I'm well into my third teaching year here in Clyde River. Thankfully I am teaching the loveliest class in the entire school (not because I'm biased... really). There is still a great staff who are also my friends and family up here. And, I'm keeping busy working through my Masters in TESL online through the University of Calgary.
The fall was very busy with helping organize a school basketball trip. I actually know nothing about basketball and don't even really like the sport. However, during my first year teaching here these polite high school boys begged me to supervise so they could shoot hoops after school. Then there was this tournament they wanted to attend... Thankfully my best Arctic friend came along from PEI and took over the coaching aspect. I did the paperwork and planned some fundraisers and we managed a weekend tourny in Iqaluit last year and one in Baker Lake this year.
At the moment I am looking forward to our Professional Improvement week (February 21at-25th) which will allow me to visit a school near my home in Nova Scotia. I've minded the darkness and isolation much more this year than in years past. Likely due to the Northern novelty wearing off and my fabulously tolerant boyfriend at home. Really miss my roomie and friend who found one year to be sufficient too.
Our sun disappeared Nov. 19th and briefly reappeared above the horizon Jan. 21st. It's pretty awesome to finally have some daylight! We get some beautiful colours in the sky during our extremely long twilight hours. The sun comes fast and furious between now and April though. In no time, we'll be in the midst of the eerily long daylight hours. Nevertheless, I'm excited to be able to fit in more than one walk per day!
Last weekend we trudged out in a 70 km/hr blizzard for a Sunday meal of caribou with the Newfoundlanders. It was totally worth it!
Today during my lunchtime walk, I attempted to capture the Ice Crystal's that were creating a bit of fog just above ground level.
With the return of the sun, comes the endless hockey games. Kids play into the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes they even wear skates!!
