Inuglak school launches new programs to help students
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Whale Cove (Nov 29/00) - Disciplinary problems with one or two students doesn't show the true picture of life at Inuglak school in Whale Cove, says principal Caroline Thompson.
The school runs a breakfast program through Brighter Futures and will be starting an after-school and evening homework program in the near future.
In addition to volunteering to make hot chocolate and bannock at breakfast, school staff also run an after-school sports program.
Thompson says the Student Council has been active and are fund-raising for an exchange trip to Toronto this spring. The local Co-op sells food and pop to the council at a discount to be resold towards their fund-raising efforts.
Students also raised $1,326.42 for cancer research during the Terry Fox Run and donated $200 to UNICEF.
"This year we are offering a program that has been run successfully in Arviat schools," says Thompson.
"Students receive WOW tickets from school staff for improvement, effort and helping others. Every Friday one name is drawn in each class and the winner receives $5."
Inuglak school began advertising for an elder to be a student counsellor once its proposal for an Elder in the School grant was approved.
Thompson says the school has improved its support staff in many areas and the overall moral and behaviour of the student body is exemplary.
"In addition to our student support teacher, we have two student support assistants working in our Grade 4-5 classroom," she says. "Grade 4 is our transition year. Students learn predominately in English as opposed to Inuktitut in Grade 3 and often require extra help.
"We've also received tremendous support from the hamlet and health centre staff."
