Ross River school still closed, students adjusting to temporary classrooms

Students in Ross River are going to class in unusual places — a community centre, trailers, even a Yukon Housing unit.

Students have been in temporary classrooms for more than a month.

The community's school was shut down in January after cracks were discovered in the building.

"I think it is working out as well as it can be," says Billie Maje, a parent in Ross River. 

"There are classes all over town and they're just making do with what they've got and I think everybody misses their school."

Gathering for meals 

Students have been gathering at a local Christian centre, called the Hope Centre, each morning for breakfast. 
They also meet there for lunch three times a week and it's also where some of the younger students attend class.   

President of the Hope Society, Tim Colwell, describes a community-wide effort to provide space and support.

"Students can come in if they need to get a bowl of cereal, a yogourt, a glass of milk or juice before heading to the class. Many of the teachers come by here and it's sort of the main distribution point in the morning for kids and staff," he says. 

In all, there are seven different locations that have become temporary classrooms in the community. 

"I've seen teachers, staff, parents, everybody has come together and it's been neat to see what has happened," Colwell says. 

'It's been a challenge'

Superintendent Greg Storey says there have been challenges and staff had to re-establish routines after school was cancelled for a short period in January.

Attendance initially dipped but is now back to normal levels.

"Some of the places have turned out very well, for example, the place where the Kindergarten is, is a house and it's become very home-like and I think very comfortable for kids," he says.

But, officials are still working to fine tune some of the arrangements. "The Grade 10 class is crammed into two smaller rooms and they are trying to come up with some alternatives for that space," says Colwell. 

The principal has also been without an office since the school shut down, but Storey says that may soon change.

"She's been floating class to class. This week we are hoping to hook up a new trailer for her so she'll have her own office which will be a relief for her I think."

The lack of a gymnasium and library is another issue.   

"It's been a challenge that's for sure," he says.

The Yukon government is still waiting for reports on the structural condition of Ross River School.