School Resumes in Rainy River District

It's the start of a new school year in the Rainy River district.

Classes at both public and catholic schools resume today.

Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Jack McMaster says there's plenty new for the public board this year.

"Lots of Ministry (of Education) initiatives are coming down the pipe," says McMaster. "Environmental education is a big one that we'll be pulling in and focusing on some more this year. There's opportunities to green-up some of our schools with additional seed money from the Ministry"

McMaster says the board is being cautious about projected enrolments, anticipating a 3 per cent decline over the previous year.

A larger jurisdiction greets the Northwest Catholic District School Board on the start of this new school year.

An amalgamation with the Atikokan Roman Catholic Separate School Board officially takes effect today.

Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says with it brings St. Patrick's School into the fold.

"We also have put in a new computer lab at the school," says Kelly, "and now we're networked with out video conferencing capabilities and internet. So we're well connected to our new school and our new community."

On the weekend, the board held an inaugural mass for the new principal and staff.

Rejoicing and Hope is the theme of the new school year.

While predicting a slight decline in fall enrollments last June, Kelly says early indications do point to some growth, but final numbers won't be know until next week.