Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 29/01) - Koinonia Christian school reopened this week, although it still doesn't have a permanent home.

The small school of seven children, ranging from kindergarten to Grade 5, will rent a room at the Mildred Hall public school from the Yellowknife Education District No. 1 school board.

Koinonia principal and teacher Judy Reath with students Ariel Belsheim (left) and Nadia Wilson (right). - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

"We've been in discussions with (superintendent) Judith Knapp for a while," said Judy Reath, Koinonia's principal and only teacher. "This was an option that was available and we went for it."

In July, Koinonia bought two J.H. Sissons portables for $2,000, but, so far, the school can't find land for them.

"That's going to be our next challenge," said Reath.

The fledgling school has certainly experienced its share of challenges since its inception five years ago. In June 2000, while operating out of rented portables at J.H. Sissons, it closed because enrolment dropped from a dozen to eight. This saw the school's debt-load climb to $19,000.

It's remained closed ever since.

During Koinonia's first year, it was located in Weledeh Catholic school portables. But, eventually, Weledeh needed the portables back and Koinonia moved to the Pentecostal Church basement until city officials shut them down citing rules.

"We understand that the city has rules," said Reath. "There were no hard feelings."

Steve Richards, Yellowknife District No. 1 director of corporate affairs, said the board is giving Koinonia a good deal on the Mildred Hall room. But the monthly rental agreement is only valid for a year.

"They'll be gone after that," he said.

"They're paying rent, but it's a nominal amount. "The school was about to not operate again this year, so we said we'll do what we can to help."

Koinonia is part of an Alberta-based organization that operates nine other Christian schools.