Yellowknife (Jan 12/07) - Terry Brookes, chair of the YK1 school board, reported being impressed by the music performances that were given by the schools over the Christmas Holidays.

Metro Huculak, superintendent, reported that the school gym was full for performances at Sir John Franklin.

Both attributed the large turnouts at the concerts and the quality of the music to the program supervision of Bill Gilday, who has been heading classes since 1999.

Making a difference

Duff Spence, vice-chair of the YK1 school board, announced that this year the city will host the 10th anniversary of the Thank you for Making a Difference campaign. The campaign recognizes teachers for their contributions to the school and the community.

Teachers, who are nominated by their students and their parents, receive certificates of contribution, and awards such as a paid day off work and a First Air flights.

Spence recognized Gayla Meredith, who runs public relations for the school board, for having been involved in the campaign since its inception.

More testing support

Superintendent Metro Huculak announced that additional support will be provided for Grade 6 students for the Alberta Achievement Tests.

The exams test proficiency in math and language arts for Grade 3 and Grade 6 students, with Grade 6 students fairing worse than those in Grade 3. Huculak reported that there had been a general dip in achievement . One teacher coming off maternity leave will be working with Grade 6 teachers in hopes to reverse this trend.

Yellowknifers go global

Sir John Franklin will be headed to France and Spain on a field trip in 2008.

The trip will be open to all Sir John Franklin high school students. Although some money may be raised through fundraising, the rest of the trip is entirely financed by the students and their families.