Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Whale Cove (Mar 20/02) - Inugluk school principal Sidney Rodnunsky has brought an attitude with him to Whale Cove.

It's a simple attitude: Inuglak school is a wonderful place to be.

Rodnunsky, his wife, Tess, and two children (Sidney Jr. and Donna) are enjoying life since moving from Saskatchewan this past year.

Their children are the only non-Inuit students in the school, but Rodnunsky says the two have adapted well to their new surroundings.

"My son is in Grade 2," says Rodnunsky. "He's doing Inuktitut immersion and he's doing fine with it. My daughter's in Grade 5, and the two of them have made friends and are quite enjoying their new school."

Inuglak school covers kindergarten all the way to Grade 12, with a student population of 120.

Rodnunsky says he's encouraged by the number of mature students who are showing up and wanting to continue their education.

"We have no Arctic College here, so we're more than happy to have adults wanting to come back to school."

Extracurricular activities are popular among the students, with the school's phys ed teacher keeping the gym open on school nights until 7 p.m.

There is an art class a couple of nights a week, courtesy of vice-principal Karen Gallant.

Rodnunsky says the students' scholastic achievements are on the rise.

"Generally speaking, the kids here are behind, but they're developing a solid work ethic and that's another step in the right direction."

Rodnunsky says the kids enjoy staying after school and are disappointed on days they have to go home early.

"Kivalliq School Operations in Baker Lake has been very helpful. We're putting a real concentration on reading and math this year and that's going to increase next year. We feel we have to do a real blitz on reading during the next few years."