Category: Uncategorized

December 10–14th, 2018

As any teacher in a Canadian public school system will inform you….December is one busy time of the year!!! Report Cards, Book Fairs, Crafts for parents, Excitement of the pending holiday break, and Christmas concerts fill the days and many evenings in December!

Working at two different schools means double the excitement and long, stressful rising action period prior to the Christmas break. There is a hum of activity and rarely a moment to reflect or peacefully breathe during this period. Tension definitely exists and it is so important to be a collaborative, team player. Having an appreciative Principal who encourages laughter each day, really helps keep the environment positive and staff functioning as a team. What a delightful surprise to find this card and token waiting for me in my office mailbox! Even Brat, the cat I’m house sitting, sat up to reflect and notice!  🙂

There are so many wonderful initiatives at the schools I am working at in Burns Lake. One, is the Honor Tree at the front entrance of both schools. Brenda Levick and 4 of her children were killed in a tragic car accident a few years ago. She was the FN Support Worker at WKE who was extremely generous and made sure people in need had warm clothes and food. In her honor, there is a large tree in the entrance where we placed mitts hats, etc. and at the base we collected food items for those in need.

The Christmas concerts at both elementary schools were quite amazing! WKE had a section for the K/1 classes, then the grade 3/4 (including French Immersion) sang in dual languages, many classes performed in the complex musical “The Grinch”, which was followed by a percussion (recycled plastic bins) rhythm band! Nearly all staff were involved from creating costumes, make-up, acting, sets, etc. but the performance was led by our fearless (and very funny) Vice-Principal Marion Mills. Decker was equally amazing and I will have a separate post for that concert and the performances by Rachelle van Zanten–local musican.

Meanwhile in the Learning Commons, a maker-space activity which nearly went viral for popularity was making God’s Eyes! I went through masses of wool and Popsicle sticks and I’m pretty certain most homes in Burns Lake will have some God’s Eyes hanging on their Christmas trees this year!

These 2 boys were so proud of their collection!

December 7th & 9th, 2018

In addition to Book Fairs, Report Cards, and Christmas Concert practices SD91 held a grade 6 and 7 volleyball tournament hosted by Decker. The school gym and intermediate wing were overflowing with teams and parents from Burns Lake, Decker Lake, Francois Lake, Grassy Plains, and an independent FN school. Life here is never dull! As a person with very limited skill at volleyball, watching the students serve and volley made me reflect about how lousy I was at this sport at their age, and how I was one of ‘those’ players who rarely made a serve over the net. There were some really talented young athletes there, but what impressed me most was how supportive and encouraging the students were to all athletes–gifted and emerging! I added a photo of part of my Decker Learning Commons after my “helpers” finished decorating!

On Sunday, I attended the “Annual Christmas Concert” by the Lakes District Community Choir and Friends. The performance was held at the Immaculata church in Burns Lake and included the local Burns Lake community choir, as well as a 4 piece brass quartet, and the Chambermaids–a choir from the Francois Lake area. My principal and one classroom teacher from Decker Elementary were members of the choir. It was a lovely performance from challenging classical songs to religious and more modern carols. There was a sing-a-long section near the end of the second half where audience members were invited up into the 4 vocal sections to join in with Handel’s Hallelujah. I was invited up and joined the alto section. I haven’t needed to sight sing the auto harmony in a 4 voice choir in over a decade! It was fun and I actually hit most of the notes accurately….I think?? 🙂

The final song was A Lakes District 12 Days of Christmas….  I happen to have a copy….

12–rolls of duct tape

11–Lotto Tickets

10–loaves of fruit cake

9–cords of Jack Pine

8–Months of Netflix

7–Pounds of Coffee

6–Cans of Trout Bait  (What the heck is trout bait?) It’s for ice fishing, of course!

5–Great big moose (cut, wrapped and frozen)

4–Sides of bacon

3–Kids with shovels

2–Sharpened chain saws … and …

1–A grouse sitting in a Spruce Tree…..

As I walked home in the dark…I sang happily and enjoyed the white frost and bright starry sky above me. Happy Holidays Everybody!

December 4th, 2018

I knew this birthday was going to be different with no family or close friends nearby…but I didn’t realize how melancholy I would feel. I thought all would be fine, and I would embrace the day as just another day in the year. I was busy. I was prepared for this. I was used to having my only son across the globe in Thailand and my relies in Australia. No big deal….so I thought 🙁 However, as this day progressed I learned that nothing quite replaces the smiles, hugs, love, and laughter of those who are most dear in your life.  Lessons are gifts and I guess that was my most profound gift this year.

However, I did experience many, many things to be grateful for… I had 2 beautiful displays of flowers delivered to my school WKE from my husband and my mother with very touching cards. The school announced my birthday on the morning P.A. The grade 1/2 class sang to me. Some of my Learning Commons Leaders came to pass on greetings at recess. The Book Fair was packed and kept me busy throughout the day. I received more messages from friends and family than I should ever deserve on FB, email, and phone. A colleague took me out for a special coffee and treat.

But possibly the most surprising birthday experience, which touched me so deeply, was a birthday card from 2 very special ex students which was waiting in my mailbox at my second school, Decker Elementary. These 2 boys had researched where I was working, and sent me a most touching card. Samuel and David…you warmed my heart and reminded me how lucky I have been to be an educator for nearly 35 years!  Another birthday has come and gone. My plan is to be with family and loved ones from now on!

Love, laughter, and best wishes to anybody having birthdays in the near future!

December 1st, 2018

Continuing in the Holiday spirit, a fellow colleague and I decided to take the ferry across to the South side and continue to Grassy Plains with a goal of checking out the community Christmas bazaar.

The morning was frosty with a light sprinkle of powder snowflakes to make the day extra pretty. The fields are getting quite frozen as are the ponds and many of the nearby lakes. This is one of the communities which was hit hard by forest fires this summer, then additionally recently lost their only store/cafe due to a fire caused during the morning creation of homemade donuts!

We arrived at the Grassy Plains community center about 10:30 a.m. and entered the packed community hall. There was a very interesting array of crafts and foods–from antler necklaces to home grown lamb, beef jerky, and gluten free baking! We bought several unique items and entered the local draws. After crossing back over on the ferry  to Francois Lake we couldn’t help laughing at all the bucks prancing around the fields, near the Mormon church,  past the “No Trespassing” signs. Apparently, they were aware that hunting season is over for them!

Prior to returning home Sarah and I checked out the Decker Lake Trading Post. I’ve driven past it many times, but never popped inside. OMG! They have anything and everything. It’s a hoarder’s heaven…but not our style.

After returning to home base in Burns Lake, I got the fire going and Brat and I had a lovely relaxing evening.

November 30th, 2018

Temperatures now are quite brisk about -5 to -12 degrees and the lakes are all freezing or frozen, but the arrival of snow (except for light dustings) is later than usual I’m told. Apparently last year at this time there was about 2 1/2 feet on the ground by now! Brrrr! I can definitely wait to shovel all the upcoming snowfalls!

Tonight is the annual Santa parade and Tree Lighting ceremony in Burns Lake! I dawned my gloves, toque, scarf, down jacket, and snow boots then walked downtown along the icy and slippery sidewalks heading toward the back road. I heard the parade started about 6:00 p.m. along the back road where the library, fire hall, floral shop, post office, gas stations, electric car charging station, etc. are located. Hmmm… I didn’t see anybody lining up or waiting? I did however see cars parked along the road. Then about 5 minutes before the sirens started…families gathered and people emerged from the parked cars! Guess they know the routine! I was standing across from the Fire Hall in the first section of the parade route. It was fabulous and so worth attending! The only thing missing was the usual snow!

It started with the usual police cars and emergency vehicles, sirens wailing! They were followed by Christmas floats from most of the larger businesses in town. Candy was flying! Several Santas made appearances 🙂 One of my favorite floats was a nativity scene followed by 3 shepherds riding horses with camel humps! A man ran beside them scooping up all the stinky excrement! 🙂 Everybody seemed so excited and as I followed the parade I learned that most of Burns Lake seemed to be out in force and were mainly located at the end section of the parade by the train tracks and where the logging trucks all park at night. I also observed that several Orthodox Mennonite families, who were quite surrounded by the thrown candy,  didn’t pick any candy up.

After the parade ended, some families departed…but most of us crossed over the highway to participate in singing carols, drinking free hot chocolate, then watching as the fantasy of lights were switched on. During the parade and carol singing event I was very touched by the number of students (from both schools) who came over to me to say hello, give me a hug, and introduce me to their parents! This is one very friendly community!

November 29th 2018

Participating in a staff spa party at Elle Haven Day Spa was a perfect early birthday present! 7 females and 1 male staff member from our school participated in the fun evening. We each got to select 2 treatments out of: manicure, pedicure, 1/2 hour massage, or facial. The remaining time we nibbled on snacks, drank bubbly non-alcoholic wine, chatted and laughed!

How can you tell I had a facial? lol. It was a wonderful way to bond and lots of fun!

November 28th, 2018

When I arrived at WKE in August the principal showed me 3 huge Tower Gardens and asked if I would like to use at least 1 in the Learning Commons. Of course, I said “sure” I would love to take on one–thinking it was a fancy soil garden. Well…After my husband inspected it and changed it around he explained it was actually hydroponics! Oh boy! Another new experience ahead! One staff member was good friends with the retired teacher who created this design, and she visited our school to hold workshops and involve the students in the initial planting using rock wool.

We watched videos, reviewed parts of plants, then all students were given the chance to plant their herb or vegetable. When the lights are turned on, and the pumps circulating water, the garden tower looks a bit like a science fiction creation. We need to check the ph regularly and the rest will be a surprise! Hopefully we will produce lots of healthy greens for students to eat at school in the near future.

November 24th

This weekend I decided to explore some of the winter recreation around Burns Lake. The closest down hill mountains are at Smithers (145 km to the west) and Fort St. James (175 km to the north east). However, there is a very active Cross Country Ski Club about 10 minutes from Burns Lake–Omineca Ski Club. So…I decided to check out their open house.  The club is small and friendly. They specialize in cross country skiing and biathalon training (cross country skiing and shooting at targets). I guess that makes sense with such a passionate group of hunters around this area. There were free snacks in the lodge and I met the main instructor for beginners (me). After soaking in lots of new information and getting acquainted with some of the club members I ended up buying two yearly memberships, added my name to the beginner adults lessons list, got measured for seasonal rentals, and even signed up to assist with the big club competition in early February! Hopefully by the end of the season (Early to Mid March) I’ll be able to stand up on those very skinny long skis and actual maneuver through the trails!

After joining the Omineca cross country club, I decided to go and watch ice hockey at the local arena. Several of the grade 6 and 7 boys and girls at my 2 schools play rep hockey and asked me to go and watch their tournament. So…I did! The Burns Lake Peewees were coached by Wendy (a fellow teacher from Decker) and played well. The end result was really close! I sat with some of the parents and entered all the fundraising draws. My throat was a bit sore from yelling loudly encouraging my students. After getting goals several of the boys skating past me giving me a thumbs up! It was very touching! I’m definitely coming back to watch more kids hockey games during my stay here.

Apparently there is an active curling rink also in the complex. I’ll check that out another day.

November 23rd, 2018

I woke up to another light snowfall. I have the plug ready for the car and the snow shovels are in the carport and on the front patio area…but so far I’m told it’s been an unusually mild winter here. People keep saying…just wait! The cross country club wants to open soon. But most people are happy to avoid shoveling the white stuff! The coldest temperature I’ve experienced so far here has been -13 degrees Celsius.

The mornings are dark later and later and the night comes sooner. I find I am driving to Decker (7 minutes away west towards Topley) at 7:55 a.m. often in foggy conditions with the sun just coming up. Thank goodness for remote start up on my Jetta! It takes about 10 minutes to warm the engine right now and the seats are toasy. I am on duty at 8:10 a.m. at Decker Elementary, but sometimes the first bus arrives before that so I usually arrive about 8:05. The children love to play in the forest area around the school. These photos were taken while I was on duty about 8:15 a.m.

It was Plaid Friday, so our staff and many students got into the theme.

The sunset photo was taken from the school parking lot as I left at 4:15 p.m. There were lots of prizes to be won and games to play around town during Plaid Friday but you really only could participate if you had the day off or got off work early. I walked downtown after dinner to discover everything ended by 7:00 p.m.

Darn. It looked like a fun event!

November 21st at WKE and November 22nd at Decker Elementary Schools.

I was really thrilled to collaborate with fellow staff at each school for working bees in the Library after school hours this week.

At WKE the District Literacy coordinator, a mentor teacher, a primary teacher from the English stream, and a French Immersion primary teacher joined me to level several hundred early readers into 4 main reading categories. (Pre-Primer to mid grade 1); (Mid grade 1–end of grade 1); (Grade 2); (Grade 3). Now I am busy adding information about these categories using the online Library system–Destiny, then I need to add 4 different colored stickers, and create level lists for each category.

At Decker, there hasn’t been a teacher-librarian or clerk at the school for many years and the Fiction section needed a major weeding! Most of the classroom teachers and 1 FN support worker stayed after school for over 2 hours. Following my criteria, we removed about 800 soiled, unused, old, damaged novels from the shelves.

I now have the tedious task of checking history of questionable novels, removing books  from the Destiny automated library system, stamping discarded, wiping out the barcodes, creating signs and putting the books on display as FREE to a new home (for teachers, or students).  Both Library Collections are getting rejuvenated and more user friendly for teachers and students. 🙂  Great team work staffs!