RANKIN INLET - Junior and senior high students were recognized for their achievements in Rankin Inlet this past week.

Randy Qattalik receives the Outstanding Grade 8 Student Award from principal Jesse Payne, right, during the awards ceremony at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet on June 17, 2011. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The award ceremonies at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) capped a strong year for staff members and the student body.

Principal Jesse Payne said he had an awesome staff at MUI this year.

He said the teamwork was phenomenal, with staff and students helping out with numerous activities throughout the year.

"One highlight was getting our school council off the ground," said Payne.

"It wasn't a big start, but we had some great individuals from junior high who took a leadership role.

"They put together and ran a talent show for staff and students that was awesome.

"I'm looking forward to having a fully-elected student council doing some great things at MUI next year."

Payne said the curriculum is gradually changing and having three extra staff members has been a big help in introducing the changes.

He said the wellness course, Aulajaaqtut, has been introduced at Grade 10 and 11, but won't be required for Grade 12 until 2012-13.

"Aulajaaqtut has helped us immensely in being able to offer a better variety at the high school.

"The mathematics program has changed right to Grade 11, with workplace and pre-calculus math now in place in Grade 10 and 11.

"Next year, the social studies 30 and 33 course, which was formerly an Alberta course, will no longer be a diploma course, and students will do a major project at the end of the year instead of diploma exams.

"It was run in Iqaluit and the students responded well to it, so it will be interesting to see how it goes here."

Payne said a solid curriculum will be in place once the changes are complete.

He said MUI still offers academic math and some sciences.

"We offered biology last year and physics this year, and we're going back to biology in 2011-12.

"We offer based on student need and preference.

"This year they had a choice between physics and chemistry, and chose physics.

"The curriculum is coming together slowly and it's going to be very effective once it's completely implemented."

Payne said another highlight of the past year was the entrepreneurship program.

He said students responded well to the program and it will be offered in Grade 11 and 12 again next year.

"Our work experience program was also successful, with a number of students being placed in the community.

"We used a few students in our school, with George Dunkerley and Cassandra Gordon earning credits for working as student support assistant volunteers.

"Finally, one of the biggest things to happen at MUI this past year was being able to use the extra elders' pay to have three elders on pretty much full time at the shop for most of the year.

"Three more worked in home economics and the integrated arts program, and the presence of the elders made a big difference, for the better, at the school."