Snow Shoeing for Dummies

What else would you do on a beautiful, if somewhat chilly,  Sunday in Canada than go for a little walk in the bush/country/park.
So when in Canada do as the Canadians do and use snow shoes.
As you can see we Australians can turn our hands (or feet) to anything.
Well these are the photos with us standing upright??

Have I got these on the correct feet?

Looked everywhere around this place and I couldn't get a drink anywhere!

Whoops, forgot to bring my book back!

Who said this snow shoeing is easy??

Needless to say next week we intend to try Cross Country skiing - if we can get the snow shoes off!!!

On the way home the preciously talented film maker and strident producer have a little domestic in the  car - we should have listened to Candie - (see school days post).

And to end January - the latest exchange joke doing the rounds -
What does two foot of snow look like?

School days

In support of Collin Walker and my colleagues at Harvey SHS who will shortly be back in the fray teaching all the little "Ginger Meggs". I will provide a small glimpse of Bishop Lloyd Middle School.

 First the front of the school, as filmed by the talented Mrs Spragg.
(The voice in the background is our friendly Canadian navigator  called Candie (Canadian Driving Information Expert).

I usually walk to school so it is a novelty seeing the school from that angle.

This is Collin's and my classroom. Spacious, well equipped (note the smart board) and a little piece of Australia.

We recently held a book report evening for parents and students. Our grade (year) 9 students prepared illustrated summaries of books they had read. Parents then had the pleasure of viewing the work at the school. It was a very successful night with  most of the parents attending. All credit to the Grade 9 English team and other staff who made the evening such a success.
Attached two examples of the display boards.

As we are all aware January 26th is Australia day. I could not let this important day pass without a little cultural exchange at Bishop Lloyd. Can I just say the Tim Tams went down very well. The carton of "Fosters" for morning tea was not so popular.

A group of Canadian teachers could be called a "family" of teachers. The staff at Bishop Lloyd are really a family. They demonstrate a very positive collegiate ethos, are extremely supportive of each other and are amongst the most  dedicated professionals I have had the pleasure of working with. I have been very fortunate that I have been welcomed so warmly by everyone at the school.
Just as well I will not be there for Christmas - must cost a fortune to buy all your "relatives" presents!

 

For more information on the school -  http://bishoplloyd.lpsd.ca/

Edmonton Exchange Experience

This weekend we spent in Edmonton. On Friday we had an orientation day with other Exchange Teachers from Australia and Canada. The weekend organised by the Alberta Teachers Association was terrific. It was a very useful catching up with fellow Australian exchangees learning from their experiences of settling in and what is planned for the rest of the year.
The highlight was meeting former Canadian exchangees and listening to their adventures in Australia and other places. A huge thank you to all those involved in organising and helping us over the excellent weekend.




A small section of the many Canadian and Australian teachers, family and friends at the Exchane Teachers social. evening.

One for Christmas Card collection.



Some special images on our way to the exchange social.








We enjoyed the Ice festival in Edmonton.during the day and beautifully lite up in the evening.

 






Top ice sculpture is called women in mirror.
A snow Budda representing the China - Canada relationship at the Ice festival in  Edmonton.

 

Where am I again?

Miss Piggy

Our Budda takes on a different hue in the evening. 

Click on the image to really appreciate the beauty and creativity of these ice sculptures.



No visit to Edmonton would be complete without a visit to the former largest "Mall" in the world!!



A small section of the monolith of capitalism.

Yes, there is a beach with waves in the 'shopping centre' - and no worries about sunburn or flies.

Despite all the fun and credit card opportunities in the West Edmonton Mall the best place for a shop was the Old Strathcone Farmers Market.

A weekend for a little Culture.

 Aside from shovelling snow, the weekend  was an enjoyable mix of the domestic and cultural.

Typical Saturday Morning- some Shopping at our favourite Canadian stores - no not just Tyres, but everything from kitchen sinks to ice hockey sticks.

Superstore - Canadians own - would give Coles and Woolies a run for their money!

An impressive Centre - a range of pictures from a German Count who moved to Saskatchewan for some peace, quiet and nature.

Over 70 years of taxidermy by one man is also featured in the Barr Colony Cultural Centre. An interesting array of Canadian wildlife, well and truly stuffed.

Can you believe it - an ex-Pommie turned Aussie drinking Ukrainian Beer in the middle of Canada?

 

 

 We live in a small world.

Our wonderfully friendly neighbours invited us to the Ukrainian New Year celebrations.

 

A magic evening of Ukrainian music, dancing, food and fun.

The Ukrainian connection in Canada certainly know how to put on a great show - wonderful colour, sounds, smells and warm evening. A great way to spend a Weekend.

Relaxing and enjoyable weekend is over - getting ready for another week at work

Sunday snowy sunday

Sunday 9th January - a good start to the day with our first attempt at Waffle making.
No that is not Brandy - it is 100% pure maple syrup.

Now we have to walk off all the calories. A lovely day for a little stroll in the snow.

This is Bishop Lloyd Middle School - yep, even some Canadian teachers work on a Sunday.

Snow, snow and a little more snow.

Only 10 more shovel fulls and I can get the car out!

And the locals called this a light sprinkling of snow!

January 2011 - New Year, New Country, New Experiences.

Arrived safe and well for the New Year.
Talk about New Experiences - We went for a walk to the local park (Bud Miller) - and COLD......
I think it was -12 without the wind chill.

Exchanging Views

The Spraggs are in Canada on teaching exchange - this is our latest news and views.

Michael and Hanneke.