Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 13/02) - It's a tradition in Nunavut for families to go camping during the spring.

Iqaluit schools ignore this tradition by keeping schools open until the end of June, says Iqaluit parent Archie Angnakak.

Exactly when schools open and close varies across the territory. But many close in late May or early June -- and begin the school year in August -- to accommodate traditional Inuit camping and hunting seasons. Schools in Iqaluit have the latest closing date this year -- June 28.

According to guidelines set by the Department of Education, schools must remain open 195 days a year. Principals and staff suggest opening and closing dates to the community District Education Authority.

The DEA, elected by the community, makes the final decision.

Angnakak said attendance rates drop off in June because students can't resist taking advantage of the spring weather. Ending school in June and starting in August, he suggested, would go a long way toward solving this problem because "August is a rainy month anyway."

"People are upset about attendance but they aren't looking at the reasons why," he said.

When he takes his child camping in June, that time is counted as school time. But he doesn't want his children to miss school.

Changing the dates would allow for both kinds of learning, he said. Angnakak tried to have the dates changed years ago, but "to no avail." He said teachers and Qallunaat parents should respect and accommodate the camping tradition, but don't, because "it cuts into their prime cottage season in the South, which is very selfish."

He said he thinks other Inuit parents in Iqaluit feel the same way, but don't complain about it.

According to school statistics, however attendance rates don't drop in June.

At Joammie School, last year's average attendance rate was 89 per cent. During June, the rate dipped only slightly to 87 per cent. At Aqsarniit middle school and Inuksuk high school, attendance rates actually rose slightly in June.

But Steve Prest, one of three superintendents for the Qikitani school operation, said "some classrooms do drop off in June. That's a reality."

Prest did not have statistics for Nakasuk school.

He said the organization is developing ways of compiling more accurate information. "If you ask me that question next year, I could give you more detailed information," he said.

Can't sacrifice exams

Still, Lou Budgell, president of the Federation of Nunavut teachers, admitted "there may be some truth" to Angnakak's complaints.

But Iqaluit has more high school students than other communities. And Grade 12 students write departmental exams in late June.

"What's the goal of school if not to graduate?" asked Budgell. "We can't sacrifice that."

Elementary schools close at the same time as high schools "for consistency," he said.

Charles Banfield, executive director of Qikiqtani school operations, said the drop-off in attendance in June does produce some problems.

"That parent's concern is valid and needs to be taken seriously," he said. "There's a strong need to develop guidelines for a calendar more relevant to students in Nunavut. That's complicated by exams."

Banfield said in semestered schools students could write exams -- in certain subjects -- at other times of the year. Kathy Smith of Iqaluit's District Education Authority, said she has received no complaints from Iqaluit parents about the schedule.

"In five years, I've never had a request. I'm not so sure it's a strong tradition in Iqaluit. Is it a strong need here? Maybe it's a question of asking."