Arviat (Oct 20/04) - Arviat's Qitiqliq secondary school received high grades from Premier Paul Okalik and Education Minister Ed Picco during their recent visit to the community.

Principal Fred Durant said the entire legislative assembly had lunch with the school's Grade 12 students.

After lunch, Durant took Picco on a tour of the school, during which the minister spoke to each class.

"Mr. Picco spoke frequently of the overall positive atmosphere which makes our school a pleasant place to be," said Durant.

"He also recognized the children were quite responsive to their teachers.

"He certainly seemed pleased with what he saw here."

Durant also extended an invitation to Okalik and Picco to attend a special rehearsal of the school's Thanksgiving play in Inuktitut.

Okalik and Picco not only attended, they brought the entire assembly with them.

Durant said the government heads were quite impressed by the level of Inuktitut skills displayed by the students.

He said Picco, in particular, was quite passionate in his support of the school's music and drama classes.

"The minister even expressed sadness in the fact schools throughout the territory carried similar classes in years past, but seem to have lost interest in the programs.

"He said he'd like to see those programs redeveloped in Nunavut schools.

"That kind of commentary was certainly warmly received by our staff.

"And the fact the entire legislative assembly took the time to come in and watch a dress rehearsal speaks of their commitment to education and the young people of Nunavut."

Meeting objectives

Durant said he's fortunate with how the teachers he's recruited have worked out and takes pride in their accomplishments.

"You can't help but feel proud, and even somewhat overwhelmed, when you watch these kids up on the stage performing in two languages.

"These are objectives the territorial government has for all Nunavummiut.

"We're seeing it happen here -- and we're seeing it happen in a fun way."