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NNSL Photo/Graphic

Award winning physical education teacher Steve Faulkner, right, gives Grade 8 student Gary Noolook a few pointers on how to shoot from the foul line at Maani Ulujuk high school in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Slam dunk of a program

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, May 09, 2007

RANKIN INLET - A physical education teacher at Maani Ulujuk high school in Rankin Inlet has received high praise for his program.

Steve Faulkner was named as the Canadian Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance's Nunavut winner of the annual Physical Education Teaching Excellence award this past month.

Jim Kreuger, a program consultant with the Department of Education's School Operations for the Kivalliq, said Faulkner's classes are among the most creative, active and educational in the region.

He said the classes are well planned and guide students through a variety of activities aimed at improving fitness, skills, attitudes and behaviours.

"Steve (Faulkner) genuinely cares about his students and takes every opportunity to check in with them throughout a lesson or practice," said Kreuger.

"He sets high standards for himself and his classes, and his students respect him and enjoy his instruction.

"Steve's commitment to a healthy lifestyle has influenced many others, and he's a great role model for students, teachers, athletes and coaches."

Faulkner was coaching at a Junior 'C' hockey tournament in New Brunswick when he learned of the award.

He said although he's honoured by the recognition, many other Kivalliq teachers deserve awards for the effort they put in on a daily basis.

"I try to ensure the kids learn while they're in my class," said Faulkner.

"The kids up here are great athletes and they like to learn more about the sports they play.

"I also like to challenge them as much as I can, especially with their fitness level.

"I want to see them improve their fitness level throughout the semester and lead a healthy lifestyle when they're away from school."

Faulkner said talking to the students about the amount of rest they're getting and their eating habits is an important aspect of a complete physical-education program.

He said he puts as much emphasis on a healthy lifestyle as he does the sports they participate in during class.

"The students respond well to the approach and many of them seem to change their habits for the better.

"The kids who, maybe, don't get a lot of rest may become a little more conscientious about going to bed earlier, and a lot of them go the weight room now after classes.

"You, definitely, see a change in their lifestyle if you stay on them and keep encouraging them throughout the year."