Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 13/06) - Yellowknifers will head to the polls Oct. 16 to elect the Catholic school board.

Yellowknifer put three questions to the candidates, including one on the controversial topic of religious affiliations.

1. What should be done about overcrowding in Catholic schools?
2. Should Catholic school trustees be required to be Catholic?
3. Should there be more Catholic religious instruction in the schools?

Linda Jardine

1. That is not a question that I, as a parent or a future trustee, would have a ready answer for. This is a problem to be looked at by administration, and a committee of the board. I do know the current board is working very hard to find solutions for this problem and if elected, I will work with my fellow trustees.

2. Yes. We are a Catholic school system. The seven trustees ensure that we have a superintendent, administration and staff that are Catholic and that we have a solid spiritual program in place for our students. It is also the board's responsibility to ensure that there are ongoing spiritual renewals for the staff, administration and the board.

3. Quality and effectiveness should be looked at rather than quantity. Parents and teachers model the faith and our youth today need to know that we pray and are nourished by scripture and the Eucharist. The need to see us living the faith that we are teaching them in our schools.

Jennifer Debogorski

1. Wouldn't it be great and simple if I could say build a new school or use an existing space to deal with the overcrowding in our Catholic system and that might be a possibility? However, if that were the case we wouldn't be fighting for our existence as a Catholic school system. What I can suggest and encourage is for the parents' continuing support to lobby the government and write letters to our MLAs to resolve the issue.

2. Yes. It is vital that the leadership of our school support and facilitate the values and beliefs of our faith based system that is congruent with the Catholic school board's mandate.

3. Religious instruction is fundamental to the philosophical teachings of the Catholic schools. To enhance this aspect of our schools I feel it is essential to promote the awareness of the presence of Christ in our schools. This can be done through open dialogue about God's presence in our lives, continuing to support community justice programs in our schools and by being a living example of Christ through kindness, compassion and caring for others.

Debora Simpson

1. We need a medium, short and long term strategy to deal with this issue. With hard work, dedication, good planning, creative "outside the box" thinking as well as cooperation with YK1, overcrowding issues can be effectively addressed.

2. No. Non Catholics have successfully served on this board for most of the past 20 years. During this inclusive period, the district thrived, new facilities were built and there has been unprecedented growth in student numbers. High standards of education and inclusive, faith based education have also been the norm.

3. Currently, there is adequate religious instruction in the schools. Because of the diversity of the student population with close to 50 per cent of the students being non-Catholic, I would certainly encourage tolerance and respect for all faiths.

Debbie Ross

1. We need to ensure that all the students who wish to attend YCS have the opportunity to choose as defined in the Education Act, and I believe the best way to serve our students is to work co-operatively with both YK1 and the Dept. of Education to find solutions that are "win win" for both districts.

2. Catholic school trustees answer to two authorities; the Minister of Education for the delivery of curriculum and to the bishop for the delivery of the Catholic faith. I believe that this is our most important mandate and what sets us apart. To fully understand this mandate and to provide leadership by example you must be living the Catholic faith.

3. Right now the faith is part of everything we do, all teaching in all subjects. We are all about continuous improvement, but I prefer a focus on quality and relevance of instruction, making faith a part of everyday living, not quantity of instruction.

Brian Nagel

1. There appears to be vacant classroom space in Yellowknife. Unfortunately Yellowknife Catholic Schools does not have access to that space. The board needs to work closely with the GNWT and the stakeholders to find a workable solution.

2. Yes. I believe that Catholic school trustees are in the best position to ensure that the Catholic faith is permeated throughout our school system and, to make certain that this faith based education is available to all students in our district.

3. Religious instruction in our schools is more than a religion class. Our curriculum is permeated by faith. Therefore, religion classes are as much a part of the curriculum as math or science. This is why Catholic Schools are unique and successful.

Shannon Gullberg

1. The government must provide adequate space for YCS so that all students whose parents choose our district can be accommodated. If the government is not prepared to build a new school, then it should require YK1 to transfer a school. The GNWT owns one school operated by YK1.

2. This is a legal requirement, and our policies and code of conduct indicate that trustees must lead by example in showing a commitment to, and living, the Catholic faith. Trustees must work together towards a common vision of providing Catholic faith based education. YCS is not simply an alternative district.

3. The issue is not whether there should be more religious instruction. The issue is whether Catholic teachings permeate throughout all aspects of the district. I believe they do, and trustees must be vigilant in ensuring this happens, and that the district continues to grow in faith.

Jane Haley

1. Overcrowding can only be resolved through the acquisition of additional space. The district needs to continue their work with stakeholders to resolve the issue.

2. Yes. Catholic schools have a unique educational philosophy that requires the teaching of Catholic doctrine be the reason for their existence. For this reason, trustees elected to Catholic boards take as their primary reason for existence the faithful adherence to Catholic teaching, instruction and lifestyle.

3. No. The schools need to deliver a quality secular education in addition to the schools' continuous efforts to deliver quality religious instruction and values based on Catholic denominational philosophy and delivered in a way that permeates the teaching of secular subjects.

Amy Hacala

1. As a trustee with children in the schools, I believe that this is one of the primary issues that needs to be addressed by the incoming board. Yellowknife Catholic Schools is in dire need of a new school to alleviate the pressure of overcrowding currently being felt in our schools.

2. No. As long as the district is 100% funded by public funds from the taxpayers of all denominations and spiritual beliefs, all taxpayers are entitled to a voice in how both their tax dollars are spent and how their children are educated.

3. The religious curriculum currently in place provides adequate religious instruction. There is no need to increase the amount of religious instruction, although it is imperative that all religious instruction be infused with a spirit of inclusiveness and tolerance.

Larry Purcka

1. Yellowknife Catholic Schools will need to work closely with the GNWT - ECE and the Education Facilities for Yellowknife Committee to resolve the overcrowding in our schools. One student - one seat may not be a solution where there is more than one district in the community. Having a choice is good for all the students.

2. Definitely! How can you be entrusted to ensure the ideals of Catholicism is included in every program, classroom and throughout our schools and district if you are not actively practising the Catholic faith?

3. I feel there is adequate religious instruction in our schools; however as the spiritual development of our students is a shared responsibility between the home, church and school, we should all be continually exploring ways to enhance the spiritual growth of all our students, staff and the faith community.

Mary Vane

1. The board must continue to work with the GNWT Department of Education to find a solution.

2. Yes. The second responsibility of the dual mandate for a Catholic trustee is to ensure that faith education is delivered within our system. It would be unfair to expect anyone but a Catholic to assume this responsibility.

3. No. We teach and live the entire school day by our faith. Remember, we are not primary educators, the home is. The school, in partnership with the church, supports the home in faith education.

Raymond St. Arnaud

1. I was a trustee from 2001 to 2003 and during that time I advocated to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment that there was a need for a new school for the Yellowknife Catholic Schools district. I still believe the best solution for overcrowding in the Catholic schools is the addition of a new school.

2. Yes, I believe that Catholic school trustees should be required to be Catholic. The role of the board of trustees of YCS is responsible for the development of educational goals and policies in keeping with the requirements of the government legislation and, equally as important, in keeping with the values of the Catholic community. It is very important that the board make decisions which reflect Catholic values and beliefs. How can a trustee promote Catholic values if they are not Catholic?

3. The YCS district provides a very good program of religious instruction for all three schools. However, the district is continually making strides to develop a Catholic, Christ-centred community that strives to nurture the spiritual development of all learners in the Catholic school system.

In addition to the formal religious instruction in the Catholic schools, the district also sponsors spiritual retreats, promotes Christian leadership groups, actively involves students in the planning and delivery of faith activities and promotes many other activities that nurture the spiritual development of its students.