Repulse Bay (Jun 07/06) - Students at Tusarvik school in Repulse Bay were hooked on an old feeling this past month.

Staff members revived the Tusarvik fishing derby to celebrate the end of the school year.

Georgina Putulik, Charlie Uttak, Stephanie Siusangnark and Vicky Angotingoar, back row from left, Kathelyn Siusangnark, Joseph Siusangnark, Jeffrey Uttak and Kelvin Ivalutanar, middle row from left, and Lavinia Aglukka and Tiffany Putulik, front, were the top anglers in the Tusarvik school fishing derby in Repulse Bay this past month. - photo courtesy of Tusarvik school

The derby was held in 2004 but had to be skipped in 2005 due to a hectic schedule at the school.

The entire student body was invited to participate in this year's event.

Students in Grades 6 to 12 had their chance to land a big one in the morning, while kindergarten to Grade 5 kids dropped their lines in Old Water Lake during the afternoon.

Principal Leonie Aissaoui said students also got to play slide ball and enjoy hot bannock and chocolate milk in a heated tent during the event.

"We call it a fishing derby, but it's really more of a fun activity to mark the end of school," Aissaoui said.

"But the kids who land the biggest fish do receive a prize.

"We don't give out major prizes because that would go against the spirit of the day, but they do receive a little something for their accomplishment.

"You don't always need big prizes for an activity to be successful."

Aissaoui said the students enjoy being together in an informal setting.

She said the prizes for the derby may be small, but the kids still get excited when their catch is being measured.

"Our staff wanted to bring back the derby because the students enjoy it so much.

"We had a great turnout this year, even though most of the students knew they weren't likely to catch any record-sized fish.

"We have to pick a spot close to the community so we can get the kids there with the school bus.

"That's why we held the event at Old Water Lake, even though we knew it doesn't hold many big fish."

Aissaoui said an extra benefit of the derby is that it attracts both students who attend school regularly and those who don't come as often as staff would like.

She said a number of parents also took the time to come out in the afternoon to help the kids fish.

"It's always nice to see parents get involved with school activities.

"The students enjoy the attention and getting to spend the extra time together."