Final Preparations

I spoke too soon.  I thought my previous post would be my last but much has happened in the last week to warrant another entry.

            

I had originally planned to fly to Arctic Bay on Saturday, January 26, but that had to be pushed to Monday, January 28.  I now had more time to pack but very little time to unpack upon arrival because the semester begins on Monday.  I would have to be ready to go the very next day.  I just hope all my teaching resources will arrive the same day I do. 

            

Usually, relocating to another community is a challenge.  When I moved to Iqaluit from Ottawa, all I brought with me were two suitcases.  My move to Arctic Bay will not be that simple because I have accumulated quite an amount of 'stuff' in the last year.  Clothing, kitchenware, houseware, books, teaching resources, appliances, furniture - it's all there.  And it needs to come with me to my new home.  Moving all that stuff to a remote community costs quite a fortune.  Thankfully, I have the assistance of the territorial government.

            

Teachers are very well treated in the North.  When relocating, the Government of Nunavut pays for your plane ticket(s), moving your belongings (clothes, furniture, and household goods), arranges an overnight stay at a hotel (if it's required), and reimburses you for any meal expenses.  Make sure you keep all of your receipts.  If you need accommodation in the community, you can apply for staff housing.  As well, you receive a Northern Allowance on top of your salary due to the high cost of living.

            

Also on the 'to-do list' is cancelling local services such as phone, internet, electricity, heat, and mail.  All those services will be cut on the day I fly out.  I'm glad I chose to forgo a tv; one less appliance to worry about.

            

I was glad that I administered all my exams last week because Iqaluit experienced some really rough weather in the middle of this week.  From early Tuesday to early Thursday, Iqaluit was enveloped in a blizzard with heavy winds gusting upwards of 60km/h!  When there's no wind, the cold is bearable.  But when the winds carry it, the cold can be distressing.  Flights were cancelled and a day and a half of school was lost.  Those who ventured outside had to walk around as if they were dressed like astronauts.  I wondered whether Arctic Bay experienced anything similar?

             

Friday, the 25th was the last day of my contract and it felt somewhat surreal.  I had made it to the end.  I didn't have any classes because of exams but students periodically came into the music room to jam on the guitars and piano.  Before leaving, they wished me good luck in Arctic Bay and for me to say hi to a few friends for them.  When the school bell rang at 3pm, teachers were called down to the staff room for a quick meeting. 

            

Terry, the principal, congratulated everyone for a successful first term and to announce my departure.  As a token of appreciation for all my hard work, he presented me with a book of photographs, titled Iqaluit, by amateur photographer Nick Newberry.  Keeping my thank you speech short, I thanked everyone for their support, assistance, advice, and hoped to see them again in the future.  Afterwards, we celebrated the end of Term 1 with chocolate and carrot cakes.

            

Over the last two weeks, I removed all my teaching resources from the music room.  By the time the 25th came, the only thing left was my piano binder.  Before locking up the music room for the last time, I paused and looked around, reminiscing all the new memories I had acquired over the last year.  I was going to miss this place.  I returned my set of keys to Terry and we had a quick chat in his office about my time at Inuksuk High School.  On my way out, I said goodbye to all the teachers who were staying after school to prepare for the next term.  Once outside, I took one last look at the high school before heading down the hill towards my apartment.  I held my head up all the way.

            

My Arctic Bay blog is coming up next.  When it's set up and ready, I'll post a link at the end of this entry.  Until then, enjoy reading my previous 44 entries on living and teaching in Iqaluit.

Ulluqatsiaritsi! (Have a good day!)  

Update: Sorry to keep you all waiting but I have now settled in Arctic Bay and have started to blog my latest adventure.  Check out The Pocket.

Movin' On Up

A year ago today, I was interviewed and offered a music teaching position at Inuksuk High School, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.  Delighted by my success at the interview, I accepted the offer and travelled to the northern territorial capital, excited to teach in a new land and culture.  As you can see from my previous posts, my time here has been rewarding and informative.  I have learned much from the teachers, students, and community leaders.  These newly acquired skills, attitudes, and views will greatly benefit me for my next adventure.

            

On January 11, I was interviewed for an English/Social Studies position at Inuujaq School in the small community of Arctic Bay, located some 1,227 km northwest of Iqaluit.  I waited anxiously over the weekend, wondering if I made the right impression.  The principal called me on January 14 to offer me the 6 month term position.  After overcoming my surprise and delight, I quickly thought about it and accepted the offer.  I now had a mere two weeks to get everything in order before moving to the other side of Baffin Island. 

            

If I hadn't received any offers, my backup plan was to stay in Iqaluit until June, supply teaching and teaching piano on the side.  But since my teaching career is still in its early years, I need more 'front-line' experience.  My parents in Ottawa were thrilled to hear that my stay in Nunavut would be prolonged until June.

            

The first teacher I told was Verna, the English Language Arts teacher who guided me in teaching the Alberta English curriculum when I first arrived.  She congratulated me for accepting the position and suggested that I photocopy some of her English and Social Studies resources.  'Better to go there with something prepared,' she advised.  She also offered me a spare Canada Goose winter parka since Arctic Bay would be much colder.  Once the photocopying was done, she & her husband Jim invited me to dinner at the Frobisher Inn. 

            

The Gallery of Fine Dining really lives up to that name with its formal atmosphere, expensive menu, and wide selection of wines.  It is also frequently visited by local Inuit artists looking to sell their works.  I was tempted to order a steak but decided to try something new: Elk Osso Bucco.  This main course of elk shanks comes with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a green salad to start.  The meal was delicious, prompting me to promise myself to eat here again in the future.  I thanked Verna & Jim for the dinner invitation, commenting that it was the best way to celebrate the start of something new.  The next day, I gave Verna a card, thanking her for all her help and support.

            

With my mind made up on moving further north, it was time to alert everyone in Iqaluit of my impending departure.  First on the list was Terry, the principal, followed by the teaching faculty and my students.  Everyone congratulated me and wished me all the best in the 'True North'.  They say that to experience the true way of life in the Northern Territories is to live in the smaller communities. 

            

Outside of school, I contacted the Commanding Officer of 795 Air Squadron, who wished me all the best in Arctic Bay and to get in touch with the army cadet corps there.  Next, were all my friends on Facebook who were mostly surprised by my decision to journey further into the Great White North.  They all agreed on one piece of advice: pack warmly.  And last, but not least, my loyal blog followers.  Surprise!

            

Even though Exam Week starts this Tuesday, I had all my exams completed last week.  On top of that, I made sure to have all my marks in and report cards finished as well.  I need this coming week to pack all my belongings and have them shipped to my new home.  As for the last day of last classes on Monday . . . my students will be watching movies.       

            

On Tuesday, January 15, the cadets of 795 Iqaluit Air Squadron had their Commanding Officer's (CO) Parade, where promotions, awards, and presentations are made.  But this parade was just a little more special because it would be presided by Brigadier-General M. Gavin, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division.  Parents, Legion representatives, and visiting officers sat at the front of the parade square.  I too sat at the front but closer to the podium so that I could get clear shots with my new digital camera.

            

The parade followed a traditional format, starting with the arrival of the Reviewing Party - General Gavin, CO of 795 Captain Chubbs, and the President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 168, Chris Groves.  After the General Salute, the audience was allowed to sit as the Reviewing Party inspected each cadet on parade.  When the inspections were complete, General Gavin took to the podium to receive the March Past.  Before the presentation of awards, there were speeches by General Gavin, Captain Chubbs, and Chris Groves.  As a way to thank the general for visiting the squadron, Captain Chubbs gave him a blue squadron hoodie.  Several cadets and officers received awards for years of service, community service, and for being the most hard working in the squadron.

            

The CO's Parade concluded with the Advance in Review Order, the Departure of the Reviewing Party, and Marching Off the Colour Party.  When the cadets were dismissed, they had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with General Gavin. 

            

Even though I'm moving to Arctic Bay on January 28, I have a feeling that I haven't seen the last of Iqaluit.  I'll be starting a new blog to document my upcoming northern adventure.  
         

After The Break

Legislative Assembly

The Christmas and New Year's Break were quite exciting since I spent my holidays with family and old friends.  The last time I saw everyone was during the summer.  There was a moment when I thought I would miss my flight to Ottawa on December 22 because the taxi I had called did not arrive to drive me to the airport.  I was glad that the second taxi came and got me there in time because boarding had just commenced.

            

After arriving in Ottawa, I greeted my parents at the airport, picked up my luggage, and was driven home.  All of Ottawa was covered in snow.  Upon stepping into my parent's house, I quickly unpacked everything and collapsed on my old bed.  It was good to be home.  I took things easy, keeping my mind clear of work, and just focused on recuperating.  Being in Ottawa also gave me time to reconnect with old friends.  They all wanted to know about my time in Iqaluit, how I liked teaching there, and future plans.  I told them I was enjoying every minute of it and that I was looking for ways to stay longer.  More on that later.

            

I wasn't confined to Ottawa during the Christmas Break.  My friends from New Zealand, Heather & Ben, were doing a road trip through the eastern United States and they decided to hop across the border and stay in Montreal for a few days.  Since the French Canadian city is not far from Ottawa, I agreed to meet them there on the 28 & 29th.  The last time I saw them was in June 2010.  Around this time, Montreal and the surrounding areas were blanketed by a lot of snow so I chose to travel by train.  Passenger trains in Canada are serviced by VIA Rail.

            

Upon arriving in Montreal, I had no choice but to agree with the weather networks; the city was buried in snow.  It was everywhere; even occupying the street lanes closest to the sidewalks!   Maneuvering around the mountains of snow took time but I safely made it to my hotel.  I met my friends at their hotel on the other side of downtown.  I made the mistake of walking down Saint Catherine street, the shopping/entertainment street.  Since it was a Friday night, the sidewalks and main road were congested with shoppers, party goers, and cars.

            

To celebrate our reunion, we had dinner at the restaurant L'Academie.  We chose it because it was a bring-your-own-wine establishment.  For starters, Heather & Ben ordered escargot and I had calamari.  Biting back my reservations, I tried escargot for the first time and it wasn't as bad as I thought.  For the main course, we had pasta.  Only I had enough room for dessert, so I went with a slice of chocolate mousse cake. 

            

While we ate, we talked about what we had missed in the last two years.  Heather & Ben were surprised by how far north Iqaluit was on the North American continent.  They had thought about visiting me in Iqaluit but after finding the location on Google Earth, they realized that it would be too expensive.  On the topic of Iqaluit, they were curious about life in true Great White North.  Ben was born and raised in New Zealand but Heather was raised in New Jersey.  Both areas deal with cold weather and snow but it does not compare to the barren tundra and cold Arctic winds of Nunavut.  I explained to them that once you get over all of that and the isolation, the living experience is quite fun.  You just have to be well prepared.    

            

Of course, they wanted me to come and visit them in Christchurch, New Zealand, and to see how much the city has changed since the deadly earthquake.  I assured them that I would make every effort to find the time to make my 'epic' return to Middle Earth.  When we finished eating dinner, we spent some time at the nearby Sir Winston Churchill Pub. 

            

The following day, I checked out of my hotel and walked over to meet Heather & Ben at their hotel.  We had breakfast at the nearby Eggspectation restaurant, dining on pancakes, eggs Benedict, BLT, and tropical fruit drinks.  After breakfast, we visited the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal and explored downtown Montreal.  We also visited the Palais des Congres, the city's congress centre.  This was my second time at the centre, the first time being in 2006 when the Liberal Party of Canada was hosting its federal leadership convention. 

            

Before heading back to the train station to catch my ride back to Ottawa, I wished Heather & Ben all the best in their education and a safe continuation of their road trip.  Their next destination would be Niagara Falls.

            

I spent New Year's Eve with several of my old high school friends, a tradition for the last several years.  As always, our choice of pub was the Royal Oak.  We ordered nachos and chicken wings to go with our drinks.  Wanting a full meal, I ordered a steak and was shocked by how delicious it was.  I made sure to let the chef know that he did an excellent job.  My friends and I were glad that the performing rock band this year got the countdown right.  Last year's band was two minutes late.  When the clocks struck midnight, everyone was given complementary champagne.             

            

For the remaining days of the break, I hung out with friends from university and packed my bags for the flight back to Iqaluit.  I also helped my mother with the Christmas meal preparations.  My parents celebrate Christmas following the Julian Calendar (January 6 - 7).  For 2013, we chose to have the Christmas dinner a day earlier because I needed to be back in Iqaluit for the 6th.  As an added bonus, my older brother flew in from Australia to be with the family.  The last time I saw him was when he graduated from the Australian National University in Canberra two years ago.           

            

I woke up early on the morning of the 6th and had a quick breakfast before making sure all my bags were packed.  I bid farewell to my brother and was dropped off at the airport by my parents.   The lineup for the plane was surprisingly long; however, seeing so many faces that I recognized, didn't surprise me at all.  I passed the three hour journey talking to several teachers about their Christmas break and what would await them on the first day of school. 

            

When the plane touched down in Iqaluit, the flight crew informed us that the temperature outside was -31ºC.  I have to be honest, when I disembarked from the plane onto the open tarmac, it didn't feel that cold.  When I made it back to my apartment, I quickly unpacked and made my way to the high school to get my music room ready for Monday.  It wasn't until then that the bitter cold made its presence known.  In the following days, I would rely on my heavy outerwear (parka, snowpants, etc) to keep me warm. 

            

The first week of school focused on completing the course materials and preparing for final exams.  In English, we finished reading the Shakespearean play Macbeth and watched the movie.  My musicians received their final exam outlines and I gave them time to practice.  My junior band musicians will also have a theory test so we looked at the writing of major scales and their key signatures. 

            

With the first semester finishing in less than three weeks, there isn't any time to spare.  In fact, I need to have all my exams done and marks in a week early because my contract is ending on January 25th and I may be moving to a different community.  It's hard to believe that it's almost a year since I ventured up north to teach music & English to young Inuit & Qallunaaq minds.  With all the high school positions taken for next semester, I have begun looking for new employment opportunities in the North.  That's right - I don't want to return to the south just yet.  I enjoy teaching up here and I would also like to explore more of the northern territories.  So far, I've applied for teaching positions in Arctic Bay, Gjoa Haven, and Whitehorse, Yukon.  We'll see how it goes in the coming days.