Iqaluit (Oct 20/03) - With drop out rates still high in Nunavut, schools are turning to the good old fashioned assembly to keep students in school.

Two weeks ago at Inukshuk high school in Iqaluit, there wasn't a spare seat in the house. An assembly was being held and Premier Paul Okalik was unveiling a new Jordin Tootoo poster.

Teacher Byron Doherty commented that, "We seem to be noticing that regular assemblies really increase attendance," commented teacher Byron Doherty.

According to Statistics Canada, 59 per cent of Inuit between the ages of 20 and 24 did not have a high school diploma in 2001.

That can change with a bit more school spirit, believes John Jamieson, principal of Nuiyak School in Sanikiluaq.

Something as simple as an assembly can do that, he said.

In his school of 272 students, regular assemblies appear to be drawing more children into the heart of the school.

"We try to do something special every month," said Jamieson. "Usually something big around holidays, like in November we will have a Remembrance Day assembly."

Smaller assemblies held Friday afternoons involve student/teacher sporting events, and give teachers a chance to speak about topics like bullying and respect for others.

Bringing the students together on a regular basis has been improving attendance, Jamieson said.

"It leads to a school spirit, and anything that leads to a school spirit is beneficial and helps to keep kids in school."

Last week Nuiyak School even started broadcasting their school events on the local cable channel.

"Now things like assemblies we can televise live to the whole community," Jamieson said.

"It's a great addition to the school."

Dennis Bogle, principal at Umimmak School in Grise Fiord, holds monthly assemblies where the staff reward students for academic achievement, changes in their social skills, and outstanding work outside school in a part time job. Awards for these and other accomplishments are handed out.

"I use it as a powerful tool to build a sense of community, a team -- to build a school culture," said Bogle.

"I use it to talk about the importance of building their reputations so that they are known as honest people and hard workers in the community."

Poster campaigns, such as the latest one featuring Jordin Tootoo as a strong Inuk role model, enhance assemblies too, he said.

"There was a series of posters featuring Inuit values and beliefs," he recalled. "I used them to talk about basic values like respect, honesty and sharing.

"They're used not in a pep rally way in the old fashioned sense, but to motivate and encourage kids, and learn to believe school is a great place to be.

"It's another approach," he said enthusiastically, "and it works."