ARVIAT - A first-year cosmetology program is becoming a big hit with female students in the senior grades at John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat.

Michelle Malla, back, performs a facial on Pattuk Kigusiutnar during a new cosmetology program at John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Jay Thomas

The course is taught by a new teacher at the school, who spent more than five years in the field before switching careers and becoming a teacher.

School principal Jay Thomas said the new program began at John Arnalukjuak High this past August.

He said student interest played a part in the cosmetology course being offered at the school, as did the teacher's background as a make-up artist.

"I knew of her background through her resume and asked if she'd be interested in teaching a course like that during her interview," said Thomas.

"She told me she'd love to teach the course and that's how the whole thing got started."

Students taking the cosmetology program earn credits in career and technology studies.

The course is being taught to students in Grade 10 through Grade 12, with about 15 students enrolled from each grade.

Thomas said student reaction to the course has been going very well.

He said the program started with beauty as a concept and how it's portrayed in the media, and then progressed to work on facials, including practical application, and make-up artistry.

"From what I understand, there hasn't been any interest from male students yet, other than reports of a few commenting on the fact they wouldn't mind getting one of the facials," Thomas said with a laugh.

"But it's the first time it's been taught, so you never know.

"The same teacher is also doing our drama course, and theatre makeup is something she'd like to touch on with the Grade 12 students next semester.

"There are some male students in that program, so there's always the chance there might be some interest sparked in the boys through that."