Northern News Services
"My husband and I looked at a map and my gut told me Resolute Bay," she said.
Hall, 33, a teacher by profession, and her husband, RCMP Cpl. Franco Radeschi, have happily settled in since their move a year ago.
This year, Hall was promoted to Qarmartalik's principal. She is one of the two youngest principals in the Qikiqtani region.
"It's exciting, challenging and at times frustrating," she said.
Exciting because when Hall dreams up a tool-making workshop or a cooking program, she can make it happen.
And that she has. With the help of chef Nick Westley, students are receiving hands-on culinary experience in a career preparation class.
Challenging because Hall spends less time with the school's 75 students from kindergarten to Grade 12 students than last year.
Frustrating because the government is encouraging schools to provide more cultural programming and Inuktitut curriculum material without providing more funding.
"I'd love to see more Inuktitut books and more Inuit teachers. We only have one (teacher) in the school and she's so busy," Hall said. "Our hands are tied without the resources. We do our best."
Working in the North has several advantages.
"Schools tend to be smaller, students are friendlier and there's more opportunity to try new things," she said.
Last month's regional gathering of teachers served as a bonding mechanism. "It was wonderful to get to know people and build up a support system," she said.
During her tenure as principal, Hall said her goal is to create traditional Inuit events. "That's what drew me here. I wanted the experience of working in a traditional Inuit school setting."
