Jigsaw Learning is excited to announce a new partnership with Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS) to introduce and implement Collaborative Response across all schools for the 2025–2026 school year, marking the first year of a proposed three-year implementation plan.
This multi-layered approach is designed to build system-wide understanding, leadership capacity, and school-based practices that ensure timely, evidence-informed supports for all students.
Key components of this first-year partnership include:
- Collaborative Response Overview Sessions — administrators and central office leadership will participate in a two-day session, followed by school visits to better understand school contexts. All staff will engage in a division-wide full-day overview session to establish a consistent understanding across the division.
- School Leadership Team Days — four in-person sessions throughout the year, focused on deepening the implementation of Collaborative Response in each school.
- In-School Support and Consultation — principals and leadership teams will receive individualized coaching, feedback, and guidance, including collaborative team meeting observations and online consultation support.
- Divisional Collaborative Response Planning — senior leadership will collaborate with Jigsaw Learning to establish divisional expectations, support structures, and processes to sustain and scale Collaborative Response practices across all schools.
- Access to Collaborative Response Membership — all schools will receive resources and ongoing professional learning support to strengthen the system-wide implementation of Collaborative Response.
“This partnership allows Yellowknife Catholic Schools to take a structured, evidence-informed approach to supporting student learning,” said Kurtis Hewson, co-founder of Jigsaw Learning. “By working closely with school and divisional leaders, we are helping establish strong systems, consistent practices, and a culture of collaboration that benefits every student.”
To learn more about how Jigsaw Learning could help your organization introduce, implement and deepen Collaborative Response efforts to have a substantial impact on student success and staff collective efficacy, access Collaborative Response Across a System section of our website. If you have any questions, please contact us at .
Yellowknife Catholic Schools has three schools and one technical center with approximately 230 staff members and 1500 students. They offer programming in English and French from JK - 12, as well as Core Willideh Yati and Core French. They have a strong Indigenous Language and Culture Education program that combines the Dene Kede curriculum and on-the-land experiences with traditional ways of knowing and doing. As a district, they are committed to deepening their work in recognizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.