Back to Kangirsuk, 2025, August.

 Greetings all


Back to Kangirsuk, you say!!  Are you crazy?  Well, yes, I guess I am a little on the crazy side!

I had the call, and I just could not ignore it.  It is fabulous being back, I must say.  Meeting former students, parents, community members and colleagues has been more fun then my Alaskan Cruise.  Seeing how the kids have grown, seeing what they have accomplished, and seeing how the community is beginning to prosper--a real wow experience.

The usual frustrations of getting here-a 30 hour delay.  And then, the usual agony of moving into the living accommodation, cleaning, unpacking boxes and settling in.  The worst was, of course, getting the internet at home and at school, and re learning all the tech that I must use including smart board, printer stuff, and internet stuff.  But, that is all behind me.  My classroom is already, house is up to snuff, and I am ready for those four little darlings on Monday morning.

I will also be doing special education--here in Quebec they call it spec ed!  That will be working with kids in the English sector  at the secondary level, most of whom I know from before. There is a lot of paper work that goes with that job--I know nothing about it--but will soon learn!!  Ha!

Of course, I am already missing my music making in the south with so many amazing people, but I have my own house, no one living on the other side, so I can practice for as long and as loud as I want.  I have made a schedule, and can fit a couple of hours or more  in every day.  Last night, I played at a wedding for a new colleague--my back up band was the play along accompaniment.  People loved it!!

The happy couple!

Grandma, and new baby!

Friendly faces, and welcome hugs and kisses.
The wedding feast--raw Arctic Char--just slice off and eat.


Classroom is ready!

My house on the hill.  I am the soul occupant, left side.

"The elders are watching", big rocks left during the ice age.  Legend has it  that these stones were the village elders.

Looking out my upstairs bedroom window on Kangirsuk Bay.  Kangirsuk has about 800 people.  It will start to freeze over in October.  Snowmobiles will be on it by November 1.

After one week, my hydroponic garden is doing well. l have one at school too, and I have great big rack at school for growing stuff.  Can't wait.

Yes, the sewage truck.  And I need it to come back! The red light is on.  I have no water, and I need the sewage cleaned out!!  2 days without water.  Think about it every time you use water.  Here, it is a constant worry.  Flushing is once a day, laundry, once a week, and showers for 3 minutes or less.   Drinking water is from the water treatment Center.  You have to take big plastic containers down there and fill them up.  Fortunately, my neighbour has a truck, so he took the containers and did it for me.  You must drink a lot of water here because it is very dry.

Living room.

Dining area

Bedroom

Yikes--first day--a lot to do!!

The wait at Montreal Airport!!

The dreaded red light is on!!


Comments

  1. Stigings17 August 2025 at 14:46

    Hello Helene. We are so glad to hear you arrived safely and are settling in in anticipation of tomorrow’s school opening. Loved seeing the great pics. Wishing you another great year back in the classroom. Your students are so lucky to have you as their teacher. We are so proud of your commitment to your students and the community of Kangirsuk. Love ya, Peter & Pat❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete

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