Kindergarteners commemorated
First year of school an important time
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
NAUJAAT
More than 30 smiling young faces took to the stage in front of a large crowd of friends and family members to receive their kindergarten diplomas at Tusarvik School in Naujaat this past month.
Kindergarten teacher Paula Kringayark, from right to left, leads Casey Noah and Scott Kopak onto the stage for their graduation ceremony at Tusarvik School in Naujaat this past month. - photo courtesy of Julia MacPherson |
For Paula Kringayark, it was the 23rd time she's watched with pride as a kindergarten teacher at Tusarvik.
Kringayark said she still enjoys teaching the youngest students in the school after all these years.
She said most of the children are new every year, and that keeps her job exciting.
"They're so cute at that age, and I love what I do very much," said Kringayark.
"We usually have a few new teachers every year, too, and that also helps keep things fun and new.
"There were lots of parents and grandparents at the graduation, which had the kids really excited.
"It's always nice to see the kids supported by the community like that."
Kringayark said kindergarten is split into two groups, with one being a morning class and the other coming in the afternoons.
She said it's always disappointing when some kids become non-attenders when their class switches to the morning after Christmas break.
"We had about eight become non-attenders this year when they moved to mornings.
"Some kids aren't used to getting up that early.
"But kindergarten is very important because they're just learning how to be in school before Grade 1.
"They're not sure what to expect in the beginning, but, after awhile, they get to know each other and start feeling comfortable."
Kringayark said it's a nice feeling to watch children get comfortable with doing things away from home as they adjust to new surroundings.
She said at that age, they listen to their teachers more than older students.
"When I see the kids outside, they'll keep saying hi to me until I answer.
"Those who become non'-attenders have to repeat kindergarten and that puts them behind their friends right away.
"They're so small and they don't really understand.
"The families should try harder, but the community should let them go home earlier, too, so it's the whole community, not just the families, that can help them keep coming to school."
