Holman (May 16/05) - There will be a whole slew of new faces at Helen Kalvak school come fall, as almost the entire faculty calls it quits at the end of the month.

All of the teachers are leaving except one, who is from the community, said principal George Combden, who is himself wrapping up a one-year contract.

Combden, who spoke on behalf of the teachers, would not comment on the reason why eight others are leaving or allow them to address the issue. It's not that unusual a situation, said Dennis Parsons, superintendent of schools for the Beaufort-Delta Education Council.

"It's almost cyclical in a way," he said, explaining that the North is transient and groups of teachers often start and finish their duties together.

"Just a few years ago for example there was a big change up in Inuvik."

The mass exodus is not just being experienced in Holman, either.

Five new teachers are needed to fill positions in Paulatuk.

"We've already hired about 15-20 teachers for the fall and need to hire another 15-20," said Parsons.

The K-12 school, which accommodates approximately 130 students, will definitely be impacted by the change.

"It's unfortunate, but whenever you get a change of teacher, even if it's just one, there's an impact. Obviously a change of this scale will have an effect," said Parsons.

"If we had our preference of course we wouldn't see 90 per cent leave at one time."

For Grade 11 student Adele Okheena, the transition is not a reason to worry.

"It just happens sometimes, but it's okay, you get to meet new people and learn new things."

The new principal is already in place and five new teachers are ready to become part of the team.

Even though the schools and council aim to offer a decent standard of living and supportive work environment, it can still be a challenge hiring for such remote communities, said Parsons.

The council signed a new principal in Paulatuk, but the candidate called back in the afternoon and withdrew the application.

"Staffing in the North does have its challenges."