Yellowknife (Jan 05/05) - Education District No. 1 called a review of French programs and a new communications plan by Tait Communications the highlights of 2004.

Superintendent Judith Knapp had a hard time narrowing down the positive initiatives for the district, saying there were many. As for the next year, the completion of the $9.2 million Mildred Hall school renovations are anxiously awaited.

"I am so looking forward to opening the Mildred Hall school during spring break," said Knapp.

At Yellowknife Catholic schools, surging enrolment is an indicator that the district had a good year, according to Mike Huvenaars, assistant superintendent of business.

Growth of the district also came in the form of the Kimberlite Career and Technical Centre, which opened in January 2004. With an educational facilities plan in progress with the GNWT right now, Huvenaars says YCS really needs a new school. "The new school is going to be one of our big focuses next year," he said.