Yellowknife (Dec 24/04) - Other than some cold days both inside and out for students and workers earlier this winter, construction at Mildred Hall school is going well.

Most of the $9.2 million project to renovate the almost 40-year-old school should be done by March or April, according to Judith Knapp, superintendent of Yellowknife Education District No. 1. Earlier estimates cited completion in January.

The exterior work, including a stucco facade, will have to wait until next summer. Clark Builders is currently completing the section that includes a new library, two storeys of classrooms and an indoor play area. The colours and decor will also reflect the school's aboriginal ties.

"It's going to be so open and fresh and very positive," said Knapp.

Mildred Hall students are still slated to move in next September. They have been crammed into the newly-renovated back section of the school since the fall. Principal Yasemin Heyck and staff say they will be happy when construction is over.

School enrolment had to be pared down for the construction year, to 235 from about 350 students, said Heyck. With 10 new classrooms increasing capacity, she hopes to start the push for more enrolment this spring with an open house.

When asked if the stress of constant hammering and construction noise was worth it for staff and students, Heyck doesn't hesitate to say "Oh yeah."

"I can just see there's going to be some phenomenal features that will make it worth it," said the former Mildred Hall student.

The next plan for Heyck and the district is to collaborate with the city on a new playground.

"What we'd like to do is renovate the playground to make it into a community park," said Heyck.

The current gravel and concrete playground features some equipment from the original 1965 building.

The district envisions a greenspace with trees, grass and new equipment for city residents to share with the school. They plan to approach city council in the new year, according to Knapp.