At Nelnah Bessie John School

We value family,
community and
cultural ties.

We acknowledge that we live and learn on the unceded traditional territory of the White River First Nation. The school was named after the late Nelnah Bessie John, a respected White River elder and language teacher.

Growth Plan

At Nelnah Bessie John School, we believe in connection to culture and community.

  • Literacy

    NBJS works to improve literacy outcomes through the use of science-based reading strategies and culturally inclusive approaches. We value play as part of literacy development.

  • Numeracy

    At NBJS, numeracy is delivered in a targeted, comprehensive, and culturally-inclusive way. We value play as part of numeracy development.

  • Whole child

    At NBJS, we believe in a holistic approach to learning. Our staff are informed by current literature on neuroscience and its influence on learning, emotions, and the body. We focus on our learners' strengths, abilities, and interests, thereby creating a safe space in which they can learn, grow, and thrive.

  • Land & language

    We lift up cultural practices, traditional languages, and on the land learning at NBJS. We listen to and learn from our elders.

A word from our Principal

Together, we can all
grow and come together as a family and community.

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year.

I am honoured to take on the role of Principal this year, building relationship with our learners, their families, community and the White River First Nation.

This year we also welcome our Community Committee to the NBJS Leadership Team and I am excited to begin working with them.

Here’s to a fulfilling and enriching school year!

Ms. Paula Chisholm

Principal, Nelnah Bessie John School

Meet our outstanding staff

Paula Chisholm

Principal

Jolenda Benjamin

Language Teacher

Danielle Fraser

Teacher

Ruth Johnny

Land & Language Connector

Hilary Messer-Barrow

Educational Assistant and Admin Assistant

School Calendar

NBJS Calendar

Our calendar is structured to reflect cultural ways of knowing and doing.

The school year starts in early August and we have multiple extended breaks throughout the year to to spend time with their families while engaged in cultural activities.

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