Janvier opens new school

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JANVIER - "A good atmosphere and good facilities help in the learning ability of a child," said Walter Janvier, chief of the Janvier Band at the official opening of the Father R. Perin School here October 10.

"When I was a young boy our school facilities were not as good. I'm grateful to see these kids have a good school. This is gonna be a big step for education for the kids and already I can see a brighter future for them," said Janvier.

Other speakers at the official opening were Dr. Steve Odinak, Department of Education Jack Shields, MP; Jim Carbery, Department of Indian Affairs, and guest speaker David Janvier. David Janvier has been involved with the school system for almost 20 years and as a result was recognized with an award at the ceremonies. His speech to the nearly filled gymnasium concentrated on the need for education to meet the demands of the future and was well accepted with applause and cheering.

Edna McDonald, secretary for the local school board and bus driver for the school handled the official ribbon cutting ceremonies. She has been involved with the school for a number of years and since the opening of the new school she can see a difference in the children's attitudes towards education. "This should've happened a long time ago; the kids are enthused about he new school," said McDonald. "The attendance is great - almost 100%."

Also on the afternoon's schedule were awards to the students for best overall attendance, citizenship and athletic and scholastic achievement for the 1985/86 school term.

The school is a work of modern art in its circular shaped design. Equipped with the most up-to-date equipment the children can be educated with aids that are evident in the urban schools. The $4 million project was completed early in the spring and was quickly being utilized by the staff and students. A library with all new stock and equipment, computers and a music room combined, a home ec room with a washer and dryer and kitchen, an industrial arts room with saws, presses, drills, etc. are equipment that was not always available to them.

"I think this is the finest school in Alberta," said principal Dave Stainton. "It is very well designed functional and it works well."

With the completion of the new road, Edna McDonald feels that the teachers who usually stay only one year or two will probably stay longer. "With the road, the new school and new houses that were also recently constructed, they will probably stay with us longer," said McDonald. As with many other native isolated communities, schools have had small success in attracting teachers who were willing to spend much time in the north.

The school employs seven teachers, two teacher aides, one ECS teacher, one library aide and a janitor. Two ladies form the community are also completed and work on the hot lunch program. Of the seven professional teachers at the school, one of them is Julie Mercredi, originally from Fort Chipewyan. Julie is Native and also speaks the Chipewyan language, which is the language spoken by the majority of the population of Janvier.

"Eventually we would like to see all Native staff teaching our kids," said Walter Janvier.

Father Perin was the first to build a loghouse school for the students many years ago. The school has since been demolished and was replaced with mobile home type trailers which were used until the now present Father R. Perin School was completed.

A banquet and dance were the final events that wrapped up the day's events.

The dance was held in the gymnasium of the new school and music was provided by Elmer McDonald and his boys.

The Father R. Perin School is yet another addition to the thriving small town of Janvier. With its great facilities and wonderful staff and co-operating community members, it was evident this day that a bright future for the kids and the community is in store.