Paulatuk (Dec 06/04) - The new principal of Angik school in Paulatuk says attendance at the school has gotten off to a good start, despite various challenges.

Brian Johnson says having worked in other schools across Nunavut prior to his arrival this fall, he was well aware of attendance problems common to the North.

Brian Johnson, principal of Angik school in Paulatuk, reviews a computer program. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

But using a proactive approach, Johnson says he wanted to find out why students were not attending school on a regular basis.

He went door-to-door, talking to parents and kids to find out why children weren't attending school. Johnson also asked what he could do to make things right.

As a result, attendance over September and October was in the 80 per cent range rather than dropping off, he says.

"We went the other way because we haven't stopped knocking on doors. We're still going out if we find the kids aren't coming to school. It's been quite successful."

Plans for Paulatuk

Johnson says he has specific goals in mind for the Paulatuk school, which staffs six teachers and support staff.

"I want to make this a community school where parents, elders and grandparents feel welcome and are active participants in their children's education. I want more language and cultural activities and to incorporate land trips into school to help keep parents' and students' interested in education," he says.

Being quite remote, one of the challenges is to ensure an adequate amount of supplies are always available for the students, he says.

"There are often extra programs we'd like to offer, but you have to get extra materials in here -- like for trades -- so there are budget considerations. The breakfast program is the same."

Overall, Johnson says the Paulatuk students are a positive, energetic group.

"They are happy and they enjoy coming to school."