Fort Simpson (Jun 30/06) - It might seem like a small step in the grand scheme of things, but to 21 kindergarten students, celebrating graduation was a big deal.

The graduates proudly paraded into the gym of Bompas elementary school in Fort Simpson on June 22, wearing purple gowns and graduation caps.

Sitting on the stage in front of their parents and friends, the children watched a slide show of pictures highlighting their progress through kindergarten. There was a lot to remember.

"I learned everything," Evan Sibbeston said, when asked what he learned in kindergarten.

Writing is something that Newmoon Buggins learned how to do over the course of the year.

Buggins said she can now write her own name along with short words like "yes" and "no." Kindergarten, said Buggins, is hard work.

Learning to read was one of Jade Tesou's accomplishments. Tesou said one of his favourite parts of kindergarten was reading stories.

Strengthening artistic skills was also part of the curriculum. "I learned about colouring good and not going out of the lines," Dallas Brown said.

Although reading, writing and colouring are important, most students were ready to admit that playing, particularly outside at recess, was the best part of their first year in school. Teacher Val Gendron has been watching the students since day one.

With 21 students, this is the largest kindergarten class that has been kept together.

"It was challenging and rewarding because they have all grown and progressed in all areas since September," Gendron said. Kindergarten helps teach skills about a wide range of areas that cover more than academics.

For example, a lot of children who come into the class run with their legs straight. As part of large motor skills, they have to be taught to kick their legs back while they run, Gendron said.

Social skills are also an area of growth.

The class was a close knit group except for a few shy students, she said. Gendron is already looking forward to next year's class that will only have 10 students.

Although they have learned a lot of the basics now that kindergarten is behind them, many of the students believe they will face tough challenges in Grade 1.

"It will be hard," said Makoos Buboire.