New technology in St. Michael Junior High School's computer lab was on display Oct. 10 for members of the Weyburn Roman Catholic Separate School board during their monthly meeting.

Along with a comprehensive tour of the school by St. Michael's principal Roman Mahnic, board members received a demonstration of the new technology which allows older computers to run faster.

"Basically what we are trying to do is get more computer time for the students and teachers and that's the key," said Mahnic.

Because of the new technology used in its computer lab the school has been able to expand the amount of computers available to 25, the same size as its largest class.

Another key topic of discussion at the meeting was the move of the kindergarten class to St. Dominic Savio School.

Director of education Al Boutin said the decision to move kindergarten back to St. Dominic's from St. Michael's seems to have worked quite well.

Boutin said the decision was made easier with the completion of an earlier building project to create more room.

"The transition has been very smooth, and credit for that has to go to our staff for insuring things were moved over quickly, things were set up efficiently and the kindergarten teacher was very well received by the St. Dominic's school staff.

"New kindergarten students are enjoying being in the elementary school setting at St. Dominic, and another benefit we have is the former kindergarten students develop quite a close bond with their teacher - they sure appreciate seeing her in the hallway and being able to visit her at recess time.

"(A kindergarten to Grade 6 setting) is probably the most ideal location for them and we were able to facilitate that at the start of this school year," said Boutin.

Boutin also mentioned his delight with a project the school has already undertaken this year.

Earlier in the month schools across Weyburn spent a day planning, developing and enhancing their mission statements, from which they will expand to set school-wide goals in an effort to be in a state of continual improvement.

"They had an excellent school day," said Boutin. "It's nice to have a day like that where we take the time to focus on mission and vision and what the goals are.

"It's crucial to make sure our schools are all moving in a positive direction and everybody within the schools are moving in a positive direction," said Boutin. "I think one thing that can definitely can be said is that when each of our schools become better our system becomes better. As a system we are always trying to improve and I know our schools are trying to improve as well ."

Weyburn board members also made the decision to hire substitute bus drivers to help keep custodial staff in the school, rather than escorting students and teachers outside of the city on field trips.