Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker. Over the past few weeks, the students attending high school programs in Inuvik were given a clear demonstration from the community that their education ranks high in their town's priorities. In just one week, following the closure of the secondary school, alternate facilities were set up in order to create classroom spaces and provide for the continuation of learning opportunities for all high school students.
Samuel Hearne Secondary School was closed temporarily due to possible risk factors related to the facility's wood pile foundations. This closure created a problem: where to house the over 350 students and how to make sure that students would continue their studies and meet the curriculum requirements.
To address this challenge, and through collaboration and cooperation between the Inuvik District Education Authority, the Town of Inuvik, Aurora College and several GNWT departments, classes have been set up in three locations. For students in grades 7 and 8, classes have been organized in the Sir Alexander Mackenzie School. Students in grades 9 to 12 are being housed at Aurora Campus and in the Town of Inuvik's recreation centre. In the rec centre, temporary classrooms have been built on the curling rink, and students have been given access to the wide range of activities that are housed in this facility.
I recently visited the community and each of the learning sites. I was very impressed by the work that has been
done by all involved to make the very best of a difficult situation.
I would like to recognize and extend our thanks to the students for taking a positive approach to the change in venue for their classrooms; to the DEC, DEA and education staff for taking on the challenge with great professionalism; and to the Town of Inuvik and the members of the Inuvik community for pulling together and working quickly and effectively to address the needs of the children of Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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