Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 26/99) - It's 20 years old this year and staff and students of Ecole St. Joseph school couldn't be more proud.

From humble beginnings in 1979 as a one-wing school with 253 students, St. Joseph's has grown to accommodate 620.

"When this school opened it really was a cutting edge, modern facility and the school has really stood strong over time," assistant principal Merril Dean said.

"We won't continue to expand because we're at capacity, but in terms of the willingness of staff to support their students, that's something that will never stop growing."

The school's motto is 'Growing and Learning in the Spirit.' Dean said it's a statement they truly believe in, which is one of the reasons the 20th anniversary is so important to both staff and students.

Dean and school principal, Leah Von Hagen, already have celebrations under way. Special events will be held all through April.

So far, Great Slave Helicopters has donated an aerial picture of the school to commemorate the anniversary. Also, each student and staff member took time to dip their hands in paint and place their paws on the front foyer wall. The result is a Rainbow of Hands mural.

Students are in the process of building a school time-line, they're going to have a 1920s dress-up day and a day celebrating the school's namesake, St. Joseph.

Twentieth anniversary committee member and teacher, Joni Gelinas, said all of the events are designed to leave students with a sense of pride.

"These events are very important because it shows we're growing in spirit and continuing on," Gelinas said.

Grade 7 student, Jhillian Adams, will be graduating St. Joseph's next year. She has attended the school since kindergarten and admits she's going to miss it.

"I'm really excited about being here for the 20th anniversary, I mean, 20 years is a lot," Adams said.

"I've had friends here since kindergarten and we have great teachers. We work well together and have fun, so I'll be sad when I have to go."