At Pitakallak School in Kuujjuaq, a new initiative called the Positive Moments Program is reshaping how students understand and manage their emotions.
ᐅᓪᓗᒥ ᐱᐅᔪᒻᒪᕆᐊᓗᓐᓂᒃ ᐱᓂᐊᕐᓂᕐᑲᓚ ᖕᒐᔪᖕᒐ – I will do great things today – Je ferai de grandes choses aujourd’hui
This powerful affirmation is how students at Pitakallak School in Kuujjuaq began their school year. Every morning, they hear uplifting messages over the intercom in three languages: Inuktitut, English, and French. It’s part of a new year-long initiative called the Positive Moments Program.
Developed by Anne Mathieu of Transformative Life Skills Nunavik (TLS), in collaboration with Compassionate Schools teacher Nancy Nickerson and Vice-Principal Cheryl Saumure, the program is built on a simple but transformative set of principles:
- Our thoughts shape our emotions.
- Our emotions influence our energy.
- Our energy drives our actions.
Each week, students are introduced to a new affirmation. These affirmations are printed in all three languages and displayed throughout the school to reinforce the message. The program follows a consistent weekly structure to help students and teachers build a lasting habit.
“The main point is that even if the world’s shaking around us, we want students to know that they have the power to change how they’re feeling.”
Every morning, the affirmation is read aloud over the intercom and repeated by students across the school. The printed messages, which are posted throughout the school, are found inside an igloo – a symbol of emotional safety and protection. The igloo is “our house,” a space where everyone can feel secure.
But the program goes beyond words. It incorporates movement, breathing exercises, and posture shifts to help students regulate their emotions. Teachers guide students through activities that encourage mindfulness, emotional awareness and self-expression, strenghtening the connection between body and mind.
“There is a program that comes with each quote of the week. There are always a few suggested activities that teachers can do in class to work with the affirmations.”
Nancy and Cheryl have seen firsthand how these small shifts make a big impact. Students are more willing to talk about their feelings, and better able to calm themselves when upset. The program is still in its pilot phase, but feedback from students and teachers is guiding its evolution. During the remainder of the school year, Anne Mathieu (TLS) will continue to work closely with educators to refine the materials and ensure they meet the students’ needs. The goal is to create a sustainable, culturally responsive program that could be used across Nunavik schools.
In a recent interaction with students, Nancy asked them what they remembered most from last year’s affirmations over the intercom. From kindergarten to Grade 3, the response was unanimous. In a room full of young voices, one affirmation stood out above all others: “I love myself.”
If that’s the message that stays with the students, the Positive Moments Program is already making a lasting difference.
