Yellowknife (Feb 13/04) - Reflecting on the past has brought dreams of future expansion into focus for one Yellowknife school.

Ecole St. Joseph school is celebrating 25 years of educating young Yellowknife minds.

Those years have been a wonderful success, said principal Flo Campbell, but it's time for a new school.

"We broke ground 25 years ago and it's time to do it again," she said.

She has been with the school since 1985, the last four of those years as principal.

Many of the staff have been there for 10-15 years.

That's enough time to see former students return to the school with their own children.

Campbell often runs into her students on Yellowknife streets -- many are successful business people, reinforcing her view the school has formed a community since 1978.

The quarter-century milestone coincides with a school review by The Yellowknife Catholic School District now under way. She thinks the timing is fitting.

"It will show that in order to stay successful, we need some facility supports," she said.

"It's very much coincidental, but very appropriate."

With 644 students and 58 teachers crowding the halls of the two-storey school, the building is full.

Teacher sees changes

Lillian McOuat remembers when the student body numbered under 400 students and 32 teachers.

As the longest-serving teacher, McOuat has seen plenty of changes within the school walls, including the graduation of three of her own children.

"We seem to be ever-growing," said the 20-year music teacher.

Any changes that happen at the school are welcomed by McOuat, who said they would just change the flavour of Ecole St. Joseph's school.

The theme of the anniversary is memories. From memories of Jack Keenan, the former YCS Board chairman responsible for the school's existence, to memories of parents and staff in the past 25 years.

"It brings new hope for the future," she said. "We know we need a new school."

The celebration kicked off in January and will run to the end of the school year.

Activities range from an aerial photo of staff and students forming the number 25 on St. Joe's field to unveiling a statue of Keenan.

As well, there is a planned family dance set for May.