Alternative discipline gets the okay

Teachers, students and school administrators in Iqaluit have joined forces to find ways of dealing with troubled students without kicking them out of school.

The Iqaluit District Education Authority recently approved funding for a community group that aims to give students more chances to go out on the land and interact with elders outside of school.

At its May 17 meeting, the IDEA earmarked $25,000 for a subcommittee headed by member Katherine Trumper, partially to train teachers on using mediation to discipline students.

Darlene Nuqingaq, principal of Aqsarniit Middle School, said she’s already seen positive results from a similar program at her school, sponsored by the Iqaluit Restorative Justice Society.

“I’ve seen a dramatic difference in the kids’ self-esteem,” she said.