Kugluktuk starts school year with multi-national staff

My name is Richard Harrington. I am the “second year” principal at Kugluktuk high school.

I wish to report on some significant changes this year to our staffing personnel. As you may know, our students registered on Aug. 9, although the teachers were present in the school on Aug. 1.

We began the year with a four-day session of “Tribes” training, a system that is geared to foster an inclusive and cooperative method of teaching.

We have several new teachers this year, who, in my opinion, are bringing many varied and significant skills to the students of Kugluktuk.

We welcome Stephanie Konstantinou, our student support teacher. Stephanie is an energetic and positive individual who already has made a strong contribution to student affairs.

We welcome Attila Csaba, via Ottawa and originally from Hungary. Attila is well known in Nunavut for his advanced coaching skills, particularly in table tennis. He also is a “high-energy” person who has actively joined into our many extra-curricular activities.

We welcome Alpha Jalloh, via British Columbia, and formerly from Sierra Leone, Africa. Alpha is teaching our Grade 7 class and is also making his mark quickly in the school.

We welcome Rosemarie Meyok as our language specialist. Rosemarie is well known for her extensive background in preserving the language and culture of the community.

Soon to arrive in the community are Navaid Bhatti, via Ontario and India. Navaid is a well-qualified science and computer specialist. Kenneth Gunn is expected soon as well. Kenneth was in the Canadian army for eight years, and has degrees in science. He also has a background in coaching several sports.

I refer to our staff as the “United Nations,” as we have people from Britain, the United States, Hungary, Africa, India and — of course — Canada.

The Kugluktuk Grizzly sports program is still very active. We are busy planning for several specific athletic teams and hope to host several Nunavut tournaments. We plan a photography club, driver training, cultural trips, and activities and other events to foster a spirit of cooperative fun and appreciation for the educational process. In all activities, we hope to remember the Inuit “IQ” principles and to implement them in our planning and events.

I am confident that we have begun the new year in a spirit of cooperation and I am very optimistic that our students will find this a rewarding year.

Richard Harrington
Principal
Kugluktuk High School