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KIVALLIQ
Graduation numbers in the Kivalliq region are at least consistent, if not above previous years, with 87 students donning the cap and gown in 2011.

Graduates from Maani Ulujuk Illiniarvik throw their hats in celebration of their achievement Aug. 20. - Nicole Veerman/NNSL photo

Bill Cooper, superintendent of Kivalliq schools, said the success of students in the region can be attributed, in part, to course flexibility.

"I see from three different schools, and these are our larger schools, they indicate that flexible course options have allowed for students to graduate and not just graduate, but to graduate with a purpose in mind."

A student's purpose, or future goals, and the courses they need to reach it are laid out in a career program plan that is created in their Aulajaaqtut classes in grades 10 through 12.

"If a student doesn't a require the academic courses because they're not going to become a doctor or because they have something else in mind, then our staff at schools are able to guide students into the courses that are right for them," Cooper said.

He said it's the kind of flexibility that keeps kids in school.

Shelly Pepler, executive director of Kivalliq school operations, said another reason there are more graduates is because the schools work closely with the school board.

"We're a team. We're all working together. We may be separated by distance, but we certainly have the same goal of getting our students successfully through the school system, so they can be, as the term goes, they can be everything they want to be in the future."

Peter Geikie, assistant deputy minister of education, said when considering graduation numbers, you can't discount the value of the teachers and school staff who go above and beyond for their students.

"I truly believe we have great staff and we have caring staff that really do work hard and try to engage and keep our youth in schools and, to me, that's one of the reasons I believe that we're seeing in an increase in our (graduation) rates across the territory."

In 2010, 235 students graduated in Nunavut, compared to 117 in 2001.

When looking at those numbers, Geikie said there is something important to remember.

"In Nunavut 15 years ago, not every community had a high school. You made it to Grade 9 or Grade 10 and then you'd have to go to one of the regional centres to continue your high schooling.

"When grades 10, 11 and 12 were implemented into our communities and students could stay home where they get the support of their family and they're less likely to get homesick, I think that has had a huge impact."

With 87 students graduating from the region in 2011, Cooper said he couldn't be more pleased. On Aug. 20, he attended the celebration at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik, where 30 students graduated.

"I was very pleased to see the number of grads, but also very pleased to hear their stories," said Cooper. "I didn't speak to all the grads, but the ones that I spoke to, they all seemed rather directed and excited about where they're going, as do their parents."

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