Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I wanted to congratulate Ms. Jane Arychuk, the principal of the Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School in Fort Providence, for receiving the Queen's Jubilee Award for Excellence in Teaching. In light of this event, I would like to share some of Ms. Arychuk's history and accomplishments with the Members of this House and the people of the North.
Ms. Jane Arychuk came to Elizabeth Ward School in Fort Providence as Miss Jane Neal, fresh out of teacher's college in 1980. After four years in the classroom, Jane became the principal in 1984. She has remained in the community as the principal since.
Under Jane's leadership, the school has changed to reflect the culture and the language of the community. In consultation with the community, the school was renamed Deh Gah School in 1992, which means school by the river. She married a resident of the community, Mr. Gordon Arychuk, in 1987, and has two children.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jane Arychuk was instrumental in many changes for the better that have happened and continue to happen at the Deh Gah school. Through much dedication, commitment and determination, Jane had a vision that was child-focused. Community support is excellent through parental involvement at the school. She, along with other dedicated staff members, have found alternate ways for some high school students, which has resulted in opportunities for the students in career planning and choices. Student and parental involvement is high, as the school fundraises a great deal for the students to explore other parts of the world outside of the Northwest Territories, including the provinces and the United States. One trip was to Florida to see the launching of the space shuttle Columbia. This mission, STS-90, had the Deh Gah School pin in orbit from April 17th to May 3rd and is now hanging in the school along with a picture of Canadian astronaut, Dr. David Williams.
Jane also initiated a proposal for the Aboriginal Head Start Program in Fort Providence and it is now considered a model program. The Deh Gah School is one of the few schools in Canada that has become FAE and FAS friendly.
Mr. Speaker, for many years, we did not have true academic graduates in our community. In 2000-2001, the Deh Gah School had four graduates and in 2001-2002, produced five more graduates with the required credentials. Three of the nine graduates are people who have jobs in the community, yet have taken certain classes to obtain credits for a high school diploma.
We are confident to say Ms. Arychuk has worked hard to make many positive changes in the Deh Gah School and she is certainly deserving of this prestigious award. I want to congratulate her and thank her. Mahsi cho.