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RANKIN INLET - Students at Leo Ussak elementary school in Rankin Inlet stepped up to help keep their community a clean place this past month.

School co-principal Tyrone Power said the students were happy to get out and hold their second community cleanup of 2008.

From left, Nadia Kowtak, Katrina Anderson, Shelly Qamaniq and Jasmine Sanertanut gather garbage as part of Leo Ussak elementary school's second community cleanup this past month. - photo courtesy of Tyrone Power

He said almost every student in the school from kindergarten to Grade 4 took part in the exercise, with about 240 kids grabbing bags and collecting garbage.

"The kids managed to collect about 70 bags of garbage the first time we held the cleanup and this time they collected about another 30 to 40 bags," said Power.

"We also issued a challenge to all the businesses and organizations in town to join in the cleanup but I really can't say how many went out and took part.

"It's a very worthwhile activity and one the school plans on continuing on an annual basis.

"We'd like to hold one cleanup every fall before the snow buries all the garbage for the winter, and then another one in the spring after the snow goes."

Power said the elementary students truly enjoy getting out and cleaning up the area around their school.

He said they take pride in making the school grounds look better.

"The kids enjoy taking part in this and not just because it's a chance to get out of the traditional classroom setting for an hour or two.

"The teachers talk to them about the importance of keeping the school area clean and they take pride in their efforts.

"It falls in line with the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles we promote in the school and gives the students a chance to take on a bit of responsibility.

"The kids (are) always enjoying showing our teachers they can be responsible in taking on a school project and making it a success."