SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - In her finance report trustee Marta Simek de Jorge said enrolment for the Catholic school district is down this year.

"Overall enrolment is down from last year's 1,343 to 1,314 (students)," said de Jorge.

For individual schools in YCS - St. Patrick High School had an increase of 27 students, Weledeh Catholic School had a decrease of 13 students and St. Joseph School had a decrease of 43 students.

Promoting trapping for kids

The board received a poster of YCS students who are involved in the Take A Kid Trapping program, started in 2002 through the department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

"We are very proud," said Parker. "(David Radcliffe aboriginal program activities co-ordinator) is on medical leave right now but we can't wait for him to come in and see the finished product, because we think it's just great and it highlights our students and our cultural program."

The posters will be distributed throughout the territory to promote the program.

Trade skills

Larry Connolly, co-ordinator for the Kimberlite Career and Technical Centre (KCTC) made a presentation on this year's highlights from the institute during the year at the Yellowknife Catholic School board meeting on Dec. 15.

"My message since I've been here is career prep is an important aspect of a high school education," said Connolly. "We give all students a chance to explore the trades and I want to emphasize all students."

KCTC is currently offering courses in construction, carpentry, small engine repairs, robotics, hairstyling and wielding for the middle school and high school students. This year were four instructors at the centre and 502 students taking courses.

"You don't have to decide that you want to go into the trades in order to go to the KCTC to take courses," said Claudia Parker, superintendent of YCS. "Any of those skills that you're learning it's a life skill."