LeGoff School recognized for excellence

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The hearts of students and staff at Cold Lake's LeGeoff School are bursting with pride.

The school is the first in Alberta to meet or exceed standards set by the province for a federally-operated school.

On March 22 five staff at the school were given 1990-91 Deputy Minister Outstanding Achievement Awards because students a LeGeoff met or exceeded standards set by the 1988-89 school year. The province conducts achievement tests annually for students in Grades 3 and 6.

In the Grade 3 math test, all LeGoff students achieved the level of excellence. In social studies only two of the 177 students tested in federal schools reached the level of excellence. Both were from LeGoff.

The recipients were presented with pins and certificates. The were principal Joe Redillas and teachers Maryann Bushore, Puspa Narayan, Michelle Penner and Elizabeth Weleschuk.

"The award is a formal recognition of ht e significant contribution of your team to the goals of aboriginal peoples and the department (of Indian affairs)," said deputy minister Harry Swain.

"This achievement reflects positively on all concerned, students, staff and the community, particularly the chief and council of Cold Lake First Nation," he said.

Redillas, who has been at the school for 16 years, said "We work for quality education and everyone is aspiring to that. There is no time to waste in the classroom."

Garry Wouters, regional director general for Indian Affairs (Alberta region) said, "This is one of the first times the award has been given to a group of teachers."

Wouters commended the students, teachers and parents for their support for education.

"The success of the program rests with the children, teachers and parents," he said.

The department also presented certificates to teacher aides Mary Florence Janvier, John Janvier, Julie Machatis and Veronica Piche.

Students were given an historical atlas for their hard work and scholastic achievements.

A plaque was presented to Chief Baptiste Blackman and the councillors.

Jim Baylis, acting manager of federal school, pinned the school's success on "a harmonious working relationship between chief and council, parents and kids. Compared to other schools they've done extremely well in spite of being a small school with combined grades."

The school has about 80 students in kindergarten to Grade 9. The award is open to all band and federally-run schools across Canada. It's presented annually to Indian Affairs staff, who have made exceptional contributions to the goals of the department, Native people and northerners.

LeGoff is one of the few remaining federally-run schools. Next fall it will be one of only four in the province.