The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
New learning opportunities awaited Flin Flon students as they opened their textbooks and began a new school year yesterday. Superintendent of Schools Blaine Veitch said a number of changes have been made and new courses initiated to enhance the educational experience. "I'm looking forward to another great year," he said. "We have a strong teaching staff, and I know that our community and parents continue to support good education." New courses include a pair of grade 9 offerings at Hapnot Collegiate, Cree and Native Studies. Over at Many Faces Education Centre, staff are looking at offering an enhanced physical education program as well as cosmetology-related courses. In the lower grades, the school division has increased staffing for its early literacy and reading recovery programs for elementary students. Also in place is an early numeracy program at Ruth Betts School. As well, additional coordination will take place between French Immersion and Core French, with the aim of benefitting students in in both programs. See 'Parental' P.# Con't from P.# One goal for the new year, Veitch said, is to increase school involvement among aboriginal parents "to help guide the schools and increase the success of their children." Students will also notice some new faces at the blackboard. New staff members are Lee Baker, Bobbi Lynn Meyer and Leigh Ann Nawrocki at Parkdale; Doug Mack at Ruth Betts; Mike Nychuk and Janice Lentowicz at Hapnot; and Sharon Beck, Bonnie Campbell and Melanie LaRouche at McIsaac. Veitch estimates about 30 per cent of the existing staff are in different schools this year. "I think this allows people to try new challenges and use their experience in different areas, and it helps keep them fresh," commented the superintendent. Meanwhile across the border, major changes have also been made at Creighton Community School as the school for the first time accepts grade 10 students. The new grade has meant 16 new course offerings, including French, Cree, accounting, drama, visual art, choral, and practical and applied arts. The eight new staff members are vice-principal Jane Dupre; teachers Lisa Buettner, Janine Rivard, Laurel Walker; educational assistants Trina Senyk and Anna Gieg; vocation counselor and family worker Francis Goulet; and community school worker Darla Flynn. An additional educational assistant will be hired by the end of the month.
