Monday Memo Musings

Some stats/info for you: There are five schools that we work with: Rainbow Lake learning Store, High Level Learning Store, La Crete Learning Store, Fort Vermilion Learning Store and Northern Home Education. All schools are open full time with the exception of Fort which is opened Monday to Thursday.  There are twelve staff on our team plus 4 custodians who each work  an hour a day on average.  Each staff member has their strengths. Things I am not good at, Chad seems to be excellent at, visa versa. That makes for a great admin team. This holds true in our buildings, we all work in all the subject areas however someone may be considered the expert and is more knowledgeable. We are strive to be knowledgeable in all the subject areas. In High Level that is just a given, we have no math/science assistance.  Chad has developed a calendar that he will share with you outlining who is where when. High Level needs the Math/Sciences help, we have held o...

We take many things for granted, the snow for instance, look at that sparkling snow. It is gorgeous. The hoar frost is spectacular. Take a walk, bring your camera and notice the thick, white, lace branches. Others do not get to enjoy such beauty, we do! I had gorgeous pictures to add from my walk yesterday but you can all guess where my phone is. Not here!!  Watched the best talk yesterday, the topic was screen time and on your phone time. Addiction to your phone/technology has a DSM, meaning it is a diagnosed medical condition. The professor asks us to consider the number of times we check our phone in a day. How far away from your phone will you allow yourself to be? Does it interfere with you completing work at your workplace? How much time do you spend on your phone? She asks us to wean ourselves off the phone. Check it only three times a day, the professor assures us we will be okay. She also asks us to consider a diet of what we are feeding ourselves on o...

It's 6:09 I am at school, couldn't sleep, time to get the Monday Memo out on Tuesday and catch up with you. There are many things we need to catch up on: The community of Rainbow Lake has experienced a death in the community. One of our dual students Breanna Latham's stepdad passed away Friday evening. This tiny town is reeling. Our school division has  mental health workers in the schools for the next few days. They came to the Learning Store yesterday. I am going to Rainbow tomorrow. You may not know this. Steve and I are going to Hawaii over teacher's convention. I have never taken personal days over convention in 35 years. However, when Steve had his last health crisis, I swore that I would make time for him. He has sat alone at home on many a weekend and weeknight while I worked away. New focus is on Steve. Also, more gossip- Steve is taking early retirement. His last day of work is January 31st, however, he does get paid until the year end. (A lovely tra...

My cell rang on the way back from GP yesterday. It was a student wondering when school starts again. She's ready to get going, just as we are after 17 days of holidays. I spent much of my time with an 18 month old. River taught me many things which are pertinent now. You don't have to eat everything on your plate, in fact you can throw it if it's not to your liking. If you throw a huge fit in Costco, everyone will stop shopping and take you out to the truck and you spend no money at all!!! If you lay on a dog it will bite you. Some people are full of sh##,  we  change their diapers, then are willing to play with them again. Sleeping is so rejuvenating, especially when you sleep with friends, Mr. Bear, Mr. Dog, Mr. Bunny and  Mr. Monkey.  Teaching happens with every sentence you say , every action you take, every wink and nod of the head. Kids are watching you!  You can put together a 1000 piece puzzle with an 18 month old...

Going to look on the bright side of welcoming another month, so darn quickly: P/T interviews were very successful in most schools. Report cards are done Many courses are being finalized in the next two weeks. It's cold- there's nothing for the kids to do, but come to school (and work.)  We are exactly 20 days until the days start getting longer- rock on- can't wait!  There are sparkling lights everywhere making everything so beautiful.  People's spirits are bright with lots of opportunities for giving and serving. Welcome December! This is my home, nice eh!  Thank yous Thanks to Jenine who helped us find her replacement Kayleen Dicks. Kayleen is a mother of three gorgeous girls with the oldest being 11 and the youngest 6. She had been working as a child circle worker, that job ends in March due to cuts, so learning Store seemed an excellent option. I will be in Rainbow tomorrow assisting with training and Leah will...

Hoping you are enjoying these warm winter days. Such beauty everywhere you turn! My son and his finance visited the hot pot north of Zama. What a neat natural phenomenon that is! It cost nothing to enjoy that and it is a 11.6 km walk there and back! Great way to spend a day.  Last week, we completed report cards and parent teacher interviews. With our student communication system we are often touching base with parents and students, keeping them informed of our expectations. Most importantly, we are building relationship. Making deposits in their buckets, checking on them  with hopes that they will  complete.  Thank you so very much for the work you put into report cards and comments. It is arduous work, and is so meaningful! Parents expect that communication.  The next four weeks are crucial. It is a natural time to complete courses and start new in January. Encouraging, pushing, hoovering over students is called for this month...

GOOD BUSY!!!  Report cards have gone out,  parent teacher interviews take place this week. We are coming to the end of November, students are expected to be completing a core course soon. Courses are taking place in each location. Rainbow had Leah and I  doing a finance course. We will go back to catch the other 4 students. We will book the Opiod presentation  for the Rainbow kids too.Fort will soon get a wellness session delivered by Jennifer Sewapagaham. Plus, they will have the finance course taught by Leah and I.    La Crete had Linda doing a sewing course.   La Crete has a wellness session scheduled for Dec 3rd at 11:00. High Level hosts ADLC and counselors tomorrow at 10:00.  Our students will cook for these people earning credits in cold food preparation .  PAT's are being scheduled for January. Diplomas should be decided by now. Do you see what I mean, when I say good busy? Each of you  have created a school a...