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KITIKMEOT
They're going back. Students in three Kitikmeot communities have started school for another year and it seems the children were happy to head back - and likely parents too.

In Taloyoak, Netsilik School welcomed its approximately 310 students on Aug. 7. Four new teachers, including two in newly-created positions, have joined the school, said principal Gina Pizzo.

One teaches English language arts for junior high as well as fine arts for junior and senior high, another teaches physical education for the whole school while another teaches junior/senior high math and science and the fourth will teach Grade 6.

"The kids have been off for two months now so they are quite excited to get back to school and start participating in all the activities," said Pizzo.

"They are back into the swing of things so everybody was very happy to be here this morning (Aug. 7)."

The school, which runs from kindergarten to Grade 12, added six Smart Boards this summer to the six they already had, and now all classes will have them. The school also expanded its iPad, laptop and desktop labs, stated Pizzo. She added the school's classrooms are outfitted with a new wireless system to improve sound quality, especially for students who are hearing impaired.

"The upgrade to the Internet system has greatly improved teacher and student access to the Internet for educational usage," stated Pizzo in an e-mail.

In Kugaaruk, it was also back to school on Aug. 7 for the students heading into kindergarten up to Grade 12 at Kugaaruk School. Principal Michael Bartley said about 300 students are enrolled and the school welcomed a new high school math and science teacher.

"We greet them (students) with open arms coming in," said Bartley. "The kids were all at the door, extremely excited. All of our classes were packed right away. I had to try to rearrange some chairs and desks."

He added the students were planning to clean up around the school and community in the afternoon of Aug. 10 with prizes for the classes filling the most garbage bags.

Some projects are in the works, explained Bartley, such as possibly getting a number of iPads for the school.

In Gjoa Haven, Qiqirtaq Ilihakvik welcomed its 203 Grades 7 to 12 students on Aug. 3 for the start of the school year, said principal Paul Cipriano. Cipriano, who taught Grade 9 last year, is returning in the principal's chair after former principal Kim Hagarty left the position.

The school also welcomed two new teachers - one for high school English and the other will teach Grade 7 for half the school year, said Cipriano. He added they are in the process of hiring two more teachers.

"We're starting the year with CTS (career and technology studies)," he said, adding a group of students are also camping.

At the community's elementary school, 208 students returned to class on Aug. 3, said Bernadette O'Brien, acting principal at Quqshuun Ilihakvik. She added the school is welcoming a new English teacher and is still looking for a new principal.

"The kids were ecstatic. They were so excited to get back," said O'Brien.

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