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 Angela Whalen, Ethan Komaksiutiksak, Nancy Makpah, Rachel Tutanuak and LeAnne Chisholm model their new head attire sent by Ann Shiplette, the mother of former Leo Ussak teacher Heather Solomon. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
For the second year in a row, Grade 1 students at Leo Ussak elementary school received a fall present of a new knitted toque.
The toques are knitted by Ann Shiplette of Cochin, Saskatchewan, and shipped to Rankin.
Shiplette is the mother of Heather Solomon, a well-known teacher in the Kivalliq for almost 15 years.
Solomon passed away on Dec. 8, 1997.
Leo Ussak school co-principal Sarah Ayaruak says the students appreciate the new hats.
She says the knitted toques are highly visible around the community after their arrival.
"We didn't know she (Shiplette) was going to do this again this year," Ayaruak said.
"We thought last year was a one-shot deal and we were pleasantly surprised when these hats showed up."
Shiplette was touched by the endless stories her daughter told about her beloved Grade 1 students in the Kivalliq.
Solomon taught Grade 1 classes in three Kivalliq communities, after starting her teaching career in Coral Harbour in 1977.
She spent two years in Baker Lake in the late 1980s before moving to Rankin in 1991.
Leo Ussak still honours her memory with its See the Cup Half Full award, presented at the end of the school year to the student with the most positive outlook.
"The hats warm-up some fond memories among our staff members who worked with Heather (Solomon).
"She's remembered as someone who really cared about the children she taught," Ayaruak said.
In addition to three Grade 1 classrooms full of smiling faces, this year's shipment of toques brought about a warm moment of laughter among school staff.
It became obvious Shiplette didn't know former co-principal Cheryl Forbes had retired, and her spot taken by Harold Goobie, when the bright pink toques for the school principals were unpacked.
"When I showed him the bright pink hat, Grade 1 teacher Nancy Makpah said, "Oh well, Harold, at least we'll be able to find you in a blizzard," Ayaruak said.
"It was a warm gift all-around."
