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Catholic Schools Briefs: Giving thanks

Erika Sherk
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 27/06) - The Yellowknife Catholic School Board made a presentation of thanks to all those who helped with the devastating fire at St. Joseph school this August.

The presentations were made at the board's Sept. 20 meeting.

Representatives from the RCMP, the fire department, the airport, city bylaw enforcement, and other individuals were given plaques to thank them for their efforts.

"When the fire broke out there were so many people that immediately came to our aid," said Shannon Gullberg, the board's chair.

"They made sure that school started on time."

St. Joseph lost four classrooms and its gymnasium during the Aug. 4 blaze, which police believe was intentionally set.

Fire insurance

Trustees reported with relief that despite the fire resulting in a loss that will probably exceed $1 million dollars, the board will only have to pay a $5,000 deductible.

The rest will be covered by insurance, said Mike Huvenaars, assistant superintendent, He referred to their insurance plan as "great."

Retrofit rescheduled

St. Joseph school will be renovated more than a year earlier than planned, following the fire.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will complete the retrofit by fall, 2008.

Huvenaars said the project would otherwise have finished around 2010.

The work will begin next March.

Staff and students will be surveyed next week for input as to what they want in their new and improved school.