Yellowknife (May 14/04) - With Samuel Hearne secondary school closed, senior students were able to return to school last week in makeshift classrooms arranged in the shop buildings behind SHSS, last week's unexpected holiday garnered mixed reviews from students.

Students could be found in a variety of locations enjoying the surprise break.

"It rocks my world to have another holiday," said Grade 10 student Lu Tee over pizza.

Tee's friend Sheena Campbell didn't think the situation was that bad either. "I don't have to get up in the morning so that's good," she said.

However, senior students who are supposed to graduate this year were concerned, rather than elated, with the circumstances.

"I was told by many that the year could be messed up," said Grade 12 student Dennis Dosedel. "I have enough credits to graduate already, but others may not be in the same position."

Grade 12 student Krystal manuel believes her year may be in jeopardy. "It's bad enough that kids don't come to school already, so this isn't the best thing that could've happened," she said. "If this screws up my year I'm going to be angry."

As for parents, they were relieved that nobody was injured in the incident.

"Like most parents, I'm just grateful that nobody was hurt," said Doris Tyler. "But, I'm also concerned that it appears there was no kind of monitoring or inspection. Lots of buildings have snow removal and this shows no foresight."

Concerned parent Rosie Archie echoed Tyler's sentiment. "Safety should always be first," she said. "Somebody should've removed the snow a long time ago."