Fort Albany, Wednesday August 24, 2011

The first day of class at a different school with a brand new class as a shiny new teacher. It’s something to be remembered. I had eleven kids attend today with fourteen total registrations so far. Should make for an interesting year. The day went smoothly enough though considering none of us really knew when recess, lunch, and snacks were. Or what time the school day actually ended. I’ve written out a tentative schedule now and I feel quite a bit more secure. I think that may be one of the little secrets older teachers forget to mention – the security and peace-of-mind a simple schedule can bring with it. 

We had a community barbeque after school as well and I must say it was very well attended. The mass majority of the community did indeed seem to have turned out! And we saw the chief, he’s very young, possibly in his early 30’s but is very well respected by all. He was present at the Opening Ceremony in the morning as well as the bbq in the evening. The Opening Ceremony was really interesting. They held it outside in the Dreamcatchers Area and had the female drummers circle playing a drum song and singing in Cree, as well as an elder come out to say a prayer (also in Cree) to bless the school year.

Many of us think it odd how strong some of their religious tendencies seem to be around here considering their very recent ties to residential schools. There is a Catholic church in town, which seems to be the main one, as well as a Pentecostal Church. I’ve been told that we’ll be having Religion as a subject next term; Catholicism.

Also eventfully – I got a dog! Hahaha – entirely unexpectedly but completely wished-for. Her name is Belinda though that can still be altered as it’s only been her name for about 24 hours. She’s approximately 9months to a year old and she’s a husky cross. She was another stray around town but just got rounded up for being spayed and getting her shots done so really she’s a bargain! And she’s so sweet! Of course I can’t judge just yet as she was just so groggy and sore when I met her this afternoon. I was meant to have her by now but I can’t seem to get a hold of the woman who was meant to drop her off. But tomorrow I should have her as well as all my baggage from Thunder Air! Apparently they’ve had my luggage but I had to pay extra weight or something. So really it looks as though I could have had it yesterday but instead I’ll get it tomorrow. Goodness me.

Anyway, I’m exhausted now and looking forward to another challenging day tomorrow.