Iqaluit (Aug 25/03) - Classrooms in schools around Iqaluit are being overhauled to assist Joamie school students and staff, said Trudy Peddigrew, superintendent of schools.

An extra wall and ceiling is being put in Aqsarniit Middle School to make room for two classrooms.

And at Nakasuk, new tiles are being laid in what used to be the kitchen for the gym.

"It had a roll window, like a canteen," Peddigrew said. "That needs to be replaced for noise reduction."

Classrooms are even getting new carpeting and paint, welcome touches for students and staff still jarred by a fire that destroyed their school July 4.

School starts for teachers Aug. 28, for students Sept. 2.

Kathy Okpik, acting deputy minister of education, is confident the new arrangements will work.

"Things are going very smoothly," said Okpik. "We want to make sure everything is ready for the start of school, and to ensure that there's the least amount of disruption for the students and staff."

Joamie School now has a web site to update the public on fundraisers and how to help at www.nunanet.com/~joamie