Latest news with #ShirleyZouboules
CBC
13-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
Additional lead testing happening at Yellowknife schools this week
An additional round of lead testing is taking place at two Yellowknife schools this week. École William McDonald Middle School was having its drinking water tested Thursday and Range Lake North School will be tested Friday, according to a news release from the Yellowknife Education District No. 1. Late last month, the school district notified parents and staff about high levels of lead in the water at the two schools. However, the territorial government later cast doubt on those results, saying the initial testing process didn't follow protocol, and that it didn't consult its own experts on water testing or any outside experts. The Yellowknife Education District No. 1 said in its news release on Wednesday that the sampling taking place at the two schools this week aligns with protocols approved by the office of the chief public health officer, and Health Canada standards. The testing will be done by Stantec Consulting Ltd. "Once the test results have been received and reviewed, we will share further information with school staff, students, and families," wrote Shirley Zouboules, superintendent for Yellowknife Education District No. 1. In the meantime, the education district says the two schools are still using alternative water sources. The previous tests showed lead levels in École William McDonald's drinking water were detected at 0.00903 milligrams per litre, while Range Lake School's levels were 0.025 milligrams per litre. Canada's drinking water guidelines state the maximum acceptable level is 0.005 milligrams per litre. Two weeks ago, in an emailed response to questions from CBC News, the education department said nearly all the territory's schools have either had or are having lead testing done, with the exception of Įtłʼǫ̀ School in Yellowknife, Chief Albert Wright School in Tulit'a and Chief T'Selehye School in Fort Good Hope. Those three schools are not being tested because they are newer buildings and construction standards changed before they were built.
CBC
04-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Yellowknife school district bracing for loss of 79 education assistants from change in Jordan's Principle
Yellowknife Education District No.1 (YK1) says it no longer has the funding to keep 79 of the district's educational assistants next school year as a result of recent changes to Jordan's Principle. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) announced earlier this year that it would be narrowing the range of eligible requests for funding through Jordan's Principle, a program established to ensure First Nations children don't face gaps or service denials because of their identities. In a news release Tuesday, YK1 superintendent Shirley Zouboules wrote that the district has applied for Jordan's Principle funding but is still waiting for a reply. Without the funding confirmed, Zouboules said 79 educational assistants in term, or temporary, positions have been told their positions likely won't exist next school year. Zouboules said that YK1's eight schools will adapt and that students previously supported by the 79 educational assistants not returning next year will be reassigned to the remaining educational assistants. "Assignments will be prioritized to ensure safety and promote student success," Zouboules wrote. MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh Richard Edjericon said Łutsël Kʼé is losing five educational assistants as a result of the changes.
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Lead detected in water at William McDonald Middle School
All water sources at William McDonald Middle School are off limits until further notice after a sweeping NWT-wide test of school water fountains detected unsafe levels of lead in the water of a fountain. An advisory was released Tuesday afternoon by Yellowknife Education District No. 1 superintendent Shirley Zouboules which stated that students and staff will be provided bottled water until the school's internal water is deemed safe to drink. 'Health Canada's guideline value for the maximum acceptable concentration of lead in drinking water is 0.005 milligrams per litre (mg/L),' she wrote. 'Treated water from the City of Yellowknife is safe to drink. The city routinely tests for lead in the drinking water supply and is below the guideline value. 'A sample was taken from the water fountain by the elevator on the first floor of William McDonald Middle School. The sample result shows that lead was detected at 0.00903 (mg/L), which is higher than Health Canada's guideline value. We are working to identify potential sources of exposure and are communicating actions that can be taken to both reduce lead and protect children and staff. 'Please note that the water at Ecole William McDonald Middle School is safe for hand washing, cleaning, and instructional activities.' Lead occurs naturally and in concentrations less than 0.005 mg/L is considered a small enough amount to not pose a serious threat. However, large volumes of lead over a long time can result in reduced cognition, increased blood pressure and renal dysfunction in adults, as well as adverse neurodevelopmental and behavioural effects in children. Noting the water sample in question was not conclusive, Zouboules said further testing would be needed to assess the safety of the water and rule out a sampling error. 'Samples of all water fountains and cold water taps where water is used for drinking or food preparation will be sampled in the coming weeks,' she said. 'Testing dates, results, and further information will be communicated to school staff, students, parents and families once these have been reported by the lab. 'In the interim, providing alternative sources of drinking and cooking water is a precautionary approach.' Zouboules stated anyone who had questions or concerns should reach out to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment at educationoperations@ for more information. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
