REPULSE BAY/NAUJAAT
Tusarvik School continued its recent tradition of hosting an afternoon of student activities on the sea ice to mark Earth Day in Repulse Bay (Naujaat) this past month.

Melissa Siusangnark looks on as Kurt Ignerdjuk is challenged by Tyren Akkuardjuk, from left, in a game of ringette during Earth Day activities at Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay this past month. - photo courtesy of Julia MacPherson

In addition to plenty of fun-filled games, a tent is erected for hot chocolate, healthy snacks and to warm anyone who catches a chill.

Vice-principal Julia MacPherson said Tusarvik staff likes to see the students enjoy an outdoor day in the fall, before it gets too cold, and another in the spring.

She said that makes Earth Day a great vehicle for the students' second outdoor day of the school year.

"It's perfect for us because it gets everyone outside, we're celebrating the Earth, the lights are off in the classrooms and we get away from the school for a few hours," said MacPherson.

"We hold it on the actual Earth Day, April 22, weather permitting, and we have a great turnout.

"Members of the RCMP come, as well as a number of parents and guardians.

"We even get other people in the community who come to see what's going on."

The students have really taken to the Earth Day activities in Repulse.

MacPherson said stations are set up for parachute games, iglu building, racketball, sliding and numerous other activities.

She said the event runs for more than two hours, and the children almost always want it to continue.

"We're usually shooing them away when it's time to go home.

"I encourage our teachers to talk about Earth Day leading up the 22nd, and there are a few lessons on it the teachers here - especially our veteran teachers - have been using for years.

"And, of course, they share their resources with the new teachers.

"Also, in the few days leading up to Earth Day, some teachers take their classes out to pick-up garbage and talk about keeping our Earth clean."

MacPherson said while it may sound like a small effort, it makes an impact.

She said you start to see a different attitude emerge after you've held events for a few years.

"I remember my first year here, when we were on the land, and you'd see little styrofoam cups everywhere.

"We'd have to go around picking up garbage for awhile when the trip was over.

"Then we started the shoreline cleanup and recognizing Earth Day and this year, there was not one piece of garbage on the land when we had finished.

"It's not something we continually drill into their heads, but, when we have these events consistently, you see them become more conscious of it and, maybe, when they get older, they aren't going to be leaving their garbage around for someone else to pick up."