Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (Sep 05/05) - The opening of the new French-language school in Hay River has been delayed to Sept. 6.

Construction was to be complete by Aug. 30, but "it was a little tight to get everything done and have students come in," said Gerard Lavigne, superintendent of Commission Scolaire in Yellowknife.

Some painting, landscaping, stuccoing and other work remained to be done, including on the playground. Plus, equipment, books and furniture needed to be set up.

All major systems - such as plumbing, electrical and sprinklers - have been tested and approved. Lavigne said the $2.9-million school will "absolutely" be ready by Sept. 6. "That's a firm date."

Principal Lorraine Taillefer said the delay will allow more time for staff to get organized. "We don't want to start the school year limping."

Taillefer noted she and teachers have been in the school since Aug. 23. "We've been working around the workers," she said.

The four days of instruction lost as a result of the delay won't be added later in the school year, Lavigne noted.

"The teachers will cover the prescribed program in the days that are left," he explained. "It will just be a little bit accelerated."

This year, the school will have 70-80 students, including pre-schoolers in the Francisation program. An official opening of school is expected in early November.

Ecole Boreale began in one classroom of another Hay River school in 1998 and then moved into portable classrooms.