Repulse Bay (Jan 26/05) - A Repulse Bay student has her artwork on a national calendar after her poster-creation efforts were judged to be the best in Nunavut.

Tusarvik school teacher Carmie MacLean said the national poster contest was sponsored through the department of Health Canada.

The contest's central theme was immunization, and it was open to Grade 6 students in schools across the country.

"The students had certain specifications they had to adhere to in making their posters, such as specific sizes and whatnot," says MacLean.

"Once completed, the posters were sent to Ottawa to be judged and a national winner and runner-up were declared, as well as one winner from each province and territory.

"The drawings were then put together to make a new calendar."

Melissa Siusangnark, a Grade 5-6 student at Tusarvik, was named Nunavut's winner. Her poster adorns the month of August in the calendar.

Being declared as Nunavut's winner not only came as a big surprise to the 10-year-old, it was also an added Christmas bonus as the notification came with a gift pack.

Siusangnark received a brand-new backpack and toque, along with an assortment of items such as a mouse pad and a souvenir coffee mug to go along with her family's pride in her accomplishment.

The budding illustrator said she was excited and surprised to find the package addressed to her at the post office while there getting mail with her dad and brother.

She said participating in the contest was an enjoyable experience.

"The whole project was fun, but what I enjoyed the most was actually colouring the poster after I had worked on the design and the rough sketch," said Siusangnark.

MacLean said the students had done a section on immunization, and how to guard against the spread of germs, during their health class.

She said the poster contest was a great way for the students to wrap-up that segment.

"Towards the end of that segment, one of the tasks the students would normally complete is to show what they've learned in the segment through a drawing.

"So, it was neat in that the contest kind of mirrored what we would have been doing anyway."