Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, September 5, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife Catholic students headed out for their first day of school Thursday morning.

For a group of St. Joseph students housed at NJ Macpherson school last year, the day was a welcome return back to the school they know.

French Immersion students Marlyse Lenardon, 8, and Kylee Vatcher, 9, are back at St. Joseph school after spending last year at NJ Macpherson school. With portable classrooms not ready for another two weeks, the school will use its specialty classrooms to house the students for the interim. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

"I just like St. Joe's," said Bronson Dolynny, a nine-year old French immersion student who spent last year at NJ Macpherson school. "I studied here since kindergarten and I won't leave until Grade 8."

The return was equally appreciated by principal Flo Campbell.

After a trying year, Campbell is set for a fresh start with all her students finally under one roof.

"We learned a lot last year," said Campbell. "Knowing that we can overcome things as students and staff, that we can do it."

Four portable classrooms and the school's gymnasium were destroyed by fire Aug. 3, 2006.

The fire forced Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS) to move over 100 students to William McDonald and NJ Macpherson schools.

Then, just five days before the school year was set to start, long-time St. Joe's teacher Carmen Gobeil passed away.

"You have to enjoy each day," said Campbell. "That's what's what we got from last year."

Over the year, YCS pressed Education Minister Charles Dent for more space. Both school boards - Catholic and public - found themselves in a head to head conflict as Dent insisted that Yellowknife Education District No. 1 hand over one of their schools to YCS.

When YK No.1 refused, the YCS board decided to purchase seven modular classroom units to make up the extra space.

With a two-week wait expected before the portables are ready, the St. Joe's students are being housed in specialty classrooms like science labs and English language arts rooms.

The school had a contingency plan to keep the students there, anticipating the portables may not be ready on time.

Other than teachers having to move around some materials, Campbell said the delay hasn't interrupted life at St. Joseph. One teacher is planning a student activity day to keep the children occupied when the teachers move into the portables.

Lauren Nolan, a nine-year-old girl who spent her year at NJ Macpherson school, said she's happy to be back with her friends.

"We didn't turn into NJ," said Nolan. "Because then we wouldn't be back."

With the new school year, comes a fresh start and some treats for St. Joseph students. The students will see a new, $55,000 playground installed at the end of September.

Campbell said the school has been fundraising the last few years to get the equipment. Campbell is now looking for sponsorship to help cover the costs of benches and tables to have a social area for the school and the public.

She is also looking for parent volunteers to help install the equipment.