To my students....

Dear Arianna, Sam, Liam, Paige, Darrian, Ava, Joshua, Lily, Kanina, Connor, Emma, Gaius, Drake and Jayden,

I was hoping you would stop by at my blog and take a peek.

You should have received the homework package by now. The work may challenge you. If you need help with the reading, ask a family member. If it is too difficult, or you need more work, here are some other ideas to try:

Practice your multiplication facts up to 12 X 12

Practice your division facts to 144 divided by 12

Read a good book, newspaper, news online, or view news on CBC Gem (it's free!)

Practice speaking Cree with your family

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 2 minutes before you prepare food or eat

Stay away from other people by 2 meters

Stay at home

Wash your dishes in hot, soapy water

Wash your flat surfaces every day 

Write a journal each day. Include the 5 Ws-

• what are you doing?
• where are you staying? 
• what do you understand about the Corona virus also called COVID-19?
• what can you do to protect yourself from getting the virus or passing it on to others?
• who are you spending your time with, either in person or online?
• when do you think school will begin?
• why is the school closed? 

Go to www.oma.ca or google Ontario Mining Association. On a piece of paper list ten facts about Mining in Northern Ontario. 

Remember you are special, important and loved. 

I hope to see you real soon!

Lots of love, 

Ms. Barbara

 PS I think you can send me a message in the comment section below. 

About Blogging, Covid-19 and Distancing

A Tine for Everything

There is a time for everything. How many times have I read or heard this verse from the Old Testament? Perhaps I have taken these wise words for granted. But today, at this time, its true meaning resonates. Indeed there is a time for everything, including world-wide pandemics.

Corona or COVID-19 virus began in late 2019 in China. It was all over the news. Whole cities shut down People ordered to stay at home to prevent its spread. As I prepared for a trip south for the March Break (March 14-21), my understanding was that the risk for Canadians was quite low.

There were signs, however, that I should have recognized and perhaps changed plans to travel. On March 11, World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. The day before my flight, the school decided to close for an extra two weeks because of the virus. The memo advised us to return to the community by March 22.

Consequently I took the trip south to Toronto, Timmins and Ottawa, and then travelled east to New Brunswick with my husband We were away for four days. By the time we came home, our low risk of infection had escalated. On our return trip was we found restaurants closed in Quebec, roads relatively quiet and most newscasts consumed by the rapidly spreading virus. By the time I was to return to the north, several airlines had either changed their flights or discontinued them altogether.

A dear friend picked me up with her skidoo and sled and kept a careful distance away. Upon my return to the house, I read the handwritten and unsigned notice:

Mandatory 15 Day Quarantine

Do not go to school until further notice

Do not go to the Northern   

This was the first time I had seen the word "quarantine" and I expected that the self-isolation was for 14 days. But no matter, I was housebound beginning Sunday afternoon. Now I realize that many travelers have also been advised to self-isolate. First it was for international travelers coming in to Canada. Today there was a Civil Emergency Alert on the Weather Network requiring all travelers returning to Ontario to self-isolate for fourteen days.

Nonetheless, I have almost completed the first week of self-isolation. It has not been so bad. I feel like I have wasted some precious time, but I have also gained some valuable insight. It started when I read this post on Facebook (notice the term quarantine)

Thoughts to pass the time. 

So, I took six separate pieces of paper and made a schedule for each of the six questions.

What am I grateful for? I do keep a gratitude journal, but this experience has made me even more thankful for a variety of both positive and negative occurrences. And as the days have passed, I discovered that my list gets longer each day. In fact there is not enough room on one page to record the many wonderful opportunities that have been created. Just a few: safe flight from Timmins, friends for shopping for me, CBC Radio and CBC Gem, friends who keep in touch, tea from a distance.

I have been checking on several colleagues on a regular basis, but also touching base with some friends I haven't seen for years on Messenger and emails. I chat with my husband several times a day and have contacted family members more regularly.

Though difficult I have let go of several things: independence, freedom of movement, working at school, giving hugs, retirement plans, to name a few.

How am I getting outside? I found out on Thursday that I do not have to be housebound. As long as I keep a two metre distance from others, it's okay to go for a walk and socialize with neighbours from the front deck. I have also been opening the windows and enjoying an abundance of cold fresh air.

Physical distancing while drinking tea and socializing

Canine Friend

An uninvited house guest. 

Movement has been difficult as I injured my back recently, Fortunately, a combination of ice and heat and rest has really helped. I looked online for some low back yoga and found a superb instructor who focuses on safety, so it's all good. I also contacted the health centre to see if it was okay to go for walks. Solo walks wearing a mask are okay. Now I just have to motivate myself to get out. 

My list of beauty is sparse, as I am not the most creative person. I have put together a few cedar arrangements and made a great pot of soup. The other area of that I have enjoyed is capturing a few winter scenes from around the neighbourhood. Who knows, next week I may try something more adventurous.

For now I have a weekend ahead to create a two-week homework package for the students in my class. I hope to be able to do it at home and email the contents to the office. We are allowed to go in to the school for a half a day of homework to do, but I don't; want to be responsible for passing on COVID-19 to my colleagues and friends.

With all this time in isolation, I am thinking about friends, family and people throughout the world who may be as anxious as I am about the future. For now, I am taking it one day at a time.

Until next blog,

Bee Rich

Cedar smells great!

Did someone say it is Spring?

Icy Delight

Sunday Funday

I am hoping that this Sunday afternoon blogging appointment with myself will continue for the remainder of this school year. At present I am teaching in Northern Ontario on a First Nations reserve. I like everything about the place. The cool, crisp and dry winters, the students, the other teachers and support staff and my day-to-day routines.

Learning something new each day

The day begins around 4:00 or 4:30 a.m. with a cup of tea and twenty minutes of meditation, using Headspace, an application recommended several years ago by a counsellor. Following that is reading from George MacDonald's An Anthology, edited by CS Lewis and One Day at a Time, a timeless collection of spiritual advice. After preparing breakfast and lunch for the day I get ready and try to be on the road (quite literally) by sunrise. The walk to school takes a mere 10-15 minutes, depending on the day and varies from a straight road trip or a shortcut on a local skidoo trail. The walk is usually quiet, especially in the winter, as is the school when I arrive.

Looking East from the School

I have always appreciated the early hours in a quiet classroom. The computers work, the photocopy line is short, and work is accomplished without distractions. Putting on some relaxation music in the morning adds to the atmosphere of calm preparation for the day. We have recently had new Sharp 85 inch wall monitors in our classrooms, which serve as a whiteboard, a computer display and a huge movie screen. Setting up several pages to get ready for the day is an enjoyable task.

I think of the unique collection of individuals in my class. Now there are 13 students, with eight girls and five boys. One student is set to arrive back right after the March Break, after transferring to another James Bay Coast school in January. The students are quite lovely and usually eager to work hard, making each day a joyful challenge.

When it feels like -25 or colder outside the children don't go out for recess. Otherwise they have four play time periods outside per day. Twenty minutes before school, fifteen minute morning and afternoon recesses and twenty minutes before afternoon classes. Teachers are outside for each of these periods during the day. I take some time each morning perusing the Weather Network and then debate with colleagues to determine whether it will be a indoor or an outdoor day. It makes for a long day when the students can't be outside. However, when the temperature drops below -30 C, none of us really want to be outside for more than a few minutes.

Snow piles at school

The best days are cold, clear and sunny with no wind. Add fresh snow to the mix and you have a spectacular outdoor recess day. Everyone smiles and the days are usually smooth.

One morning the snow was a little deep and the walk to school was more tedious than usual.  Apparently the one person who ploughs in the winter was out of town. Consequently, several vehicles, including a bus, got stuck in the snow. One colleague was in deep and the primary teachers tried to free her vehicle. Eventually the custodian's truck towed it out. We had fun trying!

Trying to Push

Successful Pull Out

Superb colleagues

On another beautiful day my class was taken out to the Youth Cultural Camp for the day. The students learned to set snares for snowshoe hares and beaded a small piece of hide. You can see from the pictures below that they enjoyed their time out on the land.

Camping  Day

Plough remains

Team work makes the dream work. I have learned so much from the teachers and support staff at our school this year. Recently one of the parents of a teacher came for a weekend visit and a Saturday evening potluck dinner was organized. We ate well and told lots of good stories about life in this northern town. Here is the group shot. 

Saturday Night Live

Finally I am learning about myself and my relationships with colleagues. This picture, found online, reminds me of some growth I have encountered over the past year or so.  

True

Until next time, 

Bee Rich

P.S. The time has sprung forward by one hour. Today is International Women's Day. Tomorrow promises a Super Full Moon (as long as the clouds dissipate). Friday is the 13th. And, March Break starts on Saturday. Lots for which to be grateful!

One of those things...

It’s been almost a year since I have blogged.

Sometimes it takes one of those things to remind me how neglectful I have been.

Months have gone by since last April. Much has happened in our lives. Babies have been born, friends have passed away, feelings have been felt, and ideas have been thought. The circle of life continues.

Easter came and went. The goose hunt slipped by followed by May/June busy-ness and a summer of relaxation and fun with children and grandchildren. School started up again in August. We celebrated Thanksgiving, Halloween, Remembrance Day, Christmas and a New Year and a new decade.

It’s now February. Last week I went home to visit relatives who are unwell over the February Family Day weekend. I was greeted at the airport by my husband and our beautiful female miniature schnauzer, Mika. She was as energetic as ever, pulling on the leash to greet me with whimpers and wiggles. This was on a Wednesday night.

The drive home from the airport was uneventful with Mika cuddled on my lap and a smile on my face. We had no idea what was going to happen just 36 hours later.

We were visiting family on Thursday afternoon and evening. Caught in a snowstorm on the way home, we decided to pull into a motel. It’s always a challenge to find a place that welcomes dogs, but we settled in a room at the Comfort Inn.

The next morning we went for breakfast and then a small nap before heading out. We both called to Mika, who was lying beside the bed. She didn’t respond. We hesitated. Was she okay?

The answer was a firm “No!”

Our beloved dog had died without a whimper, a symptom, or a goodbye. Her body was still warm as we checked for breathing and a pulse. No signs of life. It was a moment of disbelief and then shock.

Thankfully there is something you can do in such a situation. We went to a veterinary hospital and were met by very sympathetic staff members. In short, the animal’s body can be taken in and sent away for cremation. In a few weeks her ashes will be sent to our local vet.

I am now back up north, getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. My husband is not so fortunate, though. His constant companion is no longer accompanying him. Every minute he is reminded of the loss of the best dog we have ever known.

Our Mika - May she rest in peace and continue to be in our hearts and memories forever.

Until next time,

Bee Rich

Countdown to Easter Break

Trail in to the Lake

 The Spring Equinox has come and gone in the north. The people from India celebrated Holi. My class went ice skating. I thought Spring would come by now, but as you can see from the picture above, the temperatures have stayed well below zero.

So what do the First Nations people do during their never ending winter? As the days are getting longer and the temperatures slowly rise, it is time to get outside and prepare for the Spring Goose Hunt. There are snowmobiles pulling huge toboggans, four wheelers and people driving on the Winter roads for possibly the last time. Daylight savings time keeps up the sun up longer in the afternoons and people are more cheerful.

Hiking in to the lake along the snowmobile trail

Setting up the holes

Waiting for the snow to melt into water and the water to boil

Twice now our school has engaged in a school-wide ice fishing day. Once along the shore of James Bay, and yesterday on a small lake much closer to the school. In fact it was a fishing derby. And though no fish were captured, the students and staff had a wonderful time. The wind was strong and snow fell but these people are adaptable and it wasn't long until a campfire was built and hotdogs were roasted. We even used the fire to heat the snow for tea.

 While the teachers hung out keeping a close watch on the children, a game of soccer evolved, wood was gathered, a lighter was found and everyone enjoyed the heat and flames from the fire.

A nice shelter for breaking the wind- 

children gathered cedar boughs to sit upon

Gathering wood

Cooking hotdogs

 Because the water for hotdogs was taking too long to boil, it was decided to gather long sticks for cooking them on the open flame. The fire was right on the ice and melted about six inches down creating a lovely fire pit. The hotdogs were delicious right off the stick or placed on a bun with ketchup.

Eventually the water did boil on the wood fire and the children enjoyed a warm cup of tea with milk and sugar. The teachers stood by hoping for a warm drink and thinking about the hot baths we would take when we got home.

The hotdog rush was over, time to relax and chill

As the fire died down, our leader finally gets his hot dog!

It was a great day!

You may notice that my blogs have become less frequent. This is because the internet at the  teacherages is not too reliable. Hence, I have come in to work on a Saturday to use the school's internet and to communicate.

The lack of internet at home has been a small source of frustration; however, such is life in a northern town. You take the bad with the good, turn your frown upside down and carry on the best you can.

Hopefully it will never come to this!

Until next time,

Bee Rich

PS Only nine more class days until the Easter Break, which this year coincides with the Goose Hunt. I will be home in Maberly for almost ten days!

March B-R-E-A-K!

Home sweet home on Little Silver Lake

I checked the date! It was several weeks ago since writing. Unfortunately this is because my internet in Fort Albany was intermittent- on and off- mostly off. However, as it is now the middle of March Break and I am home, the internet is strong and all is well on the home front. 

I came home a couple of days early because my husband had a appendectomy on the Friday before the break and he needed me there to drive him home after his day surgery in Kingston. Modern medicine amazes me, and I am grateful. Within 24 hours he was up and about and able to make coffee for the two of us.

The clean driveway 

What I like about time at home is the ability to rest, relax, read, watch the news and decide on what tasks need to be accomplished. So I have shoveled snow (check), cleaned out drawers (check), sorted my retrieved items from India (check), shopped for groceries and cooked meals (check, check, check) and helped clean out the garage (check).

Ready for the grandchildren

I love spending time at home with my husband and of course the Mika. She is our fourth child who keeps us company and makes our hearts sing. She naps a lot, but when she is awake, watch out. A bundle of energy, she enjoys her life here at the lake.

The Mika in her usual spot

Anticipated highlights include visits from our two grandchildren for ice fishing and lunch with some neighbours. Right now gigantic snowflakes are falling outside so I am thinking that tomorrow  may be another shovel day before we travel to meet the grandchildren. 

This space- home!

Before I know it, I will be back in school, teaching and looking forward to the next break- a traditional goose hunting break in Northern Ontario, held sometime around the Easter weekend. It may be another opportunity to travel, this time out to Oklahoma to visit our daughter and her growing family. 

Time will tell. 

Until next time,


Bee Rich

Loving Winter

As one week rolls in to another I am fortunate to have time to reflect on life in a northern town. It is amazing how quickly time goes by when living in the moment. It also helped that this past week a day shorter than normal due to the Family Day holiday.

The students had an extended long weekend and came back to school on Tuesday morning ready and able to learn. Ten children showed up on Tuesday and Wednesday but three of them have since gone away for one to four weeks because spring break is coming in just two weeks.

The biggest story this week has been the gradually warming temperatures and sunny days leading to today's blizzard. As I write I am peering out the window witnessing the horizontal snow and wondering whether or not our school will be open tomorrow.

The storm is supposed to end by 3:30 a.m. tomorrow, so likely we will be back in class. Here are a few pictures of moments from this week that made me smile.

Snow banks along the side of the road

Full moon on the walk to school

Morning sunshine

Fun in the sun and snow

On Friday the teachers borrowed the van to go to the post office and the local grocery store and also got permission to drive to the next town on Saturday afternoon. The attraction was the Tim Horton's shop and a larger grocery store. It was my first opportunity to drive outside of Fort Albany. The route is along an ice road that crosses the Albany River three different times.

The road was a little bumpy, made worse due to a lack of shock absorbers in the van. In addition each crossing of the river involves a relatively steep hill down and up the riverbanks. It was an exciting trip with several other teachers and included a tour of the First Nation reserve of Kashechewan.

It is a serve yourself Tim's and unfortunately I poured my large cup of steeped tea instead of coffee. However, I did manage  a second cup with coffee thanks to a Roll up the Rim winner.

A gift from a thoughtful student!

A friend along the way

A sure sign of spring in some locations!

The days are getting brighter and longer. The children are once again outside for recesses and enjoying the fresh air and the fresher snow. King of the Castle is still a favourite game of children as nervous teachers look on.

The week ahead looks good. We have a Literacy Day planned which highlights Aboriginal authors, An art therapist and a volunteer chess teacher will be coming in to work with some of our students. I also hope to have a recent recipient of the Order of Canada, an elder from the community in to speak to the children about his book.

Everyday is an adventure. As I write the wind is blowing and it is snowing but in my heart and soul I am warm.

Wishing you a wonderfully warm week ahead.

Until next time,

Bee Rich