South Qikiqtani Region
President’s Report
Aug. 2007- Jan. 2008

This year has been a very good one to date. While there have been many challenges for the South Qikiqtani Region, and Nunavut teachers in general, our excellent school reps and professional improvement liaisons have done an outstanding job.

I don’t believe enough can be said about the excellent instruction we all received during our PI/SR training in Iqaluit this year. It was a personal first for me, and I believe that everyone came away with a better appreciation and understanding of their duties. The knowledge and training that individuals receive is crucial to our schools and the encouragement, support, and enthusiasm that we acquire through such group conferences is extremely beneficial.

There are still many long-term challenges that face us. Unfortunately, many of these will not be resolved any time soon. Housing challenges, both in the availability of housing and the price of housing, will remain one of the key problems for South Qikiqtani in the foreseeable future. The increased cost of housing will, I believe, continue to impede the hiring of qualified staff.

Like all Nunavut regions, South Qikiqtani had a number of positions become vacant over Christmas. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new teachers. I firmly believe that Nunavut is one of the most exciting and dynamic regions in Canada to work.

With half the year behind us, I am hopeful we will all have a pleasant and positive remainder of the school year. In closing I would like to thank, once again, our school reps and PI liaisons as well as all of the staff at our head office for their hard work.

Sincerely,

Stewart Churchill
South Qikiqtani Regional President