Rankin inlet (Sep 27/06) - Simon Alaittuq school in Rankin Inlet is off to a strong start in attendance.

Teacher George Pankuch said 50 students in Grade 5 and 6 had perfect attendance for the first month of the new semester.

"We held an assembly to recognize our perfect attenders, and to pass out awards to students who have put forth a strong effort so far this year," said Pankuch.

"It's important to recognize the students who come to school every day."

Those who earned perfect attendance in Sheila Hanley's class were Lori Akerolik, Keisha Aliyak, Joey Ford, Brent Kalaserk, Curtis Kridluar, Scottie Morey, Cecile Noolook, Gibson Papak, Joseph Sabourin, Tristan Taparti, Chloe Tattuinee and Donovan Tootoo.

In Pankuch's class it was Tamara Amarok, Anna Hickes, Lois Kabvitok, Angela Makkigak, Megan Netser, Brian Nilaulak, Farren Okpatauyak, Aaron Tartak and Ryan Tutanuak.

In Julie Millen's class it was Joelle Airut, Martha Arnarauyak, Desiree Autut, Patrick Beardsall, Tristen Dias, Michael Gordon, Lukisha Kaludjak, Christine Kanayok, Tyson Komaksiutiksak, Joy Pissuk, Michael Wallace, Jimmie Pflueger-Anawak and Arthur Qamaniq-Siksik.

On the Grade 6 side, perfect attenders in Anne MacAusland's class were Adrienne Aliyak, Stanley Anawak, Yvonne Kubluitok, Hope Makpah, Julie Nattar, Shelly Nichol, Joshua Tartak and Adam Ussak. Kelly Corkish's class had Jacqueline Alikashauk, Terence Angidlik, Jesse Aokaut, Tamara Kubluitok, Nancy Noolook, Lesgar Nuilaalik, Lewis Sammurtok and Susanne Tattuinee.

The Inuktitut Award went to Jaqueline Alikashuak, while the Grade 6 Math Award went to Jenna Ugjuk and the Grade 5 Math Award went to Tyson Komaksiutiksak."We're proud of the great deal of effort these students have shown," said Pankuch.