CONCERTS ARE FINISHED!!!

All the performances went well, but man, am I TIRED! I have a half day of teaching tomorrow, then a Christmas dinner with the staff(pot-luck) at lunch, followed by a movie for all in the gym-Santa Claus 3. I have to tidy my music room, try to do something with my apartment,(still in boxes) pack, pick up a few things to bring home, and get my Sunday Hymns in- the Bishop will be here! Then I fly out Sunday afternoon to Edmonton and then out of Edmonton on Monday. A ton of my new found Newfoundland friends are leaving on the flight with me ( can you imagine their airfares?!!!!!!) It promises to be a VERY happy flight! Say a prayer for my safe arrival. It's a LONG trip. I'll see many of you, and will be in touch over the holidays. Until then, may you all enjoy a blessed Christmas.

Picures

PICTURES

CHRISTMAS IN INUVIK

This is a brief posting. The BIG recent news is that I have had to move from my former apartment due to untenable living conditions. More later when I talk to or see you. It was SO much fun doing this in 24/7 darkness and under basically "emergency" conditions. Everything I brought from Ontario had to packed up and moved- AGAIN. The move, for me, into this new building(I'm enclosing a photo) is my 14th residence since my marriage 37 years ago!!I thank God again for sending me angels- many in the form of "Newfoundlanders" who engineered this for me, after their long working days.
It's the dead of winter here now with this being the first day the children have NOT gone outside for recess. The temp. today was -41. They can play outside only up to -37!!! Yesterday(-32) was a brisk walk as I took my choir to the long term care section of the hospital- 15 minutes each way. They sang well and behaved impeccably. I was so proud of their efforts AND resilience, singing and acting as a choir for the first time in their lives. The elders were so appreciative, and as I looked at them in their compromised health conditions, and watched the students interact, I once again was reminded about the needs of God's children wherever they are on this earth.
This weekend is the BIG community concert in the Igloo Church. It looks like QUITE the interesting program. I'm attaching some photos of my students, a glorious sunrise last week, a photo of new friends at our Christmas Church dinner, and a couple of shots from the Inuvik Santa Claus Parade- which lasted for 2 minutes!!!

More Pics

ALL IS WELL!!!!!

I know it's been nearly a month since I last posted to this. I have been SO busy 7 days a week with the ongoing school excitement, community involvement, and church involvement. I also have 10 private piano students with a wait list, and that is with no advertisements. I simply cannot believe that I leave for Ontario 3 weeks from this coming Sunday-YEH!

All continues to evolve beautifully here in Inuvik. My students teach me SO much every day! I truly love them so much, and am so proud of what they have achieved in 3 short months. The "school" concert is on Dec 17th, with classes performing songs or "Drum Dancing". Drum Dancing is taught weekly at the school by 'Elders" who are amazing. My newly formed SAMS choir will also be performing, as well as a smaller group of grade 6 girls who "asked me" if I could spend extra time weekly to help them to do "special" things on their own. How could I say anything but yes! They will be known in the concert as the "Cantabile" singers! My school choir and singers will also be performing and leading a "sing-a-long" at the hospital /extendicare unit on Dec.8th. The choir will also be performing at the historic "Igloo" Church for a big community concert on Dec.14th. I will also be conducting a Community Choir of 20 for this concert as well- we rehearse every Sunday at 3. Apart from leading audience sing-a-long carols this group ( for you music types reading this) will be performing the Gesu Bambino,(P.Yon)Torches(John Joubert), and the Rocking Carol.

I continue to prepare the hymns etc. for church, and prepare the "childrens focus" weekly. This includes our Birthday Bear, and a new children's hymn each month. We have a church pre Christmas Dinner this Saturday.

I will write again before leaving for the "south", and am REALLY looking forward to seeing many of you during the Christmas Season. On a personal note, I really cried this week when I received a gift from a St. John's parishoner. (Ancaster) Betty Eccles, a person I have never met, knit and sent me a beautiful Afghan, along with a wonderful note. I am SO blessed, and KNOW that God's hand is so involved in all that I try to do.

Enjoy your Advent preparations. More Pictures to follow- just figuring this out!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Hello All!!!!

I know I haven't written since Thanksgiving, but life HAS been VERY busy during the past couple of weeks. I can't believe how busy I really am- and am thriving on it.

Paul arrived for a 1 week visit on the 20th, and we had a truly wonderful time. It was all too short, and I cried when he left, but in some ways I believe that this experience,too, for us both was "meant" to be. We cooked "Artic Char"( which I was able to purchase from the local Inuvialuit office, through connections) and shared it with my new friends Lorraine and Rob Stiles. We all had a great evening together. During his visit, Paul did get to "sleep in" (much needed), but we had an expert tour of Inuvik by one of the local cabbies, visited with "amazing" dog-sledding huskies, attended church( Paul gave the blessing) followed by a marvellous pot-luck lunch,(including a caribou casserole)and had a tour of the incredible "Igloo" Roman Catholic Church by one of their parishoners, including a climb to the top of the dome. Paul also spent time with me at school meeting many of my colleagues and students, and even taught a beginning recorder class for me. We "hit" all the important shops, and enjoyed the frosty unpolluted air!

Meanwhile, after Paul's departure last Monday, I left for Calgary on Wednesday to attend a College of Examiners workshop for the Royal Conservatory of Music, getting back yesterday. It was great to be down"south" as they call it here, with leaves still on the trees! It's been full blown winter here since Sept. 28th. I went for a long walk following my workshop, picked up a couple of Christmas gifts, had my hair trimmed, AND treated myself to a manicure and pedicure. As I landed back in Inuvik I felt the peace that this place brings, and was amazed how happy I was to be back! It felt especially heartwarming to return to the school for the afternoon, and to be hugged by so many of the little students saying "Where were you Mrs.M- we missed you so much!" I literally had tears in my eyes. Being Halloween, a HUGE event here, the afternoon consisted of a costume parade for all students, pumpkin carving,and class parties. I have NEVER in my life seen such costumes- many hand sewn and SO elaborate and creative. One grade 4 student was dressed as an IPOD and asked me if I would like to listen to him at our next music class!!!!!! CAN YOU ALL BELIEVE IT?

Now it is into a REALLY busy schedule until Christmas. I'm conducting a community choir for the BIG annual community concert held in the IGLOO church on Dec.14th. My school choir is also participating. I'm also part of a committee arranging a performance tour of the North the week of November 20th. I have a Professional Developement day next week with a top clinician from Toronto on the use of "smart boards" in the classroom, have to busily prepare for our school concert on Dec.17th, and have 5 social events on my calendar thus far.

The 6 week freeze up has now begun, where the river crossings are closed, until trucks can use ice roads. Until then EVERYTHING has to be flown in and milk can hit $10 a litre, so we all freeze some ahead!

Had GREAT news from Stephanie yesterday that she graduated Suma Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Ottawa, with a 4.0 GPA! She is now into her 3rd month of Masters at U of T. We are all so proud of her.

All for now- I can't believe that 20% of my teaching year has passed!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!

A lot has happened since my last posting. My friends from BC came and are now gone. We had a good visit even though I was not too well for most of it. I did manage, however to cook 2 dinners for them in my small humble apartment, and Jan sang in for me when we offered our "first" anthem at Church of the Ascension. They had a good time- managed to get to TUK for a day, and then I was back to my "routine".

I, as most other teachers on staff, caught bad colds etc. over the past few weeks- new year, change of seasons, many ill children coughing and sneezing all around us etc. We are all organized for our flu shots within the next couple of weeks. I had the joy- as I obviously had not secured a GP yet, of visiting EMERG at the hospital early on Wednesday am. Yes, I did need an antibiotic etc. Bottom line, I only had to wait 30!!! minutes in a "state of the art" facility, got great care, and am now doing REALLY well. The medical care here in Inuvik is excellent, and as government employees, we are given top end care. It was also GREAT, once again, to meet Maritimer nurses!!

My past 10 days have been filled, apart from my ongoing VERY busy schedule, with ARTS Planning Events here at Aurora College, where I have met the most amazing people!! We have a huge number of events to plan- a Trio Performance tour in Nov., A Storytelling festival, A celtic Band Tour, An Amazing Violin tour from a young 24 year old violinist just out of Julliard, etc, stc. - the list goes on.

My new top-end Yamhaha Clavinova arrived on Thursday -amazing quality! My principal has invested( through the school board etc.) $5000.00 in the music program since I've arrived! I have a waiting list for private students- I obviously can't take on too much due to the busyness of my job- but plan over this weekend to set an initial schedule. I am the only person in Inuvik who can teach piano.

The "noise" of snownobile traffic is incredibile. We are buried under a foot of snow!! My sweet students continue to AMAZE me. They are innately talented, and we are SO happy together. As one class arrived at my room this past Thursday, one little guy exclaimed as I arrrived about 2 Minutes late ( from My K gym class, and my new keyboard was upended near my door in a box about 6 ft. tall)- here is Mrs. M-
We thought you were in the Box!!

I am cooking Thanksgivng dinner tommorrow for 2 dear friends I have met since arriving here. Lorraine and Rob are from New Brunswick, attend the church with me , and are incredible. Lorraine and I ( she works for Human Resouces(Gov) here) have a major Saturday "ritual" now of shopping for groceries AND doing fun things. Apart from our weekly consversations, we are truly "two" bonded women!

One week from Monday, PAUL ARRIVES!!! I am SO looking forward to his week long visit. I just wish he could bring my "Golden Girls"! However they are getting used to their SPA visits at Martindale Kennels and come back HAPPY. Paul will be with Steven, Candice,and the Goldens tomorrow in Milton with 16 of the "Whitten" family . Thank God for family!!

Goodnight and God Bless from this beautiful corner of our country!!!

MAJOR SNOWSTORM!!!!!!

The snow started on Saturday, and by Sunday morning 6 inches had fallen! As we had a pot-luck luncheon scheduled at church, (every 5th Sunday of the month)I had cooked my ham and was convinced, looking out the window, that NOBOBY would show up. Being a naive "southerner", WHAT was I thinking? I'm in Inuvik, if snow stopped anything we would do nothing. Having cooked dinner on Saturday night for my friends visiting from BC, my newest friend,(and soulmate)Lorraine( a New Brunswicker and Treasurer of our church} picked me up, and we cautiously navigated the roads to Church of the Ascension. Jan and Sonya, my BC friends ,had already arrived, and the numbers for the service were healthy- about 70 people! I did the children's focus with our new "Birthday Bear" named Eli- meaning Ascension. The kids(most I've had yet} surrounded me at the piano and sang their little hearts out to "Jesus Loves Me". Of course they are all getting to know me well- now that I have have them twice weekly for music class at the school.

After church- still very stormy- I watched with fascination, for 45 minutes as the children behind my apartment worked diligently to make a "Snow Maze". They worked forever with many sized shovels to create an interesting weaving path through the snow. I would keep looking out, and after about 2 hours, the children threw down their shovels, and walked the maze they had created, looking like"soldiers". It was one of the most amazing things I had seen, and thought to myself that THIS was the kind of activity children should be involved in-giving them fresh air, exercise, and a "sense" of purpose and accomplishment. Tears fell down my cheeks, as I watched their joy, I knew then, more than ever, why I was called to the North!

More later from SNOWY INUVIK!!

UPDATE!!

I can't believe it has been 10 days tomorrow since I last posted to this. I have been so busy, and just got in from a 13 hour day, so will keep this short.

Since my last writing I attended a mandated BDEC (Beaufort Delta Education Council)conference for all teachers with this School Board. This included teachers from Inuvik, Aklavik, Paulatuk, Sach's Harbour, Holman, Tsiigehtchic, Fort McPherson, and Tuktoyaktuk! The conference was here at the high school and was just fabulous. The keynote speaker and clinicians were unbelievable. I attended 2 amazing sessions on Aboriginal Culture, just wonderful! I also attended fabulous sessions given by the keynote speaker on "Making every day a positive day" and "Laughter in your school". They were all so motivational. As well I attended some leading edge "literacy" workshops for the Kindergarten Learner! I have rarely, if ever, seen SUCH a group of consummate professionals. The majority of teachers here would be "baby boomers" who are "young" retired teachers in their 40's and 50's, who have a wealth of experience and want a new challenge- people who have decided to "refire" not "retire".( Elaine-I know you are reading my blog. Met a teacher who went to Spencer. Her maiden name was Debbie Hallet- she remembered Cheryl)

Last Saturday I attended my first big "social" event- a fundraising dinner at the Legion. Met tons of people from everywhere-Hong Kong, Toronto, Lebanon, Cape Breton and yes PEI. I now have another network apart from school and church and picked up some adult piano students as well. I haven't begun that yet!! The demand here is huge, and NO teachers. I can only accept limited numbers for sure. I have a waiting list at the school.

Other than that it has been steady and HAPPY in the classroom. I continue to love my work. We had "meet the teacher" last night and I met some fascinating people.

Can't write anymore now. I have friends arriving from BC tomorrow, and am looking forward to seeing them-Jan Green and Sonya Goodlad from the great QMS days. I am VERY fortunate to experience many special"God" moments in each day!

Until next time ENJOY your arrival of Fall. Here, Winter has started!

BUSY BUT SO REWARDING!!!!!

A very heavy frost overnight on Sunday has now all but eliminated the gold leaves from the trees. There is still some slight hints of red on low growing bushes. Sunrise is now getting later by 4 minutes a day, so I can see a real difference each morning when I head out for school. When we have sunny days, which has been often since I arrived, the sun shines brilliantly and feels very warm on my face. The sunsets here are beautiful with the gold of the setting sun and the the bright reds in the sky.

I simply can't believe that I have only today now been for 3 weeks! So much has happened in such a short time. I continue to be literally "struck" by the unspoiled freshness of most of the students. The aren't jaded, and still have that "child-like" wonder about things. Our new music series has just arrived, and all the children in all grades feel very proud in using their new books. I had researched the material-leading edge quality, before coming here and persuaded the principal to go for the whole thing! I had purchased my own master set before arriving, and started using the material as soon as I got here The students love it- it is super creative, has fabulous listing components, and is topically very positive and current. It is Canadian, and is by far the best music education resource I have used in my entire teaching career.
The staff here is excellent- hard working and very dedicated. I think they are all just great.

I was called to a meeting this week with the Executive Director the the Northern Arts and Culture centre in Yellowknife. They have an excellent lineup of great performers this year, and I will be helping to co-ordinate the Inuvik portions plus arrange school concerts. Sounds very exciting.

We had a big staff meeting today, and for the next 3 days we are at a teachers conference/professional development. We all have to sit on a major school committee, plus smaller groups. My big focus will be part of the community outreach. Our first project- a community "feast" will be on October 8th!! I'm loving being a part of the breakfast club, and enjoy seeing the kids scarfing down so much nutritious food.

I'm starting a school choir next week, and a church choir this week. Last Sunday I did the children's focus and for the St. John's readers of this I am going to get a birthday bear.

I will look forward to hearing from any of you. I feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity, and celebrate daily the chance to learn so many new things.As my title of this post says, I am very busy, but am living a very rewarding experience.

INCREDIBLE FIRST FULL WEEKIN THIS "WARM" PLACE

Since my last posting, I have had an incredible 5 days. At schhol, the students continue to amaze me with their innate talents and thirst for knowledge. Music seems to speak to their core, and the learning environment and sheer joy on their faces takes me back to my initial 4 years of teaching in my native province- Newfoundland.It is as if I have come "full" circle, when in fact I have encountered an amazing detour.

The church community is wonderful.I haven't met the rector yet, as he is away this month for annual vacation. We had chatted over the summer, and he sent me a list of hymns etc. the parish would likely know. Because they had all been singing along to"canned" music since his arrival 4 years ago,the "norm" was country gospel. That scared me!!. Anyway, looking around atsome resources in the parish, I gathered that people had certaily sung traditional Anglican hymns in the past, plus there are a number of Newfoudlanders in the congregation. Today was awesome- people sang their hearts out.I was so spiritually moved!

The fall colors of gold are brilliant now. I have made many new friends in a short time, and my heart was warmed on the weekend when in the markets and on the street I heard calls from my students of only 4 days "Hi Mrs. M". I told them at school that would be easier to remember!

I'll sign off for now. In addition to a full teaching day tomorrow of 8 classes, including Kindergarten Gym!! I have to be at school by 8 as I have signed for the year to help with the "Breakfast Club", which serves a nutritious breakfast to students who need this. This is a place of true "warmth". No -50 degree temperatures will be able to invade this-I AM CERTAIN!

GREAT FIRST DAY AT SAMS!!!!

Since my last posting on Friday, I feel as if life is unfolding with so many blessings. Saturday did see the arrival of my 16 boxes, and as I started unpacking, it felt like Christmas! Having no idea what I was facing I had to 2nd guess anything I might need or want to have around me. Nothing was damaged or broken, and as I opened family pictures, my gift of a beautiful photo with my St. John's Jr. Choir in Niagara Falls and their stuffed "Golden" puppy I felt like I had won the lottery.
Sunday I played my first service at the Church of the Ascension Anglican Parish. I can't even begin to describe the emotion as I played the new Clavinova Keyboard the had purchased for me from Edmonton. I'm a "purist" but the pipe organ options were believable! A potluck luncheon followed with delicious foods including Arctic Char,and a special cake with "Welcome Cynthia". Several of the elementary students were in attendance, and 1 one came over to tell me that the cake looked really good! I took that as my signal to take a picture of it, cut it, and then they all enjoyed!
I spent yesterday unpacking and getting my head around today with a few "contingency" plans for my classes. It was a great day- the students are warm, unspoiled, and eager to learn We all had fun today and in my 7 classes that I did see, I am struck by the untapped talent. I just want to share my love of music with them all, build their self-esteem and help them shine!
My camera to computer is being stubborn. I will post photos as I soon as "I" win OR get help. It's another day of fresh air and glorious sunshine in this amazing corner of the earth. I'm well, happy, and getting lots of exercise!

A BRILLIANT SUNNY MORNING!!!

It has been a very busy two days of meetings re school start-up. I am so impressed with the school, the staff and administration, and the high level of professionalism on EVERY level. The resources are unlike anything I've seen in any school, public OR private in my entire teaching career!! It feels SO good to be back doing the thing I have always loved the most after 8 years of feeling underutilized.
This morning the movers are to deliver my things from Ontario. Then I will go to the school to finish setting up my large, bright music room. After that I will going to the church to see the new Clavinova Keyboard they have ordered for me, and meet with people to plan tomorrow's music. Then I plan to explore Inuvik and check out the community centre to get the pool and fitness schedule. I will post pictures over the weekend.

Arrival in Inuvik!!

After a flight from Toronto, I spent last night in Edmonton. My flight this morning left at 7:30 with 1 stop in Norman Wells, where a large number of passengers deplaned to set off for oil and gas jobs offshore and in the community itself. It is not a "residential community", as such, but serves industry. From the moment I arrived in the HUGE lineup this morning for Canadian North Airlines, I was struck by the diversity and friendliness of everyone. There were people heading up to visit family who live North,industrial workers,media coverage people for the Prime Minister's visit here with Cabinet, RCMP officers,(If you are reading this Bob, I saw 2 shirts like the one you gave Uncle Jimmy on Sunday!),professional people on 1-2 day business trips, and OF COURSE many teachers who all(including ME) report for 2 days of meetings tomorrow and Friday.
My first impression of landing here and seeing the topography, is SO much like portions of the Avalon Peninsula home in Newfoundland. For all my Nfld. family and friends, it reminded me of the drive from St. John's to Whitbourne on the TCH. My hook-up installation person for my internet this afternoon was from Heart's Content- he agrees with me. Of 3400 people here in Inuvik over 400 are Newfoundlanders! That gives me comfort.
I sign off for now from the " Land of the Midnight Sun" where the sun is shining brilliantly on"Big Lake"-a wonderful view from my apartment windows.

PEI WAS WONDERFUL!!It is such a summer haven with it's gently rolling hills, impeccable farms with fields of many colors of green and now in late August golds as well with the ripening grain. Endless water views, sandy beaches, abundant harvest,(much of which is organic),red rich soil, glorious sunsets, and a pace of life that represents"life" as it should be lived with relaxed friendly people, clean air with refreshing breezes, all speak to both of our souls!
A highlight of our visit was spending quality time with Paul's brother Bob and his wife Karen, Paul being an only adopted child reconnected with his biological family only 2 years ago. It has been such a blessing for us to have wonderfully warm and loving people in so many cousins, aunts and uncles. We love them so much.
I leave for the Arctic today. Ifly to Edmonton for overnight and then up to Inuvik tomorrow morning, where I will be teaching K-6 music at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, and will be Director of Music at the Church of the Ascension Anglican Church. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers! I will miss Paul and my doggies SO much.

Vacation Before Adventure

10 days before my departure for Inuvik, Paul and I are on Prince Edward Island for 9 days of much needed R&R. We only arrived on Friday evening, and already feel the effects of tranquility and peace that only this place can give. We attended a wonderful concert at the Indian River Festival last evening, which among others featured Isabelle Gallant(pianist) and her new husband Jacques Arsenault(baritone). Isabelle is our Godchild, daughter of dear friends. Tomorrow we celebrate her 24th birthday, before they leave for Edmonton where Jacques starts his Master's Degree. They are both so incredibly gifted!

We plan to spend our days walking beaches, eating lots of great seafood, spending quality time with family and friends,  breathing clean, soft air, and enjoying gentle Atlantic breezes at our seaside cottage.  MORE LATER!