Photo: School’s out in Pangnirtung

An oil spill has given about 200 elementary school students in Pangnirtung an unexpected break from classes. Alookie Elementary School has been closed for nearly two weeks since fuel oil spilled under the school building. The spill was cleaned up — but the problems didn’t end there, acknowledged Lorne Kusugak in the Nunavut legislature on Oct. 26. “We are trying to resolve the issue at this time relating to the odour and smell. To date I cannot exactly tell you what stage it’s at, but I can try to find out as it is being worked on daily,” Kusugak said. Plans are underway to see if Alookie’s students can return to classes next week, sharing the Attagoyuk High School next door with its 160 students. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HAMLET OF PANGNIRTUNG)