Rankin Inlet (Oct 25/06) - Leo Ussak elementary school in Rankin Inlet was a happening place to be during the past month.

The school hosted a number of events, including the Terry Fox Run, Nunavut Literacy Week activities and the high-five and perfect-attendees assembly.

Principal Harold Goobie said the string of events had students at the school in a positive mood all month.

He said kudos for the events go to the staff members who formed a committee to organize the activities.

"As the staff members at this school so often do, they went above and beyond what was expected of them to organize these events, especially our Literacy Week activities," said Goobie.

"That extra effort provides so many activities for the kids to enjoy and learn from at the same time."

The school raised more than $1,400 for cancer research by participating in the Terry Fox Run.

Goobie said it also had 366 participants during the Read-for-15 segment of Literacy Week activities.

"We take part in the annual events, regardless, but there's no doubt they become even more fun when the hamlet recreation department takes the time to put on refreshments for the kids after the walk.

"That makes it a true community activity and we'd like to thank (rec co-ordinator) Jackson Lindell for providing a fun way to end things off."

Goobie said he was pleased with the support the school received from the community for Read for 15.

He said it was nice to see about 50 or 60 parents take time from their day to come read with the kids.

"We ended the string with our high-five and perfect-attendees assembly.

"The energy is very high in the gym during assembly because it's such an informal setting.

"The number of students who had perfect attendance, with no late arrivals, was noticeably higher this year than it was during the same time period in 2005.

"I like to think what we're doing is making a difference, and the numbers seem to back that up."