Attawapiskat students back to school

Community still waiting for new school as classes start in portables
For several years, students in Attawapiskat First Nation have readily adapted to the many challenges they have faced in pursuit of education.
Faced with toxicity from a 30,000-gallon diesel leak, parents concerned for their children’s health and safety pulled their children from the school.
For a brief time there was optimism in the community when a former Indian affairs minister announced a new school would be built in the fall of 2008.
That dream was shattered when his successor cancelled those plans deciding other communities took priority and there were no health and safety concerns.
Yet again, in December 2009, another announcement was made that the children would get the school they so desperately needed.
Now entering into another school year, there hasn’t been any official word from INAC, the federal ministry responsible to provide education funding, when construction of the new school would begin.
“We wish they were breaking ground this fall to build the school,” said Wayne Potts, vice-principal of J. R. Nakogee School in Attawapiskat.
Experience has shown the community that results come slowly especially when dealing with government, Potts said.
But he is hopeful progress is being made. Still, frustration is clear.
“In a regular school system, they would be breaking ground. So why are they not breaking ground here?” he said.
Nevertheless, a new school year has started and staff at J.R. Nakogee School are facing the year with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
This despite the fact they are operating without a building, using portables for classrooms and administration.
School administrators were busy preparing teachers.
“We had some workshops on classroom management and evaluation and assessment practices,” Potts said.
The kids began a half-day of classes with teachers still getting organized. Regular full day classes began Aug. 26.
Classroom rules, routines and procedures are part of the transition period of returning back to classes.
At the first school assembly, Potts said parents were out showing strong support for their children’s education.
“The community was well represented with their children. The gym was jam-packed with a standing room only capacity,” Potts said.
He encourages the involvement of parents in their children’s education, which he said makes a huge difference in student success.
“It benefits the child immensely when they talk about how the child is doing.”
Adapting to their environment is a trait the children have learned in their formative years.
Altogether the staff and 400 students have 12 portables that comprise their school.
The junior kindergarten classes have taken over what used to be the library.
The senior kindergarten classes have one portable for their use.
Eight portables have been reserved for each of the grades from 1-8 where there are two classes of each grade.
The literacy and special education classes have a portable.
The 12th portable is used for administration purposes.
“We try to make the most of our portables, but it is difficult sometimes as the teachers feel isolated, Potts said.
But working as a team makes a difference, Potts said.
“We are optimistic coming into the new (school) year. The students have adapted as best as they can and they carry hope that the new school will be coming soon,” he said.