Arviat (Aug 23/06) - Big changes and familiar faces are the order of the day in Arviat as the community enters a new phase in its educational landscape.

After a year of being known as Qitiqliq High, the new school has been christened John Arnalukjuak high school, housing Grade 9 to 12.

Greg Campbell has returned to Arviat as principal of the new John Arnalukjuak high school. - photo courtesy of Gord Billard

Qitiqliq becomes a middle school, home to Grade 6 to 8, while the elementary school remains unchanged.

Arnalukjuak and Qitiqliq have new principals who both have previous experience in the community and share a common vision for better education in Arviat.

Greg Campbell is at the helm of the high school.

The native of Prince Edward Island had previously taught in Iqaluit, Coral Harbour and Arviat, and is overjoyed at returning to the Kivalliq.

Campbell said having two separate schools is best for the community.

He said students have to spend the majority of their time in a school to develop a real connection with it.

"The District Education Authority members we've met with are happy with the situation and the new outlook for the schools in the community," said Campbell.

"Although the school logo will remain the same for both, the students at Qitiqliq and Arnalukjuak will develop their own unique sense of school spirit.

"John Arnalukjuak high school will be the best school in the Kivalliq."

Campbell said it's important to note that all three schools are connected, curriculum wise, and staff members will meet monthly to discuss planning.

"We have strong staffs at our schools and the meetings will help us stay on the same page in knowing where our students are going in regards to curriculum.

"It's exciting to be part of this in Arviat."

The teaching couple of Rob Davies and his wife, Anne, return to Arviat after spending the past few years teaching in Quebec.

The couple previously spent six years in Arviat, with Rob spending more than a year as Qitiqliq's principal, a position he now holds again.

Davies said he's impressed with the new school, which provides Arviat students with more resources than any southern school he's been in.

Now it's up to his staff to make sure the students are ready to make the best of those resources.

"Our job is to take the kids we get from the elementary school and focus hard on the core subjects so they're ready when they hit high school," said Davies.

"That's when they really deal with southern curriculums in many of the disciplines, and we want them prepared to handle that."

Davies said the preparation has to be done in a way that respects the cultural element of the school and supports programs put in place by previous administrations.

"I know we'll make a lot of progress with the wonderful group of caring individuals we have on staff.

"The Arviat schools will have a collegial atmosphere where teachers are willing to share their expertise to develop strong programs with the core subjects."