HAPPY 80TH YEAR DAD

From the shores of our Mighty Mackenzie River

To the shores of the Ob River in Russia

From the shores of our Beautiful Beaufort Sea

To the shores of the Pacific Ocean

From the shores of our Great Slave Lake

To the shores of the North Pacific in Japan

No matter where I travel;

Where ever I go; you go too

Because I carry you in my heart

Thank you for all you do

I am proud to be ‘my father’s daughter'

Enjoy your 80th year

Love Always

Your Lil’ Girl

Brendalynn Inuk* Mamayuak Trennert

Moose Kerr Principal Wins NWT Excellence Award

Innovative Bedhead Day Makes Learning Fun For All by Velma Illasiak

JANUARY STARTED OFF WITH A WONDERFUL BANG! The Hamlet Recreation Committee led the community into 2006 with the annual “tree burning ritual” & fireworks. The community then had a truck parade and hot refreshments at the Sittichinli Complex. It was a terrific time and a big thank you to Dean McLeod and the Hamlet maintenance crew and the volunteers who made this event another memorable one.

The New Year could not be expected to start slowly when there is so much action and events held by various organizations! Sandra and Mary Gordon from the Recreation Leadership Program did a presentation for senior high students at MK School. The program is sponsored by Aurora College, there were a lot of good questions and discussion. Thanks to both ladies for a job well done. The school also had a presentation on health matters and making healthy choices by Claudia Ritchie & Leann Tait on February 1st.

The staff and students of MKS were delighted to hear on January 16th, that their principal Velma Illasiak has won the National Excellence Principal Award for NWT. She traveled down to Toronto from Feb.11th to the 17th to join 30 other winners for a week of learning-sharing forums and a gala dinner, where winners were presented their awards. The students and staff sent Velma off with love and wish her continued success!

Lorna Keating at Aurora College have been busy getting programs delivered.

A gun safety course was offered January 18th to 19th. Nine students attended and all passed the course, thanks to instructor Chris Gavin. Lorna is working on getting a Drivers Course-Learners License Program started in the next few weeks. If you are available, the course has a capacity for 10 regular students and 5 open seats.

Junior and Aklavik Rangers had a week's worth of training with Sergeant Ed Patten of the Department of National Defense. One of the training presentations for junior rangers was on Bullying and Sexual Harassment; Ella Archie & Jerry Arey of the Aklavik Rangers helped too. They were valuable resources for training, and were well received by the community. Trudy Kogiak of the Aklavik Junior Rangers will represent us in a shooting competition in March 2006 in Yellowknife.

Lorna Storr held a Cake Walk at MK School on Friday Jan 20th to help raise funds for some of the students heading off to the Arctic Winter Games. It benefited Crystal Koe (Dene Games) and Brenton McGee (Snowshoeing).

The whole student body was busy with final exams for the first semester, and Senior High students have been working hard to get ready for the English Departmental Exams on January 19th and 26th. Congratulations to all students for their hard work and effort. We encourage you to continue with the good work in the second semester. Beginning January 16th, Aurora College offered a Kitchen

Helper Course using the school’s home economic facility. The instructor, Tim Tigiglok and his assistant Kathy Paul are from the community. There were about14 students who began the first week with environmental safety, first aid and an orientation by Nellie Gruben from the College. The aromas coming from the kitchen causes much salivation, it is hard to not be tempted even if you are on a diet. We wish the students luck and success.

January 23rd was the Federal Election. It went smoothly as community members contributed significantly. Thank you to Returning officer Mina McLeod, and deputy returning officers Melinda McGee, Terry Lynn Storr and Angela Storr. The turnout at the polling station was satisfactory.

The Aklavik District Education Authority membership had their first meeting of the year on January 24th. The departing membership is commended for their hard work and service to the students and staff of MK School. There will be an official dinner & acknowledgement later in the school year. We extend a big welcome to the incoming membership. We look forward to their continued dedication to education in Aklavik.

John Chabot, former NHL hockey player of the Detroit Red Wings, came to visit the school on Wednesday January 25th. He gave motivational speeches to students about staying in school, setting goals for themselves and working hard to achieve their goals. Students & staff alike enjoyed it. He also participated in a Hockey Clinic for all ages here. A big thanks to the Recreation Committee of the Hamlet for this wonderful opportunity.

Family Literacy Day was on January 27th and school staff Ann Galway, Sheila Greenland, Kaya Erhart, Shirley Koe & Alana Gale-Perry are much appreciated for their organization of the Poster Contest and Lunch Hour Read Along. Thank you also to Deana Greenland and Terry Lynn Storr for assisting with the Pre-School Literacy event. We all had a fun time, and will enjoy more reading activities in February. Remember, reading to your child for 15 minutes a day makes a big difference in their ability to read and write. A big thank you to the Aurora College students who provided lunch for this event.

Carolyn Robin Moore of Encana, along with Al Wong, Sandy Markin and Rinde Powell visited the school and talked about health and safety when traveling on school trips, especially cultural activities on the land. Encana is committed to partnership and being part of the students’ bright futures. They are in the Beaufort Delta participating in the public oil & gas hearings. They also donated Personal Locator Beacons to the six ISR schools. Thank you for this wonderful gift!

The Aklavik Curling Rink was opened to the public in January. There were several committee meetings to prepare for the remainder of the season. Gary Hoffman of the NWT Curling Association did curling clinics with students of MK from grade 6 to Senior High on February 1st. Everyone was happy to have access to the rink again.

Rachael Munday, the Nurse in Charge went for a well-deserved three-week holiday. She was replaced by Myrella Bellerose. The Dental group came in and many community members had their dental needs tended to. The staff at the local nursing station is busy with daily working hard to meet the community's health needs. FEST Bus service is now operational, a majority of travel during the ice road season can be arranged through them.

Moose Kerr students, parents and staff ended the month of January with winter fest activities. This is a fun filled week: Monday-Steve Urkel Day, TuesdayInside out/Backwards Day, WednesdayCrazy Hair and School Colour Day, Thursday-Unmatched Shoe Day and Friday was Pajama & Bed head Day. It was a wacky week!

We should always be conscientious of power & energy. Brian Campbell of NTPC explored this topic in a presentation for grade 5 and 6 students on February 8th. The kids enjoyed it very much!

Moose Kerr staff were off the week of February 27th to March 3rd, they went to Edmonton for a Balanced Literacy workshop and the Greater Edmonton TeacherConference. This was a great time for the staff to obtain new ideas and teaching tools. February was a month filled with sweetheart box socials, dances & valentine parties. You will hear more about these next issue! Also Moose Kerr School hosted a Secret Pal week for staff and students, who exchanged cards and party treats. Happy Valentines everyone!