Fort Resolution School Launches Early Start to Boost Attendance

UPDATE: Deninu School in Fort Resolution, N.W.T., has officially kicked off its classes weeks ahead of schedule, marking a groundbreaking shift aimed at enhancing student attendance. Classes began on Monday and will run until June 3, 2026, a strategic move to allow students to engage in traditional activities like hunting and fishing that typically commence in June.

This initiative, spearheaded by principal Simone De Gannes, responds to a noticeable drop in attendance during the final month of the school year. De Gannes stated, “We are hindering the traditional aspect of children’s lives,” emphasizing the importance of outdoor activities for student engagement and cultural connection.

Early reports indicate an impressive surge in attendance, with almost 100 percent of students present, according to Gudrun Wellmann, a teacher for grades 4-6. Wellmann noted that the warm weather has also contributed to a more alert classroom atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the discomfort of late June’s heat.

Local District Education Authority’s vice-chair Amanda Mandeville expressed enthusiasm about the new schedule, underscoring that it fosters community trust and collaboration. “A calendar that respects cultural timing shows families that the school values their way of life,” she stated. Her seven-year-old son, excited about the early start, woke up at 6:30 AM on Monday, eagerly ready for his first day.

Grade 8 student Mandie Miersch echoed this sentiment, stating her excitement about returning to school earlier. She looks forward to utilizing her newfound free time in June for hunting, which would have conflicted with a later school end date.

Superintendent Souhail Soujah confirmed that this unique schedule is a first for Deninu School, with hopes it could inspire other schools in the South Slave district to adopt similar practices. “Having a school calendar that’s one-size-fits-all makes no sense,” Soujah remarked, indicating that diverse communities might benefit from tailored educational approaches.

As this innovative schedule unfolds, educators and families are eagerly observing the impact on student engagement and attendance. The success of this model could lead to further adjustments in the region, including potential year-round schooling or shortened weeks.

Stay tuned for updates as Fort Resolution’s educational landscape evolves, reflecting a deep respect for cultural traditions while prioritizing student learning. The early start at Deninu School sets a precedent that could reshape how schools across the region approach academic calendars, aligning them more closely with community values and lifestyles.