By Margo Hearne--The school board heard presentations from students, approved its 5-year capital plan and heard reports when it met in Masset October 24.
Capital planning was discussed with the replacement of the Port Clements High School on top of the list at a cost of $1.6-million, three years down the road. The formal title of the plan is 'Replace - Port Clements Elementary 2 Rooms in New Joint-use Municipal Facility'.
"We're saying we want to include a new school in the Ministry of Education's budget," said Ken Campbell, the new Secretary-Treasurer for the district. "We have to have our budget in by October 20 for the 2007/2008 plan. Other capital projects, particularly the mechanical upgrade at Tahayghen Elementary School is considered by the Ministry to be a minor capital program and funding should come from the Annual Facilities Grant."
In response to a question by Trustee Sharon Matthews, who expressed concern that the Tahayghen project might not be done, Mr. Campbell assured her that it was definitely on the books for completion.
One presentation showed examples of "Planning 10 Posters", a project to help students to learn what their own skills and abilities are. "It was a lot of fun," said one student. "We made the posters from pictures which appealed to us. I discovered what was important to me and what my abilities were. It will help me focus on what I need to learn to develop my own skills for a future career."
"I learned about culture, family and art," said another. "The project helped me look into myself and understand some of my own skills. It's about learning and that what's high school is for - to learn."
Student Fees were discussed and Superintendent Mike Woods noted that students are only charged for surplus items and are not being charged for field trips that are mandatory. "Do some students not go if they can't afford it"? Trustee Matthews asked. "Not really," was the response. "We try to help out and Gwaii Trust will also help out to make sure all students can go."
Ken Campbell, the new Secretary-Treasurer was welcomed to the district. Mr. Campbell started on October 10 after having worked with the Fraser Cascade District for thirteen years.