Ulaajuk Elementary School’s Weekend Programs Boost Attendance

Pond Inlet’s Ulaajuk Elementary School has seen a remarkable attendance rate of 85 percent, significantly surpassing the average of 57 percent in the Kitikmeot region and 69 percent in the Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk regions, according to the Nunavut Department of Education. Principal Sandra Rutledge attributes this success to the engaging programs offered during and after school hours, including activities on weekends.

Rutledge emphasizes that these extracurricular opportunities, which encompass sports, cooking, and creative arts, encourage students to remain connected to their school community. “There’s lots of activities for the students to be able to participate,” she states. “They want to come to school. They want to participate.” This focus on engagement not only keeps students coming back but also fosters a sense of safety and belonging within the school environment.

Creating a Community Hub

Ulaajuk Elementary serves around 302 students from kindergarten to Grade 6, providing daily meals that include breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Rutledge recalls her early days at the school, when she observed children wandering around the community during school hours. To address this, she and vice-principal Karla Evaloakjuk decided to reach out directly to families. They collaborate with local organizations such as the RCMP and Family Services to identify children not enrolled in school and to discuss barriers to attendance with their parents.

“Parents have expressed embarrassment over not sending their children to school,” Rutledge explains. “I’ll bring them in and say, okay, let’s talk about this.” She believes that when students see the range of activities available, they quickly feel welcomed, regardless of how much school they have missed.

The school has worked diligently to create a positive atmosphere where collaboration is encouraged. Rutledge also recognizes the importance of staff retention, stating, “I respect their prep times. If they have to give up prep, I ensure that they get it back. It builds trust.” Ulaajuk Elementary employs 41 staff members, and administrators make significant efforts to attract and retain qualified educators.

Community Engagement and Future Goals

Looking ahead, new Education Minister David Akeeagok emphasizes the need for parental involvement in encouraging school attendance. He aims to explore strategies to motivate students, including leveraging events like the Arctic Winter Games to captivate student interest. “As a parent, I have some good ideas, but as a minister, I need to listen to the staff,” he notes.

Rutledge envisions Ulaajuk Elementary as a central hub for the community, organizing events like a recent Thanksgiving breakfast that served over 1,000 pancakes. “We fed everyone, and the students were serving and cleaning, and I was so proud of them,” she shares. The school also plans to advertise its food programs in local stores and continues to organize community activities, such as bake sales, to engage families and encourage more children to attend school.

The ongoing initiatives at Ulaajuk Elementary School demonstrate a commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment that values both student engagement and community involvement. As attendance rates remain high, the school stands as a model for how targeted programs and community collaboration can enhance educational outcomes in remote areas.