Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (June 20/05) - Two buildings are better than one for Arviat students.

In August, Qitiqliq school will have access to a second building, and that has teachers and students excited over the additional space.

The new building will house one Grade 7 and one Grade 8 class, along with Grades 9 through 12.

Principal Fred Durant says while he shares the excitement over the new building, he doesn't want people to view the two schools as separate entities.

"We are one school, Grade 6 to 12, with one principal, in two buildings," emphasizes Durant.

"A number of our teachers and staff members will share time between the two buildings."

Durant says the current school operates with 14 classes, in addition to high school personal-development units such as art, music, physical education and land skills.

"There are times I have to go on the public-address system to ask teachers if there's a room available anywhere in the school.

"We have 42 periods in a seven-day cycle and, on average, there's one free room about half of those periods.

"That gives us no flexibility whatsoever. So, if nothing else, it will be a pleasure just to be able to stretch out a bit."