FOR RELEASE     #08-087
April 14, 2008

WHITEHORSE - Education Minister Patrick Rouble is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Tantalus School in Carmacks Friday, April 18. The public and media are invited to attend a day of celebration at the school beginning at 10 a.m., hosted by the Tantalus School.

"We built this school in response to the community's needs, and it will support learning and wellness for the whole community," Rouble said. "Its design reflects input from members of the community, the school council and the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation."

"Your education will take you everywhere in life," Village of Carmacks Mayor Elaine Wyatt said. "The new school makes a brighter and happier learning environment for the kids."

The school was designed by Whitehorse-based firm Kobayashi & Zedda Architects Ltd. It serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and is equipped with a full shop and a state-of-the-art computer room, which complements their unique Technology Education program. There is a dedicated native language room, which complements their K-12 Native Language program.

"This is the school that the community has been asking for," Cully Robinson, the school's principal said. "People love the design of the school. It's bright, airy and open. The designers were skilled in their use of light and space."

"We know students are taking pride in the school," Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation Chief Eddy Skookum added. "The building serves the entire community. The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation gratefully acknowledges the department and the school for the use of the facility for potlatches, funerals and other community events."

The building features significant First Nation themes, with the multipurpose room evoking the image of an old moosehide hut and possessing exceptional acoustics.

The official grand opening will begin at 10 a.m. with a Math Fair with Paula Thompson, the Department of Education Math Consultant. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 11:30 a.m. There will be a community lunch at noon in the school's multi-purpose room, with music by Steve Slade and Carmacks students. At 1 p.m. there will be stick gambling, and students will enjoy an early dismissal at 2 p.m.

Staff and students have occupied the building since the beginning of the school year in early September, while finishing touches were being completed. The official grand opening was scheduled to coincide with Education Week celebrations, and this event concludes a week of festivities.

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