Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 11/00) - There's a platinum glow surrounding at least one Kivalliq high school these days.

Rankin Inlet's Alaittuq high was one of two Nunavut schools to receive a national Quality Daily Physical Education School Recognition Award. Quluaq school in Iqaluit earned the other award.

The award is presented by the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Ottawa.

It is the fifth time Alaittuq high has won the award, earning it platinum status.

The award is even more impressive because the number of Northern schools meeting the award criteria has dropped the past few years.

Steve Faulkner has been the phys ed instructor at Alaittuq high school for the past six years.

He heard about this year's award when a package arrived at the school indicating the school was a five-time recipient and had earned platinum status.

"The school receives an achievement banner to hang in the gym, a letter of appreciation from the association for our efforts and a letter of congratulations from the prime minister," says Faulkner.

The support he receives from the school's administration is a big factor in his program winning the award, says Faulkner.

He adds the award says a lot about the students.

"Sports are very big in Rankin Inlet and the kids do their best, work hard and look forward to their phys ed class.

"It also says a lot about the community, and how important sports and physical education are here."

Faulkner says participation in sports and physical-exercise programs helps students develop leadership skills.

He says one of his main goals is helping to develop a sense of fair play among his students and helping them improve lifeskills such as communication and co-operation.

Faulkner says even after six years in Rankin he's still amazed at the amount of natural ability of many students.

"The kids in the North are among the best athletes I've ever seen. My students, for the most part, are also very respectful, which makes it a lot easier to teach them."