Offering accredited courses and a brand new residence has increased enrolment at Frontier Collegiate in Cranberry Portage.
Principal Dodie Johnston explained that for the second year the school will be offering accredited classes in areas such as hairstyling, mechanics and carpentry, which has attracted additional students.
Approximately 300 students are expected at registration on Sept. 9 at the Grade 9 to 12 high school. Regular classes begin Sept. 10 and run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Frontier Collegiate is unique in that 280 of its students will be residing on campus during the school year. Brand new dormitories were opened at the beginning of last school year and have been a welcome addition and popular feature in attracting students.
A large part of the student body comes from Cranberry Portage and neighbouring Sturgeon Landing. However, the total student body includes youth from 24 different communities.
Johnston reported that there have been, “minor changes to staffing” for the school this year.
The school itself includes 21 teachers and 12 educational assistants. Support staff in the residence including culinary staff and maintenance personal bring the total paid staff to 100 positions.
In addition to the full list of academic and accredited classes, there is a host of activities for students to get involved in.
“I encourage students to get involved with sports teams, school clubs and events, as it’s a great opportunity for them to make memories with their friends,” said Johnston.
Sports offered at Frontier Collegiate include hockey, curling, volleyball, basketball, and track and field.
The school also offers a wide range of clubs for students who aren’t interested in athletics including the Get Out of Town book club and an art club.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Frontier School Division, and the Cranberry Portage school will be holding a number of events held throughout the school year, said Johnston.
In addition to the anniversary celebrations, she explained that the school hosts several events each year, and the Frontier Games every second year.
“This is our year to host the Frontier Games, which will include welcoming close to 400 extra students to our campus for three or four days,” she said.
The division’s version of the Olympics includes students in grades 5 to 9 from a number of communities. Athletes compete throughout the winter and into the spring months, moving from local to regional and then to the division level competition. Events include volleyball, floor hockey, badminton, table tennis, trap setting, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and archery.
The school was a busy place last week in preparation for the arrival of students and the beginning of regular classes but Johnston said she is looking forward to a good school year ahead.
