Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Colville Lake (Oct 28/05) - The people of Colville Lake are very upset about their little school.

The one-room facility is a log building with no proper washroom for it's teachers and students.

Residents of Colville Lake say their school is overcrowded and the facilities are unacceptable. There is no running water and staff and students are forced to use the honeybucket in the corner. - photo courtesy of Jo-Ellen Lyslo

There are currently 36 students enroled in kindergarten to Grade 12.

The teaching staff consists of three core subject instructors, a Slavey language teacher and one teacher's aide.

Principal Jo-Ellen Lyslo explained the situation.

"We need at least two more classrooms," she said.

"It is a beautiful log building, but we need more space."

Sharon Tutcho chairs the District Education Authority board for the region. She believes the school needs immediate attention, not more false promises.

"My concern is that the school is too small and we need a new building," said Tutcho. "We need to see some action from the Minister of Education (Charles Dent)."

Parents have also been venting their frustrations about their small facility.

Alvin Orlias, who has five children attending the school, says the blame lies with the government.

"We were promised additions to the building five years ago, by the government," said Orlias. "Everything was supposed to be alright. Our leaders are always talking about improving education in the North. Where are they now?

"I'm sure Charles Dent's kids wouldn't go to school here. But hey, their kids aren't suffering. Why should they give a shit?"

With increased enrolment, the situation has grown worse for the teachers, as well, as Lyslo explained.

"It's hard to teach our subjects, because of the noise the younger children make," she said.

The building's only washroom facility is a honey bucket.

"It's disgusting. All those kids using one bucket," said Tutcho. "At the end of the day, it just seems unsanitary."

Orlias feels so strongly about the state of the school, he may seek alternatives for his children's education.

"It's bad. I might have to send my kids south just for decent education," said Orlias.

Dent responded that the school was adequate until a recent student increase.

"Student (enrolment) has recently increased, that's great," said Dent. "Our plans have been prioritized. The ball is rolling."

Construction is scheduled to start in 2006, he added.

"There are plans for a portable trailer to be used next year," said Dent.

"We've had their school on our agenda for some time and our actions will be fast."

A proper washroom is also being planned for the new trailers, Dent said.

"Once we have the building, we can have water trucks and proper plumbing."