Resolute Bound

My big news of the moment is that I will be starting a new job on February 1. I am moving up to Resolute Bay to take over the principals position until Christmas break next year. Resolute is the second most northerly community in Canada and, among it's various claims to fame, is reported to be one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. It is located on the Northwest Passage, on Cornwallis island in the Arctic Archipelago. My fifth island home. Resolute is a tiny Inuit Hamlet with a population of around 250 permanent residents. It is also frequented by scientists and those seeking adventure. The school is called Qarmartalik and has around 60 students (K-12). The school website is www.qarmartalik.com. When this position finishes, I will return to Clyde River, where my position will be held for me. I am very excited at the prospect, and looking at some very busy weeks after Christmas vacation; getting ready to move.
We have just finished a crazy/busy week at school. Christmas concert was on Wednesday and again this year, I was in charge of getting the gym decorated. Lots of fun working with many of the school's kids on that. Below is a photograph of our stage background design. The decorations will stay up over the Christmas break as the large community church services will take place in the gym. On Friday, our last day of school, we cooked and served turkey dinner to the kids and their families during the day and then had our staff dinner with the District Education Committee members in the evening. I slept most of Saturday and am just putting the finishing touches on packing for Christmas vacation. I just hope the weather cooperates. Some of the teachers who left on Saturday were delayed and missed connections. We've been having a lot of snow lately, so fingers crossed!
Although we are in the darkest part of the dark season there is some light around 11-1 PM every day. This is what it looked like the other day at around 11. Today is the winter solstice, so from here on the light will start returning fairly rapidly. The sun will rise around the 20th of January here in Clyde and then later in Resolute. Maybe I'll get to see the sun come up twice this year. I will always remember seeing that fiery-red sun peek over the horizon last January. A feeling that I can't describe. You have to experience it.

Cat enjoying the beautiful view. So, happy holidays to everyone reading. If all goes well, I shall soon be looking at blue skies!