Students get chance to learn the ropes
Darrell Greer & Lindsey Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Nov 08/00) - Spending a day with a group of rambunctious five year olds may not appeal to everyone.
But, for Rankin Inlet high school students Blandina Airut and Special Kusugak, the kindergarten class at Leo Ussak elementary school was their destination of choice.
The two Grade 9 students spent the day helping out the kindergarten kids as part of Alaittuq High's Career Day program.
Students spend Career Day job shadowing and learning about various jobs in their community.
Leo Ussak principal Cheryl Forbes says the two students had originally asked to come to the school to help staff put away items that arrived on the barge.
"They both put in a nice effort," says Forbes.
"When exams were done at Alaittuq High, Special (Kusugak) came back to Leo Ussak and helped stamp new books that came on the barge.
"So, the hours they worked helping with the barge items can be put towards volunteer credits."
Airut and Kusugak were not shy when it came to helping out with the kids and both found the experience rewarding.
Airut said she didn't expect the kids to be so willing to work with her and was pleasantly surprised.
"I helped them to read and colour," says Airut.
"I enjoyed helping them read a lot. That was fun."
While Airut spent her time reading and colouring with the kids, Kusugak took a different, yet equally satisfying, approach.
"I spent a lot of time singing with them and helping them work, but I did enjoy the singing the most.
"The day went pretty much as I expected."
As for the kindergarten kids themselves, they enjoyed the visit from the high school students but, as young Colton Graham is quick to point out, kindergarten is always a fun place to be.
"I like kindergarten," says Graham happily.
"I like to go out for recess and play with all my friends.
"I also like to count to 10 in Inuktitut in the classroom."
Lindsey Greer is a Grade 9 student in Rankin Inlet who spent her Career Day with the Kivalliq News.
