Morale is up in Carmacks because of the new Tantalus School, says principal Cully Robinson.
In August, the sparkling kindergarten-to-Grade-12 structure opened its doors to 105 students.
“The whole ambience of the school — that it’s light, that it’s open, that it’s airy, that it’s clean, that it’s new — you can really see that’s had a huge impact on the morale and the pride of the students in the community,” says Robinson.
“The staff, the students and the community are very happy with the school. It is a very comprehensive facility.”
The new school has become a gathering place for the entire community, says Robinson, touting the new multi-purpose room.
Designed by award-winning Yukon architects Kobayashi and Zedda, the building also houses a full shop, “state of the art” technology education room and a First Nations language classroom.
Design and construction of the school have not been without controversy.
Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation protested plans to construct the community campus of Yukon College adjacent to the school.
Those plans were later abandoned.
Later, opposition members criticized the government for exceeding the capital budget by more than $2 million.
To coincide with Education Week, the school will host dignitaries, bureaucrats and community members for a grand opening beginning at 10 a.m. Friday.
Official ribbon-cutting takes place at 11:30, followed by lunch, stick gambling and early dismissal for students. (BM)
See photo online at www.yukon-news.com.