First Nations students likely to lose school year
Concern about mould in homes delays teachers' return to Pikangikum First Nation
Most elementary school students in Pikangikum First Nation won't be passing this year.
They've lost 57 days of class time since December, when teachers left the community after mould was discovered in their homes.
Playing catch-up
Principal Joanne Donnelly said some of the Pikangikum First Nation students may benefit from the extra time in one grade because they're the same children who lost school time when the school burned down in 2007.
Since Christmas, local "para-professionals," who are the equivalent of educational assistants in provincial schools, have been teaching Native language and running activities for the elementary students — from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. most school days. They also provide lunch at the school.
Donnelly said it's been "very trying" on them because they're not certified teachers and they are trying to keep kids engaged in unusual circumstances.
There are 62 teachers and para-professionals at the school. A total of 30 are from outside the community.
Repairs have been made and trailers brought in for alternative accommodations, but Principal Joanne Donnelly said teachers won't be back until next week at the earliest. They're still waiting for the results of air quality testing before returning.
The delay will have consequences for students.
"In terms of our elementary students, from kindergarten all the way through to Grade 7, it probably means they're going to miss their year because they've missed so much time," Donnelly said.
She said 57 days is two-thirds of a semester for elementary students, and it's unlikely any will pass.
"I'm anticipating, for the most part, that the students will be in the grade they are in now, with their peers," she said. "Everyone [will be] moving forward in getting the expectations under their belt so they can be successful at the following year."
Donnelly said high school students are on track to graduate, however.
Air quality testing is expected to be done in the teacher's homes later this week, but there are still concerns about whether there is mould in the furniture, the attics and the curtains or bedding in the homes.
"That's the next hurdle," Donnelly said.
In addition, the temporary trailers can house three teachers, but have only one bathroom. Donnelly said this will do until the end of June, but it may be difficult to attract teachers for the next school year under those conditions.
She said some teachers have had serious health effects from the mould. One is having sinus surgery, as a result.