Category: Uncategorized

March 9th–12th, 2019

My 6 month teaching contract is now completed in SD91 (until I return in late May) and this weekend was dedicated to enjoying Cross Country skiing at Omineca, witnessing the Racing Rocks ski competition between local schools, packing up 6 months of belongings, and snuggling with both Mark and Brat. Without a doubt my husband is happy I am returning to ‘retirement’ at least for a couple of months!

Meanwhile, Brat (the cat I have been house sitting) is extremely aware that something is amiss and things are changing. She sneaks into the bedroom and under the covers. She hides in any open drawer or box. Whenever I sit down, she jumps on my lap. As a source of company, she is hard to beat and her snuggles and purring definitely increase my oxytocin levels. She was a joy to come home to each day and I will truly miss her!

Omineca ski club is less than 10 minutes drive from Burns Lake towards Francois Lake. This stunning area for X Country skiing contains multiple trails which meet the needs of all ability levels. Omineca club is a cooperative venture run by amicable, welcoming individuals. I bought a yearly membership and a seasonal rental for my equipment in hopes that I would attend on a regular basis and become proficient at this type of skiing. I’ve always been a downhill skier.

Unfortunately, between the days below -20 degrees, the days without fresh snow which were really icy, and the perfect condition days when I was sick, I only skied 6 times. But  improvement was occurring and the long skinny 190 skis were slowly becoming more familiar. I still found balance tricky especially going downhill. Arggg! So, I became very familiar with the basic level trails! Cross country skiing requires less warm clothing than downhill because it is great cardio exercise coupled with beautiful scenery and fresh air.

The benefits of starting young were pretty evident by the skill level of many of the young skiers we watched at the Racing Rocks school challenge. The young skiers raced down slopes, pulled others in team races, wound their way through obstacle courses and participated in events for several hours. I bet they all slept well that night! The winning school this year was WKE! William Konkin Elementary School

 

After skiing and observing Racing Rocks competition at Omineca we had one last drive around the area I had called “Home Base” for nearly 6 1/2 months! Goodbye snow, frozen lakes, gorgeous blue skies, beautiful Brat, and Lorne St. Burns Lake, B.C. Thank you for sharing your home Loretta and Joe. It was time to  pack up the vw Jetta and get ready to depart for our next adventure.  Mark and I are now heading north west to Prince Rupert via Smithers and Hazelton.

March 5th–8th, 2019

As indicated in my previous post “Goodbye to WKE Family”, my Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist position contract officially ended in SD91 (Burns Lake, B.C.) on March 9th. Would you believe in my final week, I had to attend not 1 but 2 staff meetings?

This blog post is dedicated to my second amazing school, Decker Lake Elementary, where I taught as the Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist on Thursdays and Fridays. As I rushed from WKE to Decker on Tuesday to attend the second staff meeting, I encountered a road blockade en route. Upon approaching the accident vicinity I had to wonder how on earth could a semi trailer land in the ditch perpendicular to the highway on a clear day when the highway was cleared, the temperatures were actually above zero, and there was no black ice or rain visible? Yet…There it was blocking the highway!

We eventually progressed passed the site on a side road and when I returned 2 huge tow trucks working in unison, had managed to pull the semi trailer back onto the highway.  Highway 16 is a life line access highway. It is not wide (mainly only 1 driving lane per side in our area) but it is constantly in use! When I drive to Decker Lake Elementary from Burn Lake town, I regularly have semi trailers, huge equipment, or logging trucks in front or behind me!

Similar to WKE, the last few days were busy and hectic at Decker with S.T.E.M. challenges and classroom lessons. I also selected $2,000 of Hi/Low (High Interest/Low Vocabulary) books and wonderful new non-fiction books to support the interests and curriculum of this school’s clientele. (Thank you to the P.A.C. for this donation). There is no Library Assistant or Clerk at this school.

My dedicated and keen Learning Commons Leaders (about 20 students in grades 5-7) had a final club meeting completing projects as we aim to evolve our Learning Commons and make it more student friendly.  Each grade had a Google Map lesson about where my husband and I were travelling after my departure from Decker. One class created and performed a touching song about my departure and several students arrived with “I’ll miss you” cards. It was lovely but not emotionally draining because… I’M COMING BACK!

Yes. The district and union combined to create, and present me with, a special contract enticing me to return to Decker Lake Elementary after our travels. The contract is to continue working as TL/Learning Commons Specialist at Decker Lake Elementary School 100% for the final 5 weeks of the school year. Guess those extra years obtaining my Masters degree in Teacher-Librarianship is a valuable asset. So my teaching materials remain in my Library Office where they will be waiting for me when Mark and I head back up to the Lakes District area at the end of May.

This time, we plan to bring our trailer and kayaks north and take advantage exploring the numerous beautiful lakes around Burns Lake area. We are hopeful that the ice will be melted by then! I look forward to reuniting with many master teachers and support staff at this school, a delightful student population, and a relaxed supportive principal.

BONUS: I will get to visit all my amazing friends from WKE and the community too!

Let the travel time begin!

March 4th-6th, 2019

My final 3 days at WKE (William Konkin Elementary) in Burns Lake were crazy and hectic trying to complete as many projects and tasks as possible; while also making sure I said goodbye to all classes and staff, and assisted in transitioning for the teacher returning from Maternity leave.  I was only the TL at WKE for 6 months and a week, so when this week arrived I was truly surprised at how deep the connections were with staff and students; and how heartfelt and emotional this goodbye was.

The staff and students here, lead by an amazing educationally astute and inspiring A.O., have totally embraced me as part of their school family since my arrival September 1st. I was hired as a District Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist for Burns Lake based at two schools. I worked evolving the Library into a Learning Commons at WKE every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday then moved to a second school each Thursday and Friday. I will write a separate post for my second school following this blog post.

During class lessons I read a final FN story or lead a S.T.E.M. challenge, in addition to a google earth lesson about where I was heading after I departed from Burns Lake.

 

Many students have never driven to Prince Rupert or taken the Northern Expedition Ferry south to Port Hardy.  Next, I used Google maps to travel south from Port Hardy to Nanaimo. Students were also quite fascinated by the distance from Vancouver to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As one student pointed out “Wow! You’re going half way around the world!”. Other students at WKE are global travelers, and one French Immersion student shared a travel book of Vietnam with me as her family backpacked there last year!

Several classes arrived with Goodbye cards which resulted in me becoming choked up and emotional! My correct surname appears to be quite the challenge, but the love was so evident! The grade 4/5 class even created a huge “book card” based on “Shi-shi-etko” a story about a young girl preparing for Residential school, which I had read to them earlier this year. These students toured the school and had nearly every student and staff member sign names and/or messages inside the pages! It was one of the most precious gifts and moments I have experienced in my 34 years of teaching!

 

During my final 3 days the hugs, individual cards, and loving messages kept occurring from so many students… A certain grade 7 boy who has been quite challenging and not easy to engage, made a point of hanging around the hall by the Learning Commons door on my final 3 days until I noticed him each day.  Our routine went like this… I would say “Hello”. He would ask me “How’s your day going?” I’d say “Great. Thanks”. Then “How about your day?” He would say “Okay” then walk away. Those few moments and daily interaction with that student meant the world to me!

 

In addition to the 7 English classes at WKE, there are also 3 French Immersion classes and Carrier lessons occur one day a week. Another really neat part of the WKE program each Monday was our Eagle Groups time. For 20 minutes each Monday, staff have an Eagle Group with 7-8 Eaglets in a multi-aged group which meet in a special location to “check in” and learn about positive traits for learning. Thanks for leading this Dave! Four groups always met in the Learning Commons. My group had 1 grade 7 girl, 1 grade 6 FI boy, 1 grade 6 girl, 1 grade 5 FI girl, 1 grade 3 boy, and 2 Kindergarten boys. (7). I will truly miss my Eaglets but am sure they will continue soaring with the new TL.

The school also promotes SNAP math, Blitz Literacy support, Outdoor Education initiatives, lots of Sport teams, and there is Teacher Collaboration blocks every second Wednesday for the last hour of the school day. I learned new ideas and was inspired and energized by all the professional development we received and the assessment initiatives and practices we were held accountable for at this school. Teachers also take turns leading and sharing ideas and strategies. Last session, I was the TL sharing at the collaboration meeting. The Collaboration meeting was officially my last hour of ‘teaching’ at WKE.

At the end of the Collaboration session, I was quite overwhelmed to receive a card, gift and a deeply touching speech by W.K.E. and Francois Lake Principal, Wendy Keleman.  When she stated I was “leaving a legacy” I’m sure my tears flowed. I hope they all realize how much I mutually appreciated and benefited from all their love and positive energy too. The gift was a beautiful bowl created in Smithers. I will feel the joy and love from WKE each time I glance upon it or use it in the future. Wendy suggested I open the card later. Good suggestion! The words from this staff touched me deeply and meant more than they could possibly know. I certainly hope these caring people keep contact as they are very special to me.

 

It was particularly difficult to say goodbye to my Learning Commons Leaders and my positive, compassionate Library Assistant. My Learning Commons Leaders are students in grades 5-7 who met weekly and assisted when I had the Learning Commons open in the mornings before school. Their final projects were creating icons pictures for series in E Picture book section and creating a QR Code Library Scavenger Hunt.  During my final week at WKE the Annual Music Festival was being held and many of these same talented students also are Highland Dancers, Biathlon X Country Skiers, and amazing musicians so some were absent from school.

 

I had the pleasure of working and planning with Suzanne E (enthusiastic Library Assistant) for the final 2 months of school. She is part of the group of employees who travel from Topley each day! Suzanne and I were an incredible team in the Learning Commons. Although our time together was way too short, I am positive we will reconnect again… Each time I see hummingbirds and flowers I will think of her smiling at me!

Ready for this…. I am returning to Burns Lake in Late May! More about that in my next Blog Post!

Au Revoir WKE! It was such a pleasure working with you all in Burns Lake. You are in my heart and soul. You are family! Thank you with love.

March 1st–3rd, 2019

After being apart for 7 long weeks while my husband dealt with storm damage which occurred at our Nanaimo home last December, I was eager and thankful as I drove to Prince George to meet him at the airport! Thankfully the highway was clear and not too icy today, so the trip took just under 3 hours. The brilliant blue sky and the white sparkly snow on the fields and frozen lakes contrasted so vividly it was quite breath taking.

After greeting Mark at the airport we drove to my brother’s house. I was surprised to discover there was even more snow piled up on the streets in his Prince George neighborhood than what I had witnessed in Burns lake! I couldn’t resist taking photos of cars nearly submerged by metres of snow.

Next, we drove to Prince George vw dealership to check out the progress of my 2019 vw Jetta that had been towed from Burns Lake to PG when it stopped working on Feb. 12th!  As the vehicle is so new, there were no parts available. To escalate my apprehension, while in the VW dealership, vandals broke in and smashed the back passenger side window of my vehicle — and took nothing! So senseless! I felt so frustrated and sad seeing my 2019 vehicle sitting in their garage looking so pathetic and broken. Only 9 months ago I witnessed the car arriving at Comox dealership still dressed in white protective coverings. 🙁

A weekend of music trivia at Wildwood pub (We won the second game); and fondue with caring and fun neighbors and family really picked up my spirits and reminded me of what is most important in life.

Then it was time to return to Burns Lake for my final week of this teaching assignment as the Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist for both WKE and Decker Elementary Schools in Burns Lake.

February 26th-28th, 2019

What a hectic week in Burns Lake! At both WKE and Decker Elementary Schools I have been busy finishing up collaboration projects with various classrooms, introducing S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) challenges in the Learning Commons.

This week was also Anti-bullying Pink Shirt day at both schools. The local Burns Lake Newspaper came to school to photograph the event.

On Wednesday evening after Dance Fitness with Deirdre, we decided to check out the local Burger Cafe in  the Burns Lake Multiplex. We heard the food was fresh but did not expect the huge portions! I had the burger special and Deirdre ordered the club house. It was made with 3 entire layers of pita bread!!! While eating, we were entertained watching adult curling and youth hockey practices.

The climbing wall was not being used, but the weight room and squash court were both active too. In addition to all the outdoor recreation in this area, there are so many indoor activities too. Unfortunately, the closest aquatics centers are at Vanderhoof and Houston.

February 23rd–25th, 2019

There is always lots to do during winter in the Lakes District area–recreational activities like snowshoeing, snowmobile riding and races, ice fishing, x country or downhill skiing, fat tire mountain biking, curling, hockey, etc.

Then there are the constant winter jobs: shoveling snow, cutting wood and kindling, keeping your vehicles running etc. Sometimes it is even interesting to walk through the ‘mall’ and shops displaying historical photos and information about the area. I doubt there are many moose and fish this large left anymore?

Any winter activities I could access, I tried! But, sometimes when the weather is -25 or lower….It’s just more pleasant to stay in your home with friends feeling the warmth of Blaze King wood stove!

I guess that is partially why there are so many talented and creative artisans in this area!

When Brat the cat would finally allow me to get up (She loved to sleep on my lap in the evenings) I enjoyed knitting and working on 1,000 piece puzzles. You can pick up beautiful puzzles for $1.00 or free at the local Thrift shop or the Reuse shop near the local dump. They are both quite popular drop in locations up here.

Feb 20th–24th, 2019

What’s new in Burns Lake? Well…My sinus infection is on the mend. I’m dealing with the loaner vw Jetta Hybrid while my 2019 vw Jetta remains in the Prince George dealership waiting for necessary parts as the vehicle is so new, they don’t have the parts available! Work at both schools is hectic as I try to evolve as much as possible in the limited time left on my Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist contract in SD91 ending March 9th, 2019. Snow keeps on falling and it’s below -25 nearly every night and most mornings!  Brrr! This is definitely a place to build your independence capabilities! But…Without a doubt I sure do love the sunshine that twinkles on the snow crystals nearly every day and invites smiles and positive energy from those who feel her welcome warmth.

At school, we are always learning and practicing new methods. As Professionals, we meet collaboratively and take turns leading new assessment ideas and strategies then sharing ways to adapt and engage all learners. This week as the school’s Learning Commons Specialist, it was my turn to lead.

In addition to working collaboratively with my dedicated colleagues, I have been thrilled with the dedication and determination of my keen Learning Commons Leaders. They are eager, creative student leaders in grades 5-7 who assist me with the Library collection and add student touches and ideas for the Learning Commons spaces.

Outside in the snow covered fields, popular activities (when it is warmer than -20 degrees) are sledding down the hills, building structures, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. I discovered this interesting machine parked at different times in both school grounds and was informed it created x country ski grooves for the children to ski within in big ovals around the fields! Pretty cool!

It is wonderful to see the students out practicing their skills with their teachers during gym times in the school fields! Being a Vancouver Island girl…I think of these fields mainly for use playing soccer! Guess soccer happens here around May???? It will be a while before all this snow melts unless their soccer shoes have extra long ice cleats. I’ll need to find out about that?

Catching up on snow shoveling often happens during the weekend. There is certainly no limit to physical exercise possibilities up here during the winter. However, when the temperatures are below -20 and there is an extra wind chill factor, I discovered I could only shovel the driveway in sections of about 15 minutes each as my nose, cheeks, and fingers got bitterly cold and red. I have learned that my heavy duty Sorel snow boots for up to -40 are quite cozy and sure do keep my feet toasty. I also have discovered that these really cold temperatures in conjunction with sunny/warmer periods during the days, seem to create amazing ice formations on roofs, shovel handles, garbage cans, doors, etc.

I am now experienced opening front doors and garbage can lids that are frozen shut! I must admit though….The first time I was locked inside by a frozen solid front door it was rather alarming! No square tires yet…But I am learning about Canadian winters beyond Vancouver Island!

 

February 11th –18th, 2019

Was it the severe low temperatures (most days between -12 for a high and -30+ for the low)? The visit to the hospital to get a Tetanus/diphtheria booster prior to our Asian trip? The inability to use the wood stove as it’s not drawing air properly? Or the extra stress of trying to finish up so many projects prior to the end of my Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist contract on March 9th? Some how I managed to contract a heavy cold which ended up in acute sinusitis! I was driven home from work Tuesday at lunch, stayed home on Wednesday, and although I worked Thursday and Friday I spent most of the long weekend resting up and sleeping.

Meanwhile….On February 12th, my 2019 vw Jetta had its second major break down in the WKE parking lot! The car started fine but the dashboard was completely black except for 2 emergency flashing lights and lots of binging sounds. I checked the manual book. It was NOT good news!

After phoning roadside assistance, I was informed that a tow truck would be arriving to transfer my “reliable”2019 vw jetta to the nearest vw dealership–this time that happened to be in Prince George! I burst into tears as I was really sick, it was -20 degrees, and I had no way to get around the community and to my other school. When I was told to take a taxi or a bus….I sobbed! There are no taxis, rental cars or daily bus services here. Mark took over the situation!  The Prince George vw dealership would offer a loaner….if I picked it up!!!! Interesting….It’s 228 km away and takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive each way–when the conditions are good! Plus…How would I get there!!!!! The tow truck driver suggested they would bring the loaner car back to Burns Lake for a fee of $100. It was my only reasonable choice!

The next day I had two beautiful St. Valentine’s Day flower baskets delivered to “home base” from my loving husband and mother. Cheery flowers and messages helped to brighten my day. That night at 8:45 p.m. the local tow truck arrived with my 2012 Hybrid jetta loaner. It had no engine plug in, so I was concerned about its effectiveness in this severe cold snap. But…The hybrid starts up quickly and doesn’t require a lengthy engine warm up!

On Friday I was so run down I finally went to the hospital to get checked by a doctor. That’s when it was determined that I had acute sinusitis. I started Meds. on Friday afternoon, rested with “Brat” all weekend, and within a week I felt back to my normal self! Although it is impossible to find a doctor or nurse practitioner in the Nanaimo area, doctors are accepting patients up here.

It definitely was a roller coaster type of week up here!

February 9th, 2019

Time for another new Canadian snow country winter experience! The sun and snow look so appealing and welcoming up here, yet are so deceiving . Even Brat, the cat, decided she wanted to step outside and check out the snow.  It was her longest adventure to date lasting nearly 2 minutes before she raced back inside! Lol

My friend Deirdre and I set off to discover the location of these famed Burns Lake snowmobile races. We heard they were towards Babine Lake Road past the garbage dump. So…With that knowledge, we headed off! Luckily we discovered a couple of signs marking the route. The road was rather slippery after we passed the garbage dump, but soon we saw evidence of snowmobile tracks running through the woods and surrounding area. It cost $10 per person to enter; however, apparently the races started about 10 a.m. and as we missed the morning we were only charged $5 each. Deirdre and I joined others sitting on the wooden bleachers for a couple of races but then departed. The freezing cold, shade, and icy wind drew us back down to stand in the sun. In each race, two snowmobiles raced against each other down a straight run way. Then the next 2 racers would line up and race. etc. The “King” category hosted the biggest and fastest snowmobiles. The top speed of the day was 105 mph. I’m not sure why the speed was measured in mph rather than km?

Deirdre and I watched several races, took several photos, then rushed into the snack shack (with woodstove) to get hot chocolates and warm up. It was freezing!!! I can’t even imagine how bitterly cold it would be while racing those machines down the runway over and over again! Snowmobile racing is now officially ticked off my bucket list!

We returned back to our home bases….I returned to Brat’s cuddles and my newest puzzle!

Feb 4th — Feb. 8th, 2019

On Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland schools get closed when they can’t handle snowfall.  Up here….They laugh at that! There have been no school closures due to snowfall or low temperatures. For the first time this winter the school buses were unable to run when the temperature dropped below -35 degrees Celsius. However, the schools were still open. We just had smaller classes that day.  I donned by -40 Sorel winter boots, warmest mitts, warmest head and neck covering, and lots of layers! Long Johns under your pants keep you warm, but are pretty bulky!

When students arrive at school they come straight inside when it is lower than -20 degrees. I had the Learning Commons open. The gym, computer labs, art room, and multi-purpose rooms were also open for students. Snow boots, ice cleats, jackets, and backpacks are all removed at the front entrance area and picked up when the morning bell goes! Students stay inside during recess and lunch breaks when the temperature is dangerously low.

Wood stoves burn constantly around the community and sometimes there are poor air quality warnings. The sun is nearly always shining and the snow sparkles…but it’s damn cold outside! I have noticed that my skin is drying out and I am getting splits at the ends of some fingers. When I asked the doctors and pharmacists about this, I discovered it is very normal up here during the intense cold times of the year. Glysomed lotion was recommended to use on a regular basis. At school my students were talking about the ‘big’ events of the coming weekend and encouraging me to come and watch or participate. They were: hockey tournaments, x country skiing, and snowmobile racing. Hmmm…I’ve been attending/participating in the first two, but I’ve never attended snowmobile racing. So….Guess what my next blog post will be about?