Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Repulse Bay (Sep 25/02) - An old friend has returned to Repulse Bay to help staff at Tusarvik school implement a computer learning program aimed at developing reading skills.

Carmie McLean earned national recognition for her innovative teaching techniques during her time in Repulse.

Now she's come back to the Bay to help Tusarvik teachers with the Academy of Reading software program, designed to help students develop a full understanding of the mechanics of reading.

Tusarvik school received the funding necessary to purchase the licensed software through the Brighter Futures program in an effort to improve the English skills of its students.

Teacher Leonie Aissaoui says the phonetic awareness segment of the program is especially useful for early learners, elementary-level readers and those learning English as a second language.

"Our objective is to increase the English fluency among our English-as-a-second-language (ESL) students," says Aissaoui.

"This program should give our students who quit school at one time or another a second chance, as well as those in school who struggle with their academic program."

The program is designed to improve reading comprehension by strengthening students' phonic awareness and decoding skills.

The system's modular design allows teachers to customize instruction based on a student's individual requirements.

Aissaoui says staff at Tusarvik school took part in a one-day workshop delivered by McLean.

She says the former teacher brought along another old friend of the school's -- her husband, Ben, also a former Tusarvik teacher.

Known as quite the "computer guru" in Repulse circles, Ben flew in from Nova Scotia with Carmie to install the software and help in-service the teachers on the new reading program.

Aissaoui says after the software was installed and up and running, the McLeans had another pleasant surprise in store for the school.

"The funding we received through the Brighter Futures program only covered the facilitator's expenses for a week, but Ben and Carmie chose to stay here in Repulse with us for three more weeks to monitor the program.

"Is that dedication or what!"