Taloyoak celebrates opening of new high school to ease overcrowding

Taloyoak's New Panknick High School officially opened with a public ceremony. The facility has been welcoming youth since the start of the school year. Almost 200 students are attending, with 16 teachers on staff. Grades 7 to 12 now have their own space, after sharing Netsilik School with younger classes, which has become too small with growing enrollment. Principal Rodney Druever says the kids are already showing pride in their new school. There's such enthusiasm among our students. There's a lot of hope that this is definitely going to make the change and the difference that's required to be successful in Taloyoak, to be successful in the territory. Students helped choose the school's name. It means the most prominent caribou bull in a herd. The modern building sits on a hill overlooking the community, and inside, it has open spaces, high ceilings, and round shapes. The school has 10 classrooms, a full-size gym, a trade workshop and a room to prepare country food. Education Minister David Akiyakok says the new school is already making a big difference. In fact, one of our district education authorities has advised me that former students that haven't gone to school are now coming back, which makes it even more exciting. The opening ceremony included student performances, cultural celebrations and a ribbon cutting. Nunavut's premier and cabinet ministers showed up. The new school gives Taloyoak badly needed classroom space and is expected to welcome young learners for at least 25 years. Carl Gardinal, CBC News, Iqaluit.