Hay River (Sep 13/04) - Construction is expected to begin today on a new $2.9-million French-language school for Hay River.

A sod-turning on Wednesday will officially celebrate the beginning of the new Ecole Boreale.

"All the students and staff are very excited," said principal Lorraine Taillefer.

She says the school is expected to be completed by next summer. "We'll be starting school next fall in the new building."

The 950-square-meter, one-storey school will be able to accommodate 100-110 students. Between 70-80 students are expected next year in kindergarten to Grade 8, compared to about 60 this year.

Currently, Ecole Boreale consists of two portable buildings, containing four classrooms.

The new school will be built close behind the existing one.

Taillefer said the safety of the students will be paramount during construction. "That's going to be our priority."

Aamer Shakoor, the project officer with the territorial Department of Public Works in Hay River, says safety precautions were discussed at a pre-construction meeting between the contractor and DPW on Aug. 27.

Shakoor notes there will be fencing around the construction site and it will be monitored by DPW. "Safety is the #1 priority," he stressed.

The main contractor on the project is Clark Builders of Yellowknife.