Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Nov 22/02) - The effectiveness of inclusive education practices at Deh Gah school has not gone unnoticed, nor has Jane Arychuk's hard work.

Arychuk, principal of Deh Gah school, was presented with an inclusive education award while at a Canadian Association for Community Living conference in Toronto earlier this month.

She also made a presentation, explaining how her staff has adopted various strategies to make learning easier for those with learning disabilities and those who excel. Some examples include clearing hallways and classrooms of distractions, creating more structured environments and offering literacy tutoring.

"We decided that we were going to look at it school-wide," Arychuk said. "We saw that we weren't going to be able to meet everybody's need with one (designated) teacher... and some SNAs (special needs assistants)."

The award was unexpected, but appreciated, she said.

"It's nice to see that now it's being recognized that we are giving extra and more," said Arychuk.

"My satisfaction comes in that the kids are coming to school and we have a safe environment. They're happy to be here and they don't want to leave."

Arychuk is also the only teacher in the NWT to receive a Queen's Golden Jubilee medal.

"It's always nice to get those kinds of things ... it's not what I do it for, but it's nice for the recognition," she said of the distinction. "I'm always trying to find ways to do things better for the kids."

Over her 22 years at Deh Gah school, Arychuk has supplied continuity and consistency, according to Nolan Swartzentruber, director of the Deh Cho divisional board of education.

He said her enthusiasm and dedication are shared by the staff.