Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

INUVIK (Sep 17/99) - Carson Atkinson says he's up for the challenge of the North.

The new principal at Samuel Hearne secondary school, Atkinson just arrived in Inuvik -- but unlike many southern transplants he's no rookie. He's been teaching for nearly three decades, mainly in New Brunswick, and has been principal for 24 of those years. He said he wants more.

"I didn't want to coast, I wanted a challenge," he said. "When you're too long in one place you tend to coast and not ask any questions -- this move will help me reevaluate the whole process of education."

Originally from Springhill, N.S., Atkinson received his own education at both Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B., and at Laurentian in Sudbury, Ont. He described Sudbury's "don't give an inch" mentality as the sort he appreciates. But he also spent time in a far more exotic locale, teaching at Bridgetown in the Barbados early in his career.

"I'd never been to the Arctic before," he said, "but I had taught in the tropics, and this is the other extreme."

Atkinson described his first week at the Hearne helm as positive -- including the opening-day pizza party.

"The students have been pleasant and open to me and not at all stand-offish," he said.

Atkinson said he tries his best to be an hands-on principal, and that for only one semester over the past 24 years has he not also taught at least one course as well as carrying out his regular duties. He said in Inuvik he's arranged to supervise the work experience of one class when the kids go out to get some practical employment experience.

He said he also wants more student input into projects and programs that affect them, and is thinking, for example, about a more visible senior-class component surrounding graduation. He said the kids' proposals can even touch on issues like the newly-arrived girls' 14-and-under territorial soccer championship banner.

"A group of them asked me where I was going to put it," said Atkinson, "and I told them it's their banner and we can hang it where they want."

Atkinson said his new vice-principal, Geoffrey Buerger, shares his approach to providing service to both Hearne students and their parents. But the principal said he understands the need for careful consideration.

"I'm very cautious about making changes until I know the situation better," he said. "I've got to listen and listen well to all the partners in this business."

With six grades and 300 students to look after and staff, parents and the town to consider, if there's anything Atkinson lacks, it's certainly not partners.