12.
We focus on improving Learners’ academic success by enhancing and expanding Gwich’in language education through local Gwich’in ways of knowing, and by fostering Learners’ living connections to the Land.
School Calendar
Chief Zzeh Gittlit School
Our calendar is structured to reflect local Gwich’in ways of knowing and doing.
The school year starts in August, and we have extended breaks throughout the year to spend time with families while engaged in cultural activities.
We are excited to welcome Chief Zzeh Gittlit School’s new Principal, Kayla Banfield!
With a passion for education and years of dedication in northern communities, Kayla is strongly committed to fostering a holistic growth mindset in education.
Her approach nurtures Learners’ self-identities by encouraging healthy self-expression and creativity in a rich, supportive learning environment.
Kayla is passionate about integrating outdoor education with local cultural practices. This commitment extends to building a safe and inspiring learning environment that empowers Learners to confidently explore their talents and personal narratives.
Throughout her time in Ontario and Nunavut, Kayla's core values and leadership experience were shaped by collaboration, adaptability, and resiliency.
Kayla particularly enjoys sewing projects, creating music by playing piano, fiddle, guitar, and many more instruments.
She values collaboration and looks forward to building strong connections with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Elders, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government, and staff and Learners at CZGS, as their voices are the pillars of the community of Teechik (Old Crow).
Welcome to Chief Zzeh Gittlit School, Kayla!
