I was picked up at 7.30am in the morninf and we headed to New Liskeard which is a 2 hour drive south east. We went to visit the Special Ed program there. I was with Kelly Pearce (special ed), Paul the deputy principal and Patrice, the Superintendant for Special Ed. It was an interesting drive, I learnt a bit about the school system and the school and teachers. The school was interesting, met the teachers and listened to what they do in the system.
I met a teacher here, who has taught up in the native areas, and knows this famous author - Joseph Boyden. I am hoping to get up to New Liskeard when he comes to speak. As ou know ther eis nothing I like better than listening to an author speak.
So we went to lunch then headed home. I had to be back in time for drinkd - it was actually all about me! And when I got there there were heaps of people. More than half the staff turned out, and it was great. I got to chat to most everyone and had a couple of drinks. All good. We were there for a while and I met some more awesome people that I lok orward to hanging out with. The Special Ed teacher Kelly, is an absolute scream!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Work Week
Tuesday and Wednesday were just prep at school, I have classes to prepare. I am lucky a I got taken off an English class, and now just have a supervision of the Resource Room - Special Ed unit. Just have to assist with assignments and stuff. Nothing much exciting happened, Wednesday I went to lunch with the special ed team, and they were all very nice. Tomorrow I am going on a road trip to New Liskeard, to check out the special ed unit at the other larger school. This school is a 2 hour driveaway, we leave at 7am, what was I thinking agreeng to this? I am so stupid! But I did make sure I would be home in time for the staff drinks for me! Otherwise I wouldn't be going! Anyway, will let you know!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Australia Day
Well after my huge baking effort - 3pm - 7pm Sunday afternoon, I just want you all to know that my Pavlova did work, and the cream even whipped well! And EVERYONE loved it!
I had a really enjoyable day, everyone came up to sample treats, and to say hello. I actually remember some of the people's names! Woo hoo.
Not much else today, other than I lost and Engligh class that I was going to have to teach, instead I get to supervise the Special Ed class. This is good as I will have no planning and no marking. I just get to go in and help with assignments and homework! This I can do. Very nice.
I had a really enjoyable day, everyone came up to sample treats, and to say hello. I actually remember some of the people's names! Woo hoo.
Not much else today, other than I lost and Engligh class that I was going to have to teach, instead I get to supervise the Special Ed class. This is good as I will have no planning and no marking. I just get to go in and help with assignments and homework! This I can do. Very nice.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday 25 Jan: Toronto - Timmins
Sitting on the bus to the airport, picking up at all the hotels, we passed by the lake. And looking at the water, thinking that boats are grounded, as they are in solid earth, I realise that they are iced in, and that the lake is frozen, and the top of the water is actually frozen in little waves, it looked so cool! At this point I thought maybe I should have done some sightseeing rather than just shop, oh well, I am here for a year, hopefully I will get to that. I am not too cut up about that.
I am happy with my shopping adventures, despite the fact that I did not get a winter jacket. I will have to live with my ski jacket, and save money! See mum I know how to save money! Really! I think I can safely go back to Timmins and not spend a cent for the next month at least!
At the airport, and dammit Rocky Mountain fudge shop doesn’t have my rocky road candy apple, but I suppose that is a great thing, as I will save putting on even more weight. Off home to bake Australia Day goodies. Here’s hoping Corn Syrup will be ok to replace golden syrup – Will let you know!
Doreen was excellent enough to pick me up from the airport, and left me at the door "To start your baking!" Which I did. Had to walk to the shops at 4.30pm to get some cream of tartar for the Pav, and fortunately the freeze was worth it, as the pav seems to have worked, unlike my last Canadian effort t Christmas which was a strange flop! Had been a little scared to try again, but o far so good. I suppose I shouldn't talk soon!
I am happy with my shopping adventures, despite the fact that I did not get a winter jacket. I will have to live with my ski jacket, and save money! See mum I know how to save money! Really! I think I can safely go back to Timmins and not spend a cent for the next month at least!
At the airport, and dammit Rocky Mountain fudge shop doesn’t have my rocky road candy apple, but I suppose that is a great thing, as I will save putting on even more weight. Off home to bake Australia Day goodies. Here’s hoping Corn Syrup will be ok to replace golden syrup – Will let you know!
Doreen was excellent enough to pick me up from the airport, and left me at the door "To start your baking!" Which I did. Had to walk to the shops at 4.30pm to get some cream of tartar for the Pav, and fortunately the freeze was worth it, as the pav seems to have worked, unlike my last Canadian effort t Christmas which was a strange flop! Had been a little scared to try again, but o far so good. I suppose I shouldn't talk soon!
Saturday in Toronto
Well dammit it I had to get up early to get to this In-service, which I assumed I had to go to now that I am actually here for it! What a waste of shopping time! I am devastated, yet I don’t know if my poor feet would handle any more! Damn these Doc Martens that just won’t break in!
So I managed to find the nearest subway station, realising that I am late and don’t have the name or address of the place I am headed to. I know it’s a school, but if I don’t catch up with Steve and Keryn I will be in a little trouble. My reasoning is that I will just call them and get them to send a local out to pick me up. As I am on the subway I am sure I recognise this guy on the subway, but that could not be, although if they are going to the same place, maybe. It’s not until I am on the second train that I hear him speak and know he’s Aussie and headed to the meeting too. I go and start talking to him, and fortunately he has the address etc. But it ends up Keryn and Steve pick up us from the station.
The mornings great cos I meet people and chat, everyone is excited, they all live very close to Toronto. We did meet a lady who hadn’t met any of her neighbours or many of her teaching colleagues. Very scary! We went to Swiss chalet for lunch which was really nice, and then I went into the mall with another teacher – Kay- to look for jackets. Again to no avail! So by the time I left Scarborough Mall I have decided that I tough luck, I am just shopping for pleasure. We caught the many numerous subways back downtown, we had to go far out for the conference.
I left Kay on the subway, and went to try one more place for a jacket then gave up. It was 4.30pm by now, and I believed all the shops to shut at 5pm. Much to my delight as I was walking around I discovered the bigger more important shops and the HUGE Eaton Centre were open til at least 7pm!! Woo hoo! So I shopped some more, got some great deals on 2 shirts then was headed home by 7pm. My feet were, of course, aching so were pleased to be finished!
I had a nice soak in the tub, with one of my new books and then settled in for some relaxation tv and blogging. So I am now caught up and up to date!!
So I managed to find the nearest subway station, realising that I am late and don’t have the name or address of the place I am headed to. I know it’s a school, but if I don’t catch up with Steve and Keryn I will be in a little trouble. My reasoning is that I will just call them and get them to send a local out to pick me up. As I am on the subway I am sure I recognise this guy on the subway, but that could not be, although if they are going to the same place, maybe. It’s not until I am on the second train that I hear him speak and know he’s Aussie and headed to the meeting too. I go and start talking to him, and fortunately he has the address etc. But it ends up Keryn and Steve pick up us from the station.
The mornings great cos I meet people and chat, everyone is excited, they all live very close to Toronto. We did meet a lady who hadn’t met any of her neighbours or many of her teaching colleagues. Very scary! We went to Swiss chalet for lunch which was really nice, and then I went into the mall with another teacher – Kay- to look for jackets. Again to no avail! So by the time I left Scarborough Mall I have decided that I tough luck, I am just shopping for pleasure. We caught the many numerous subways back downtown, we had to go far out for the conference.
I left Kay on the subway, and went to try one more place for a jacket then gave up. It was 4.30pm by now, and I believed all the shops to shut at 5pm. Much to my delight as I was walking around I discovered the bigger more important shops and the HUGE Eaton Centre were open til at least 7pm!! Woo hoo! So I shopped some more, got some great deals on 2 shirts then was headed home by 7pm. My feet were, of course, aching so were pleased to be finished!
I had a nice soak in the tub, with one of my new books and then settled in for some relaxation tv and blogging. So I am now caught up and up to date!!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday 23 Jan - Toronto
Woke up way earlier than I expected as I got to bed soooo late. Just lazed around for ages then headed down to the restaurant for breakfast. Buffet breakfast and there is a lady who makes your eggs to order – omelette and stuff – most excellent. There was also a waffle making machine, where you make your own waffles, and that was beautiful! I am so doing that again.
Then I headed out to shop. I started at about 11 am, serious for a warm jacket for warm ole Timmons. I find it really odd that a lot of shops don't open til late - 10/11am. I went to the Eaton Centre, now that is one serious shopping centre! There are 4 levels of shops. I bought this really nice jacket from RW and co for $30 marked down from $160. It’s not long enough, or probably warm enough, but who can resist such a bargain! Shopped at Lush, love it, and pretty much did not do so well finding a long black jacket. Oh well there is always tomorrow afternoon. I did get to the biggest bookstore in the world – seriously that is what it is called. Not sure that it really is, but it is great!
I ended up at the hotel, had a beautiful relaxing bath, soaking my sore, aching feet. Oh my gosh! Had a couple of hours to get organised before I had to go to the first part of the Welcoming Exchange Teachers conference.
I walked to the apartment building where the welcome night was. It was just 2 blocks away, and despite the sore feet, I survived. Still wary about the people on the street, but there were heaps of normal people out and about!
At the welcome I met a few people, I didn't get to as many as I thought I would. I met a lovely couple- Keryn and Steve- who are in Toronto. I was really impressed with them and found it very easy to chat to them. Organised to get a lift part way to the school and inservice with them. I walked home from the meeting, again wary, but bought a hot tea from Starbucks to throw at anyone that looked dangerous!! I got to drink it all instead. Not that bad out there!
That's about the wrap up though!
Then I headed out to shop. I started at about 11 am, serious for a warm jacket for warm ole Timmons. I find it really odd that a lot of shops don't open til late - 10/11am. I went to the Eaton Centre, now that is one serious shopping centre! There are 4 levels of shops. I bought this really nice jacket from RW and co for $30 marked down from $160. It’s not long enough, or probably warm enough, but who can resist such a bargain! Shopped at Lush, love it, and pretty much did not do so well finding a long black jacket. Oh well there is always tomorrow afternoon. I did get to the biggest bookstore in the world – seriously that is what it is called. Not sure that it really is, but it is great!
I ended up at the hotel, had a beautiful relaxing bath, soaking my sore, aching feet. Oh my gosh! Had a couple of hours to get organised before I had to go to the first part of the Welcoming Exchange Teachers conference.
I walked to the apartment building where the welcome night was. It was just 2 blocks away, and despite the sore feet, I survived. Still wary about the people on the street, but there were heaps of normal people out and about!
At the welcome I met a few people, I didn't get to as many as I thought I would. I met a lovely couple- Keryn and Steve- who are in Toronto. I was really impressed with them and found it very easy to chat to them. Organised to get a lift part way to the school and inservice with them. I walked home from the meeting, again wary, but bought a hot tea from Starbucks to throw at anyone that looked dangerous!! I got to drink it all instead. Not that bad out there!
That's about the wrap up though!
Thursday 22 Jan
Remembered to put the rubbish out, and to leave a tap running as I left the house this mornin. Apparently we have to do this to prevent the pipes from freezing in the super cold weather.
Went to work, did my organised shifts in the library, still can't believe they have people come to supervise when we are out of the library and in lunchtimes!!
I had a teacher, Kim Domers, come into the library to ask me out for a girls night in drinking on Saturday night. Unfortunately, again I had to decline as I was going to Toronto. I told her as such, she sat in the library and chatted. In the end she spoke to the lady who I had asked me to take me to the airport and cancelled her and took me out herself. She was awesome, we went and got food and a beer at the Irish Bar in town, Mickey J's. I think I have found a hang out buddy. She was lots of fun and so nice. Kim talked about getting her pilot friend to take us up and have a look at all the mines around town. Yes, Timmins is a mining town - Gold Mining and apparently there are heaps of sink holes and stuff which mark up the area.
Anyway, I got to the airport, caught the plane, and made it to Toronto with little dramas. Upon arrival at Toronto airport, got my stuff, and caught the airport shuttle downtown. I had planned on catching the public transport but Kim scared me off that - did you guys know that there have been shootings on the subway in broad daylight. So decided to take the safe option. Although no I have the jitters and am afraid of every person walking the 2 blocks to my hotel!
But had no probs getting to the hotel and checking in. LOVELY room - King bed, comfy. Got to bed late, but can sleep in Friday.
A couple of funny things really, I flew out to Toronto on the same plane I arrived on just a week before, and I worked 4 days then hd my first day not at school. (Teachers tell me not to say it is a day off, it was a travel day for Professional Development). I have to add here that I had a chat to my principal and he is a really nice guy, great about the travel and any days I need off. I will be able to let him know if I need days. So all is good.
Went to work, did my organised shifts in the library, still can't believe they have people come to supervise when we are out of the library and in lunchtimes!!
I had a teacher, Kim Domers, come into the library to ask me out for a girls night in drinking on Saturday night. Unfortunately, again I had to decline as I was going to Toronto. I told her as such, she sat in the library and chatted. In the end she spoke to the lady who I had asked me to take me to the airport and cancelled her and took me out herself. She was awesome, we went and got food and a beer at the Irish Bar in town, Mickey J's. I think I have found a hang out buddy. She was lots of fun and so nice. Kim talked about getting her pilot friend to take us up and have a look at all the mines around town. Yes, Timmins is a mining town - Gold Mining and apparently there are heaps of sink holes and stuff which mark up the area.
Anyway, I got to the airport, caught the plane, and made it to Toronto with little dramas. Upon arrival at Toronto airport, got my stuff, and caught the airport shuttle downtown. I had planned on catching the public transport but Kim scared me off that - did you guys know that there have been shootings on the subway in broad daylight. So decided to take the safe option. Although no I have the jitters and am afraid of every person walking the 2 blocks to my hotel!
But had no probs getting to the hotel and checking in. LOVELY room - King bed, comfy. Got to bed late, but can sleep in Friday.
A couple of funny things really, I flew out to Toronto on the same plane I arrived on just a week before, and I worked 4 days then hd my first day not at school. (Teachers tell me not to say it is a day off, it was a travel day for Professional Development). I have to add here that I had a chat to my principal and he is a really nice guy, great about the travel and any days I need off. I will be able to let him know if I need days. So all is good.
Wednesday 21 Jan
Went to school as per other days. Still meeting people, and kids. Got a better idea of what I will be teaching, although still not real sure of the nitty gritty!
One of the teachers that went on exchange a couple of years ago came into the library to ask me snow shoeing on the weekend. So really nice, as I am sure people are going to keep me busy through the year. At least I hope they keep asking me places!
I walked to the local grocery story, it was a nice balmy -10 degrees, so totally safe to walk! Very exciting. Went and picked up all the fixings (I hope) for my Australia Day baking! We shall see.
I packed for my trip to Toronto, as I am headed to the airport straight from school tomorrow afternoon.
And that is my excitement. Woo hoo!
One of the teachers that went on exchange a couple of years ago came into the library to ask me snow shoeing on the weekend. So really nice, as I am sure people are going to keep me busy through the year. At least I hope they keep asking me places!
I walked to the local grocery story, it was a nice balmy -10 degrees, so totally safe to walk! Very exciting. Went and picked up all the fixings (I hope) for my Australia Day baking! We shall see.
I packed for my trip to Toronto, as I am headed to the airport straight from school tomorrow afternoon.
And that is my excitement. Woo hoo!
Tuesday 20th January
Ok, so second day of school pretty much followed the same path as the first. Settling in, meeting teachers, trying to find out about what I am teaching. Met some of the shop guys and they are checking out the car situation. I, of course , am not in any hurry to get a car as I will have to drive on ice.
Nothing really exciting so a very short and sweet post for today.
Oh we did have Obama's Inauguration showing in the library. Can't believe the number of students who came into the library to watch it. Probably to see it he got assassinated, same as me!! Was really good to watch though, especially as there was no killings!
Nothing really exciting so a very short and sweet post for today.
Oh we did have Obama's Inauguration showing in the library. Can't believe the number of students who came into the library to watch it. Probably to see it he got assassinated, same as me!! Was really good to watch though, especially as there was no killings!
Friday, January 23, 2009
First day at work 19 Jan 09
So I got picked up at 7.50 am in the morning, which was really tough, as I have not been up before 9am in the last month! Jane picked me up slid on the ice leaving my road - despite the fact the she is driving a truck!
Got to school, and Jane dropped me at the office to meet the Principal - John Sullivan. I met the office staff - there are 3 male administration - haven't seen that in a while. They all seem really nice. Was all prepared to get the official school tour, from Al Mclean the deputy, but instead was given duty in the library very first period. The library head was gone to class already, so was not really given therun down. I flailed for 5 minutes, then kicked butt! I then got a chance to have a chat to the Principal for a little while. Very interesting, and sounds so the same as in Aus.
I met so many people, people kept coming up and introducing themselves. So many names, so little brain cells left to remember them all. I think I have to go cross country skiing, as everyone here seems to do this! And so many people have offered to take me out. I also have been offered the opportunity to go to the quilter's guild on Wednesday night - apparently Australians are awesome at quilting, the don;t know me, yeah I know!
They library is nice, small, only used for study and computer classes, and has teacher supervision when the librarian is teaching. Amazing! But the books are horrid! Oh well!
Well I got through the day, got home and pretty much flaked out! I was so tired from doing not much - don't tell anyone though!
Oh well enough of today. Later
Got to school, and Jane dropped me at the office to meet the Principal - John Sullivan. I met the office staff - there are 3 male administration - haven't seen that in a while. They all seem really nice. Was all prepared to get the official school tour, from Al Mclean the deputy, but instead was given duty in the library very first period. The library head was gone to class already, so was not really given therun down. I flailed for 5 minutes, then kicked butt! I then got a chance to have a chat to the Principal for a little while. Very interesting, and sounds so the same as in Aus.
I met so many people, people kept coming up and introducing themselves. So many names, so little brain cells left to remember them all. I think I have to go cross country skiing, as everyone here seems to do this! And so many people have offered to take me out. I also have been offered the opportunity to go to the quilter's guild on Wednesday night - apparently Australians are awesome at quilting, the don;t know me, yeah I know!
They library is nice, small, only used for study and computer classes, and has teacher supervision when the librarian is teaching. Amazing! But the books are horrid! Oh well!
Well I got through the day, got home and pretty much flaked out! I was so tired from doing not much - don't tell anyone though!
Oh well enough of today. Later
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Day 3 and 4 in Timmins
So day 3 I got to sleep late, it's Sat andI think I am still on BC time. To bed late and sleeping in. After I got it together, Kelly Robinson and Susan Klooster picked me up and showed me around Timmins. Took about 20min to drive my place on one side of the town to the other, so it is a huge town. And I now understand why Cynthia was so anxious about driving- driving through town on a Sat we were lucky to come across a dozen cars! Well maybe a few more, but not many more.
We checked out the mall, which has the only book store - shock horror! But apparently there are about 8 Tim Hortons! (I do not understand this craze/ love of Tims, I don't like it) Then we went to FUTURESHOP!! Yes there is a Futureshop, as well as Walmart, Staples! I am quite happy with this. Anyway, Futureshop, I got my universal powerpack for my laptop and was back online! 4 days with no email, I nearly died! I had had access to check emails on my ipod touch, but couldn't send. But all good.
Then did my grocery shop and all is well. I got home, put stuff away, and I got a call from Alison Timmins. yep her name is Timmins and she now lives in Timmins. So she asked me to dinner and I went with her and her boyfriend to Boston Pizza. Now this place was cranking, newly opened and the whole town of Timmins was there. Well not all, cos 40 000 people could not fit in there, but it was busy. It was a nice night, checked out Alison's home, very nice. Then hit home.
Sunday was very boring, and I loved it. Slept late, then just relaxed and prepared for school on Monday. All good.
We checked out the mall, which has the only book store - shock horror! But apparently there are about 8 Tim Hortons! (I do not understand this craze/ love of Tims, I don't like it) Then we went to FUTURESHOP!! Yes there is a Futureshop, as well as Walmart, Staples! I am quite happy with this. Anyway, Futureshop, I got my universal powerpack for my laptop and was back online! 4 days with no email, I nearly died! I had had access to check emails on my ipod touch, but couldn't send. But all good.
Then did my grocery shop and all is well. I got home, put stuff away, and I got a call from Alison Timmins. yep her name is Timmins and she now lives in Timmins. So she asked me to dinner and I went with her and her boyfriend to Boston Pizza. Now this place was cranking, newly opened and the whole town of Timmins was there. Well not all, cos 40 000 people could not fit in there, but it was busy. It was a nice night, checked out Alison's home, very nice. Then hit home.
Sunday was very boring, and I loved it. Slept late, then just relaxed and prepared for school on Monday. All good.
Day 2
I got up to see Cynthia off at 4am, what was I thinking? Then again at 7am to make sure her mum got off. Then back to sleep.....ah the sleep.
After the interruptions I then slept real late!
Wandered around, got really hungry, as I have no car and no real food that I eat. Managed to scrounge, then settled down with a cup of tea to watch wonderful, wonderful cable TV. I have had no tv for 3 weeks and now, most excellent lotsa channels!
So Battlestar Galatica all afternoon in anticipation of Episode 1 of the final season! Got pizza delivered, spoke to Alison, a lovely girl from Cynthia's work, who rang to check up on me, and then went to bed! Very boring day, but man I loved it.
I did consider walking to the shops at one stage during the day but at - 30's I was concerned I might freee to death on the way! What a great excuse to stay at home.
After the interruptions I then slept real late!
Wandered around, got really hungry, as I have no car and no real food that I eat. Managed to scrounge, then settled down with a cup of tea to watch wonderful, wonderful cable TV. I have had no tv for 3 weeks and now, most excellent lotsa channels!
So Battlestar Galatica all afternoon in anticipation of Episode 1 of the final season! Got pizza delivered, spoke to Alison, a lovely girl from Cynthia's work, who rang to check up on me, and then went to bed! Very boring day, but man I loved it.
I did consider walking to the shops at one stage during the day but at - 30's I was concerned I might freee to death on the way! What a great excuse to stay at home.
Day 1 in Timmins
I arrived in Timmins after a horrible 2 days full travel. That is Libby and I sat in the Castlegar airport from 8 in the morning til 3.30pm, only to be told that no flights would be getting in or out that day, or possibly the next. Five times Rhonda, the Air Canada lady, changed my entire itinerary hoping the next flight would get out. So the decision was made to catch the greyhond overnight to Vancouver. The initial 5 hours were bearable as the bus was virtually empty. Getting to Kelowna was a shock, as there were 2 full busloads of people waiting to go to Vancouver. The Kelwona airport had been cancelling flights all dy as well. Damn cloud! So it was chockers for the nex 7 hours.
We arrived in Vancouver at 5 in the mornig, reallycold and really dark. I caught a taxito the airport and checked in. Thankfully no one weighed my bags, and I got them on the plane. The lovely lady at Vancouver even deposited me at the baclk of the plane, where I managed a couple of hours sleep stretched out across 4 seats! Woo Hoo!!
After a 6 hour flight (I think, as there were time changes and stuff) I got to Toronto airport. And waited the 3 hours til my delayed Timmins flight.
I got into Timmins and nearly froze my nostrils off walking from the plane to the terminal, it was -30degrees! Bloody cold! and then getting to the car.
I met Cynthia, and her mother, and checked out the house. We went through all the bits an pieces, then I got to go to bed! Never has a bed been so comfortable and welcome.
We arrived in Vancouver at 5 in the mornig, reallycold and really dark. I caught a taxito the airport and checked in. Thankfully no one weighed my bags, and I got them on the plane. The lovely lady at Vancouver even deposited me at the baclk of the plane, where I managed a couple of hours sleep stretched out across 4 seats! Woo Hoo!!
After a 6 hour flight (I think, as there were time changes and stuff) I got to Toronto airport. And waited the 3 hours til my delayed Timmins flight.
I got into Timmins and nearly froze my nostrils off walking from the plane to the terminal, it was -30degrees! Bloody cold! and then getting to the car.
I met Cynthia, and her mother, and checked out the house. We went through all the bits an pieces, then I got to go to bed! Never has a bed been so comfortable and welcome.
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