Category: Uncategorized

November 2018

Although he is also renovating our home in Nanaimo during my 6 month position in sd91, when my husband travels the 1,084 km each way for visits he never just ‘chills’ and relaxes. No… We explore the area on weekends and after school. He cuts up wood and kindling for me. He creates a lovely fire in the wood stove so the house is warm. He assists me at school and helps me with any tech issues. He shops and cooks really healthy meals. He even filled the freezer with soups and stew so that I eat healthy whenever he is absent. (I’m gluten intolerant). He encourages and always supports me. I am so thankful that I have Mark as my partner and husband.

This blog post is for you hon! You truly are amazing and I love you!

November 17th, 2018

The much anticipated annual Christmas bazaar at LDSS (Lakes District Secondary School) in Burns Lake did not disappoint! All participants had to offer hand created items for sale. The doors opened for seniors from 9:00–9:30 then the entire community was invited to attend. It was packed! As you entered the school you were greeted by welcoming smiles, carolers, and east coast type fiddle music. It was so delightful to see the variety of cultures and religions represented and respected in this area of B.C. There was everything from cast iron to hand made christening gowns, from painting/stained glass to specialty foods, from innovative fold-able tables and bird feeders to jewelry. Fun times for all the family!

Even the Plaid Friday mascot made an appearance! I highly recommend attending this event if you are in Burns Lake mid November next year.

Mid November 2018

Dividing my time as Teacher Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist between two schools at Burns Lake and Decker lake is somewhat challenging and exhausting, yet so fulfilling.  I teach collaboratively with 16 different classroom teachers, plus have challenge groups and reading groups to plan for each week. In addition to collaborating with staff, supporting Learning Commons Leaders, introducing STEM and Inquiry, regular Library Administration duties, and 4 early morning duty shifts… I’m also busy evolving both Libraries into Learning Commons. Mastering all the names of both staffs is slowly coming; however, all the students’ names are not cemented yet! The staffs are wonderful and it is very fulfilling and touching when students make a point of hugging me and introducing me to their parents during community events after school hours!

Here are a few photos of some of the events we’ve shared at my two schools during mid November time period. There was a really cool marionette performance–a bit tough to see from the back but really neat props!

I open the Library/Learning Commons most mornings at each school. It is really popular, but I have to limit the numbers to 35 as it gets so busy. I expect as the temperatures drop…It will become even more popular. My Learning Commons Leaders are working on decorating for the upcoming Book Fair and they assist in the mornings. During  Intermediate lessons we have been learning about location of fiction series, authentic websites vs. hoax websites, how to cite text and online sources, and best search engines for science fair research.

The primary classes are learning about fairy tales–traditional vs. fractured and exploring STEM challenges to create structures (house for the 3 pigs, bed for Goldilocks, etc.).

We are having a wonderful time!

November 10th, 2018

Wanting to learn more about all the communities in the school district I am presently working in, sd91 (Nechako lakes), it was time to explore Fort St. James. Our Superintendent and Director of Instruction both live in Fort St. James but I haven’t seen either in Burns Lake yet.  We set off from Burns Lake on a beautiful morning heading mostly east towards Prince George passing through Fraser Lake, and Fort Fraser. Just prior to Vanderhoof you leave highway 16 and head north on highway 27. The trip is nearly 2 hours and 175 km. There are signs to discover the Fort St. James National Historic Site and learn about the history of Canada’s fur trade. However, this historic site is only open in the tourist (summer) season.

Fort St. James is located adjacent to beautiful lakes and mountains. It is a very interesting location because, as a newcomer to the town, the contradiction between colonial  and First People’s histories is pretty clearly exemplified. As listed in hellobc information online “Fort St. James was established by explorer Simon Fraser in 1806 for the North West Company, the site was dubbed “the Siberia of the Fur Trade” because of its harsh winters. Today, Fort St. James national Historic Site is reconstructed to the year 1896, and it includes a re-created Hudson’s Bay trading post.”

As we approached Fort St. James (approximately 4,500 including rural areas and First Nations reserves) we noticed physical changes– the temperature was dropping, the mountains (tall hills to Rocky mountain folks)  were increasing in size, ( there was increasing frost and snow on the ground, a loaded logging truck was sitting sideways in the ditch, yet the sun was shining and the beauty of the area was quite stunning. We stopped to walk in the snow near a bridge and listened to swans trumpet as they flew overhead. I noticed interesting animal hoof marks in the snow which I was told later were probably elk hoof marks.

We drove around the community and the enormous lake that actual looked like the ocean as the waves lapped on the shore! Right next to one of the reserves was the Fort St. James historical site. You drive through the reserve to access the parking lot! Ironic! Usually it is closed, but the gates were open as somebody was doing repairs. So Mark and I got to walk around the site. There was snow on the ground and the wind from the lake was bitter cold. I can only imagine what it would feel like during -30 degree weather here.

According to weatherbase.cm the lowest recorded temperature in Fort St. James was -49.4C! OMG!  But…It sure is gorgeous 🙂 There is a ski hill here and lots of outdoor (especially winter) recreational activities.

Watch out for slippery roads and large wild animals! And bring your camera!

November 4th, 2018

Today we explored Southside, Grassy Plains and even Ootsa Lake! The summer fires ravished these areas and there have been several fundraisers and thank you events for the firefighters and people who assisted these communities during the devastating fires. I wanted to show Mark the pink trees (covered in fire retardant) and meet the friendly owners of the Taksie Resort.

The area was still fascinating, but the gorgeous color from the autumn trees during my last visit no longer existed as the deciduous trees have now lost their leaves waiting for the snow.

Still…If you crave a peaceful retreat in the country, this is a wonderful area to explore.

November 3rd, 2018

My husband, Mark, and I decided to explore a new town today. Travelling northwest on highway 16, it takes about 1 1/2 hours to drive the 143 km to Smithers.  We drove past Topley, Houston, and Telkwa before arriving at Smithers (urban population 5,351 in 2016…but when you add the rural surrounding population Smithers has closer to 10,600 people).

We stopped at Topley to check out the famous Grizzly Jim’s General Store. There is a variety of items in there from food, to jewelry, pottery, and bear theme items. After Topley we did a quick tour through Houston. The giant solar panels and fishing rod were especially prominent. Then it was off to Smithers.

Smithers is a pretty tourist attractive town which has a European look and influence. It is popular for its “world class skiing” at Hudson Bay Mountain and fishing (especially steelhead). It also supports multiple extreme sports, such as, –quadding, snowmobiling, paragliding, mountain biking.

Mark was excited to locate the sausage and specialty meats stores we heard about in Burns Lake. I was really curious to explore the town. Unfortunately, although rain has been rare up here for months, we hit rain today! But coming from Vancouver Island, we have no problem exploring beautiful landscapes in the rain. Actually the fog, mist, and colors offer a new perspective in wet weather.

October 31st 2018

Happy birthday Uncle Harold! I know you are battling the dreaded “C” in Tasmania and being in the Tassie Sports Hall of Fame you possess incredible determination and optimistic strength. You are such an amazing individual and role model! We’re so glad we brought mom/Patti, your only sister, out from Canada to surprise you in Burnie for your 80th birthday last year. We love you so much xoxo. Happy birthday and may these photos of Halloween in Burns Lake bring you a smile! 😘😉

Brat the cat is a constant source of entertainment and company. She was a rescue cat and is approximately 9–10 years old according to her owners. She has a broken tail, 1 fang tooth, lots of hair, and purrs most of the time. She loves to sit on your lap or knead your neck when you are trying to sleep. She explores everywhere–even inside the dryer! She loves to have her daily bath (warm water rubbed down her head and back) and brush down in the mornings. Then she admires herself in the mirror! She is definitely the most affectionate cat I’ve ever experienced and a joy to see at the end of a challenging day!

Can you tell I am getting pretty attached to her?

October 22nd

Back in Burns Lake. What to do on a Monday evening? Well….How about attending a concert featuring global music! The Lakes District Arts Council brings some amazing concerts to the Burns Lake area. The last one was the East Coast Kitchen party. Tonight we embrace the B.C. World Music Collective! Thirteen performers graced the stage to entice the audience with sounds and culture from Brazil, Mexico, Europe, Zimbabwe, Chile, Cuba, and Canada. In addition, Ronnie Dean Harris “Ostwelve” is a Aboriginal rapper!

The variety of instruments, vocal experimentation, and harmony was upbeat and exhilarating! I was still humming and walking with a bounce in my step all the way back to my BL home base!

October 20–21st, 2018

After attending the Pro-D in Prince George, I got to spend some valuable time with my bro, Mark, at his place in Prince George. It was a beautiful sunny day and he spent all day working on friends’ vehicles switching summer to winter tires as well as winterizing his boat. His wonderful neighbors popped over and we had a lovely outdoor visit.

I also managed to go shopping and locate snow boots (2 pairs) as stores finally had a selection available! One pair of snow boots is good up to – 20 degrees. The second pair Sorels are heavy duty snow boots for up to -40 degree weather. My feet will be warm now! P.S. The pose of me in my red jacket is modelling the door prize I won at the Pro-D conference….It’s called a “kitchen boa” lol . Aren’t the Hallowe’en decorations cute on this house on my brother’s street?