Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Chief Julian Yendo School junior high school students have been working really hard all year to be able to be part of the annual Jasper and Edmonton field trip. The school staff, the District Education Authority, and the parents worked together to come up with guidelines the students need to fulfill to be able to go on the trip.

Mr. Speaker, some of the guidelines involved the students to have good attendance, complete their assigned work, be well behaved in school, and be respectful of their fellow students, visitors, and school staff. On top of this, the students needed to help out with fundraising events such as movie nights and monthly recycling days.

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that almost all the students from grade 7 to 9 were able to participate in this trip. These students are considered to be role models for the younger students and you can hear them speak highly about this trip. The younger students look at this trip as something to work for and it motivates them to stay in school, work hard and keep up with their school attendance. It is like they are preparing themselves for when they get to grade seven.

Mr. Speaker, this year the school trip took place from February 8th to 16th. From all accounts, it was a very positive experience for the students, staff, and one young adult chaperone -- the community's recreation coordinator.

All students got along great, they bonded as a group, gained self-confidence. As well, this trip helped promote healthy life choices and build on the school's spirit.

Some of the highlights involved them participating in snowboarding, swimming, staying in hotels, and eating out at restaurants. The funny thing about eating out, the students really enjoyed having pizza. Some things don't change!

Mr. Speaker, the students had the opportunity to visit the Telus World of Science Centre where they got see the various science displays and watch an IMAX 3D documentary titled "Wild Africa." To round out the trip, they went to an Edmonton Oilers game at the Rogers Centre and witnessed an Edmonton Oilers win. Believe that? Oh, that's pretty impressive.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Wrigley District Education Authority, Pehdzeh Ki First Nation, and Municipal and Community Affairs for helping to sponsoring this trip. As well, the students and the staff, for all the hard work they did to go on this trip.

Mr. Speaker, these extracurricular trips continue to be of great value to the students, and the students continue to be great ambassadors for the school, community, region, and the NWT. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.