Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 26/00) - Ndilo now has its own school.

Last week staff at Ndilo Community school moved from their temporary location at a portable at J.H. Sissons to their newly-renovated home in Ndilo.

Starting last Wednesday staff, as well as some of the students, began unpacking boxes of books and equipment and what have you at their new location.

This work was far from over on Friday, principal Angela James confided. She said workmen were still putting finishing touches on the renovations in time for the first day of classes on Tuesday.

The school actually began at its current location during the 1998-99 year, though then it was only from kindergarten to Grade 3. Plans were made to expand the building, so since September, 1999 the school has taught students from kindergarten to Grade 6 at its J.H.Sissons location.

James, who became principal in August and thus has supervised two moves within a year, said Ndilo has wanted its own school for about two decades.

"We're looking forward to our growth here in the community of Ndilo," James said.

She pointed out kids have helped by unpacking boxes and arranging books.

"The kids are excited, they're really excited," James said. "One of the very important goals we have as educators is to make sure the school is a place where the children want to go."

The school currently has 25 students, but James said she expects that number to double now that it is located within Ndilo.

James said the curriculum at Ndilo will centre around academics (like reading and writing), technology, life skills, and the Dene language and culture.

"That's the reason the school is here, to empower the children through their heritage, their culture and their language," James said. "They are the fires of the future."

James said a lot of the schooling relates to, and even takes place on, the land. For instance, students camped at Kam Lake recently as part of their studies on dog sledding.

"These children learn not only in the classroom, but more importantly, on the land."

The school will host open houses before the end of the current academic year. Its official opening will take place in the fall.