Students say teachers making a difference
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iglulik (Apr 06/01) - Ramona Uttak's praise-filled essay about her Grade 4 teacher is a reminder that Nunavut educators do make a difference.
The 110-word letter from Iglulik was randomly drawn from nearly 950 entries. Students from across Nunavut entered the "Thank you for making a difference contest" organized by the Federation of Nunavut Teachers for Education week.
Education Minister Peter Kilabuk attended the draw at Joamie school in Iqaluit.
Uttak, a student at Ataguttaaluk school, won a computer, printer and one year of Internet access. Her teacher, Shontell MacInnis, won two First Air tickets to Ottawa. Both winners were thrilled.
"It was a great surprise," MacInnes said.
Uttak could not be reached by press time.
MacInnis, though, saw joy light up her 10-year-old student's face.
"I couldn't wait to tell her," MacInnis said.
"Ramona is a good student. She comes to school and is always willing to help out."
Uttak's submission read, "My teacher is good because she is my friend. My teacher is wonderful because she does a good job.
"My teacher is always helping other kids because she is a big smart."
Andrew MacLellan, regional Baffin president for the Federation of Nunavut Teachers, read and photocopied each and every submission.
"We must be doing a good job judging from the quotes with words like pride, love, caring," MacLellan said.
