We met Nancy Cain in November 2022, when she was the Principal of Pitakallak School in Kuujjuaq. At the beginning of 2024, she leapt at the opportunity to work at a bigger school, the Jaanimmarik High School where she is currently Vice-Principal. Modest and jolly, she is adored by her teachers and students. When you stepped inside Kuujjuaq’s Pitakallak School, you felt it immediately. People came in and out of the young principal’s office with a smile.
Nancy Cain didn’t think she would become principal of the school in the community where she grew up, but when she was offered the job, she jumped at the chance. “The previous principal was leaving and suggested that I take the position of vice-principal. After three years in that position, 2022 became my first year as principal,” says Nancy. And she loves what she does.
Welcoming students every morning, being present for them . . . that’s her greatest motivation. She also loves being able to talk to teachers and work with the school council to find solutions that meet the needs of everyone.
At the heart of a team that obviously listens, helps, and supports one another, the principal laughs when she says she holds a management position, because she doesn’t feel like she’s above anyone else. Rather, she feels part of a whole in which everyone’s focused on the well-being of the children and the school community.
I’m at the heart of the action and every day is new; you never get bored! It fits my personality. I like challenges and that’s why I’m here.
Her day-to-day goal: student success. And for Nancy, that success is first and foremost a team effort. “Our students are our motivation, and our teachers are our strength!”