Principal Robert Derksen was back in the harness at Donald Young School when the new school year started last Tuesday. It was like coming back home for Bob, who has been here before.
Derkson obtained his undergraduate degree and teacher training from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, graduate courses in educational administration from Bemidji State and University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD), and principal qualifications from Ottawa.
He also has completed qualification courses in special education and computers.
“As an educator, I have taught all elementary grades, including special education classes,” said Derkson, who served in the positions of special education co-ordinator for the district, principal at Nestor Falls, and vice-principal at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances.
He is pleased to have this opportunity to serve as principal of DYS, and is looking forward to working with you, your children, and the school staff to provide the best education possible so our students are able to have the skills required to meet their needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
“Please feel free to drop in or call me to discuss your child’s education or any other matters regarding the school,” added Derkson.,
DYS staff for 2001-02 includes Charlene Gustafson (grade one/two), Helen Mose (grade two/three), Kim Olson (grade three/four), Sherri Allan (grade five), Lucinda Meyers (grade six/seven), Kerri Tolen (grade seven/eight), Vicki Loney (JK), Rod Enns (special ed/reading recovery, Adriana Schulz (French), and Mary Bombay (Ojibwe).
Because of declining enrolment at DYS, students in grade five will have Mrs. Allan on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Monday, Mr. Enns will be the morning teacher and Mrs. Schulz the afternoon teacher.
EA’s this year include Pam Pam VanHeyst, Linda Ridsdale, Paulette Henttonen, and Marie-Ann DeGroot while Rainy River First Nation EA’s are Tina Leonard, Tina McGinnis, and Josephine Leonard.
The caretaker is Ruth Siemens, secretary is Terri Yeo, and the bus drivers are Roseanne Leonard, Ken Fisher, David Kaemingh, and Wayne Flatt.
A new and innovative homework Web site (http//eureka.tvo.org) from TVOntario’s New Media division has been set up this year. It also includes a feature called “Ask A Teacher/Aidez Moi,” where students can get help with their homework problems from certified teachers live and on-line Sunday through Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (EST).
The teachers specialize in math, literacy, and science, and the site is targeted at students aged nine to 15. If students have homework problems in other subject areas, they still can log on with their questions.
A canteen at DYS started operating yesterday. A menu was distributed last Friday.
The grade five class will be learning to play harmonicas in music class this year. Harmonicas are available at the school for purchase at a cost of $6 each.
Music starts next Monday (Sept. 10).
Students of French in grades six-eight need a French/English dictionary for out-of-class use. A limited number of copies are available at the school for $1.
Students are urged to bring their dollar as soon as possible.
Upcoming events at DYS include the Terry Fox Run/Walk (Sept. 21), picture day (Sept. 25-26), and an open house (Sept. 27 from 7-8 p.m.)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
