Baker Lake (May 25/05) - Bright sunlight floods into the atrium of the newly built Jonah Amitnaaq school in Baker Lake as the building's first year in operation wraps up.

The new school has had its share of bugs over the last year, but according to principal Gerald Kelly, nothing compares to the run-down building it replaced, which he describes as a dank, dirty safety hazard.

"Compared to the old school, it's a palace," he said.

The new gymnasium is the most coveted feature. For the last three years, the 350-odd Grade 6-12 students enroled had to make do without a gym, because the old one was demolished to make room for the new school.

Over the last year the new gym has hosted territorial championships for indoor soccer, volleyball and basketball.

Physical education class has been a hit over the last year, and Kelly suspects it's helped raise attendance rates.

The new school also features a computer room, science labs, a home-ec room, wood shop and small engine repair room.

Most important, morale has improved among teachers and students, he said. "The future is certainly brighter than it has been," Kelly said.

The new building isn't without problems. Water drips through the ceiling in the new library, and there have been problems with the air circulation system, although it's an improvement over the old building. There are also problems with the heat. During the dead of winter, teachers warmed their office with space heaters and children wore toques and mittens indoors on the lower levels, while upstairs instructors threw open windows to cool their sweltering classrooms.

Most these bugs are covered under warrantee, Kelly said, and he hopes they'll will be fixed by the fall. By then, Kelly himself will have moved on, to be succeeded by vice- principal Bill Olson.

The old school is set to be demolished this summer. When it's torn down, Kelly says he won't be shedding any tears.

"If I could, I'd demolish it myself."