A special high school program is continuing its successful run of combining traditional skill learning with recognizing positive academic attributes at Tuugaalik High School in Naujaat.
Photo courtesy Julia MacPherson
Now in its seventh year, the special program sees the school allocate some funding to recognize a small group of high school students who have good attendance, are respectful to staff and fellow students, are helpful to teachers and other students and always complete their assigned and classroom work.
Those selected to the program get to design and sew their very own personal parka.
Those selected to take part in the school's seventh annual jappa-making program were Macleod Arnatsiaq, Sabina Iyyiraq, Angelina Siusangnark, Melanie Kaunak and Darryl Angotingoar.
The special jappa-making program is always held at the school during the teacher's week of professional development.
Tuugaalik High School vice-principal Julia MacPherson said the students came into the school every day during the week to work with local sewers to create their own beautiful parka.
She said the high school provides the selected students with all their material and fur for the jappas.
"The program is a great incentive for students and it also helps those who might really need a nice warm jacket," said MacPherson.
Photo courtesy Julia MacPherson
"This year, the senior high teachers (as well as the school administration) met and selected students who were deserving.
"This was a difficult task and, in the end, we picked five Grade 10 students.
"They worked hard all week and were really pleased with the final results. They also learned a new skill. All five of the students said that they would use their new skills in making a parka to do it again."