S1M & Staff Xmas Dinner 2025

I held a Stage 1 Marksmanship competition for the army cadets of 3045 Corps on November 29.  Stage 1 is a formal way of saying team tryouts.  Marksmanship is one of many activities offered by the Canadian Cadet program.  The corps’ total enrollment dictates how many teams it can put forward.  For 3045, it’s one team of five cadets.  Participation in Stage 1 is voluntary.

We used the school’s gym for the competition.  We arrived early Saturday morning to set up.  Turning the gym into an air rifle range requires backboards, tables, chairs, spotting scopes, shooting mats, air rifles, competition targets, and lead pellets.

I held a briefing with the participating cadets.  They would be given a few practice relays to “zero-in” their rifles and then shoot the competition targets I set aside “for real”.  They need to shoot three targets; two prone & one standing.  They were allowed to shoot them in any order.  The cadets with the highest scores would make the team.

The practice relays lasted the entire morning.  I thought a few cadets would do their real shoots before noon.  The cadets went home for lunch and came back after an hour.  The real competition began in the afternoon.

The cadets were really focused, taking their time hitting their targets.  It’s all about accuracy, not speed.  Shooting while standing is more challenging because you can’t rest your arms & elbows on a table or stand.  You must rely on your posture & muscles.  Cadets were instructed at the end of each relay to carefully collect their competition targets and hand them to me.  They were allowed to look first.  I placed the targets in a large envelope and would score them later.

We spent 20 minutes putting everything away and cleaning the gym.  I debriefed the participating cadets, thanking them for their time & effort, and said they would find out the results at the next training night.  The cadets were dismissed for the remainder of the day.

The staff of Inuujaq School & District Education Authority members enjoyed an evening Christmas dinner on December 5.  The event was planned by the school’s Events Committee and catered by the local hotel.  The event was a fun way to forget about dark season, enjoy good food, take a break from teaching, and celebrate the upcoming end of 2025.

Staff set up the gym with tables, chairs, white tablecloths, flower centre pieces, Christmas tree, and speaker system after school.  We returned later that evening in casual attire.  People were allowed to bring a guest.  The hotel caterers set out the trays of food they prepared on a line of tables against a wall.  The drinks and desserts were placed on a separate table.

The dinner began with a welcome address by the principal.  A high school teacher assisted with Inuktitut translation.  Her granddaughter then said a prayer to bless the food.  People stood up and lined up to be served food by the caterers.  The menu consisted of turkey, roast, macaroni, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, salad with a variety of toppings, cookies, and desserts.  Beverages consisted of tea, coffee, water, juice, and soft drinks.  There were plenty of choices.  The food was delicious.  I enjoyed two plates.  I was glad I only had a snack for lunch.

The event transitioned to exchange of gifts and games.  Staff members who signed up for Secret Santa exchanged their final gifts with the people they selected.  They had been exchanging small gifts in secret a week before the Christmas dinner.  Staff members & invited guests played a few Inuit games for prizes.

Leftovers were offered to everyone.  Takeout containers & disposable utensils were provided.

Several staff members assisted with cleaning the gym and putting away the tables, chairs, cloths, and decorations. 

 

Remembrance Day 2025

Every year, on November 11, “former countries of the British Empire, and current Commonwealth member states” observe Remembrance Day, “also known as Poppy Day, […] to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.”  November 11 is in reference to the end of the First World War (1914 – 1918), when hostilities stopped “at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month.”  There are similar commemoration days all over the world, like Veterans Day in the USA, and ANZAC Day in Australia & New Zealand.

There is no school on Remembrance Day because it’s a statutory holiday in Nunavut.  However, Inuujaq School held a Remembrance Day assembly on November 10, a Monday this year.  The planning of the event was handled by the Events Committee.  The committee followed the 2023 program but made a few changes. 

The assembly began with Opening Remarks from the school principal & chair of the District Education Authority (DEA), welcoming everyone, and explaining the purpose of Remembrance Day.  The Grade 1 teacher lit a ceremonial qulliq lamp.  Everyone stood for the playing of O Canada.  I played a trilingual recording made by the Inuksuk Drum Dancers from Iqaluit.  A student read the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.  I projected the poem on the gym wall for the audience to follow.

Everyone stood for the playing of “Last Post”, and One Minute of Silence.  The moment of silence is to reflect on those who served in times of conflict and the ones who did not return home.  Everyone sat down and I played a video from the YouTube channel Simple History on the poppy and why we wear it.

The ceremony acknowledged Indigenous veterans and their important contributions & sacrifices in war.  Continuing this theme, a teacher and DEA chair, recited the poem “Bones for the Brave” referencing the Inuit who collected animal bones & carcasses during the Second World War.  The bones and carcasses were shipped to ammunition factories in southern Canada.  I played an APTN news story about Parks Canada & the Canadian Armed Forces honouring the late Qapik Attagutsiak in early 2020 for her participation in this effort.

The local RCMP escorted students carrying wreaths to the front of the gym and helped them tape the wreaths to the wall.  The wreaths were prepared by students.

The principal & DEA Chair did the Closing Remarks, thanking everyone for attending & participating.  The ceremony came to an end and students & teachers returned to class.  Several high school classes stayed behind to help with cleanup.

The army cadets of 3045 & I arrived at the local community hall on the morning of November 11 to get ready for the community Remembrance Day ceremony.  We spent several weeks reviewing drill, working on our uniforms & parade boots, and held a dress rehearsal at the community hall.  We were more than ready.  I borrowed a truck from the former commanding officer and transported equipment to the hall a few days in advance.

The recreation staff at the community hall set up chairs & tables in advance.  Thank you!  The cadets & I decorated the hall.  I set up my tablet computer & the school’s keyboard in front of the stage and plugged them into the sound system.  Community members began arriving and finding seats at 10:30am.  The cadet platoon commander formed up the cadets in the main foyer and took roll call.  I gave a final quick good luck speech to the assembled cadets.  Two cadets then stepped out, retrieved flags, and took position inside the hall at the back.  Once everyone was seated and the time on my watch read 10:45am, I signaled the Flag Party to begin.

The Flag Party marched to the left of the main stage and planted the Canadian & cadet flags in round brass stands.  Then they took positions as Left Markers.  The platoon commander marched in the remaining cadets and halted them next to the Left Markers.  The platoon was given a Left Dress followed by an Eyes Front.  The platoon commander then faced the front.

A local minister did an opening prayer.  I welcomed everyone to the ceremony and briefly explained why we take time out of our busy lives to remember the people who served in conflicts so that we may live in peace.  I also hoped current conflicts will be justly resolved, and humanity continues moving forward together.  Everyone then stood for the playing of O Canada.

The audience took their seats as volunteers came to the podium to do the first Bible reading.  I then sat at the keyboard and provided the instrumental accompaniment to the hymn Abide With Me.  I was glad there were a few strong & confident singers in the audience because I don’t sing.  Everyone remained standing for the playing of Last Post, Minute of Silence, Piper’s Lament, and Reveille.  This section of the parade is the most challenging for cadets because they must stand at attention for six minutes. 

The audience took their seats as several cadets walked up to the podium to deliver the Act of Remembrance and Commitment to Remember in Inuktitut & English.  These were followed by a second Bible reading.  An Elder continued the ceremony by talking about their thoughts on Remembrance Day and what it means to them. 

A cadet spoke about the poppy and the reason why we wear them.  Another cadet talked about the life of Lt. Col. John McCrae and what inspired him to write the poem In Flanders Fields.  Three cadets then recited the famous poem. 

I sat at the keyboard again and provided instrumental accompaniment to the hymn O God Our Help In Ages Past.  A cadet, Ranger, RCMP constable, and mayor placed wreaths at the front.  Everyone then stood for the playing of God Save The King and then remained standing for the closing prayer. 

I did the Closing Remarks once everyone was seated.  I thanked everyone for attending, the people who volunteered to be part of the program, and the cadets for being uniform.  The cadets then marched out of the hall.  The ceremony had come to an end. 

The cadets & I posed for a group photo.  We rested for some time and then helped the recreation staff clean up the hall.  The cadets then helped me pack up all the stuff that belonged to the corps and place it in a truck I borrowed for the day.  A few cadets came with me to the school gym to put everything away.  I then drove them home.   

Lest We Forget.

 

International Inuit Day 2025

Warning: The following post contains images that some readers may find graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.

“The Inuit Circumpolar Council [ICC] created [International Inuit Day] in 2006” to recognize, celebrate, and promote “Inuit culture, history, and languages across the Arctic” and the world.  The day is observed on November 7 and was also created “to remember [the council’s] founder, Eben Hopson Sr.”

Inuujaq School’s Events Committee began planning for the day in late October.  The meetings were busy because the committee was also working on Halloween activities.  The program was like last year.  Everyone was encouraged to wear traditional Inuit clothing, there would be an afternoon assembly, followed by a community feast.  The assembly would feature performances and a fashion show.

For the feast, caribou (tuktu) meat was sourced from Rankin Inlet, a teacher went out and caught a seal, and the school purchased Bannock supplies, fruit, and juice boxes from the local Northern Store.  Elders were hired to prepare the meat & Bannock.  Preparations began on November 6 and continued right up until the assembly began.  The caribou meat arrived in large pieces wrapped in plastic bags.  High school students assisted the Elders in cutting the meat.

There’s a lot you can do with caribou meat.  The Elders prepared small bite size raw pieces, tuktu stew, tuktu roast, and even jerky strips.  A few elementary classes went down to the Home Ec Room to watch & learn how to make Bannock.

November 7 was an exciting day.  I wore a sealskin vest, tie, and poppy.  The smell of cooked tuktu and Bannock was everywhere.  Several staff members helped me set up the gym for the afternoon assembly.  High school students assisted us in moving the food, juice boxes, plates, and cutlery from the Home Ec Room to the gym.  Parents, guardians, Elders, and community members began arriving at 1:30pm.  Classes were called down to the gym.  Many people wore traditional Inuit clothing.  The assembly began at 1:45pm.

An Inuk teacher & I were the emcees.  We welcomed everyone to the assembly and briefly talked about Inuit history and the importance of preserving, promoting, and practicing Inuit culture, language, & history.  An Elder then lit a ceremonial qulliq to officially open the assembly.

Two local throat singers performed several songs to the delight of the audience.  This was followed by the fashion show.  Just like the Halloween costume contest, classes, staff, and parents & guardians were called up to walk around the centre of the gym, showcasing their traditional Inuit outfits.  A panel of three judges selected the 6 best dressed and awarded them Co-op gift cards.

The last part of the assembly was the community feast.  The Grade 1 teacher said a prayer to bless the food and then two lines formed.  Elders went first.  The teacher who caught a seal placed it on large, flattened cardboard boxes, and began cutting it open.  Several students watched the harvest and took pieces of meat when allowed.  The seal was a female, and the teacher was surprised to find a small baby fetus inside.  Everyone was surprised.

I indulged in small pieces of tuktu, Bannock, and raw seal meat.  There were a few leftovers.  I expected the entire seal to be consumed but that didn’t happen.  I guess everyone was craving tuktu.  The remaining pieces of seal meat were placed in a large black bin.  The teacher told me he was going to keep some of it for his family and then share the rest with extended family.

Students were dismissed early after the end of the assembly because it was Friday.  Holding a celebration & feast is the perfect way to finish the school week.  Staff stayed behind to clean up the gym and put everything away.     

 

Halloween 2025

The last day of October was on a Friday, a perfect school day to celebrate the end of the month and engage in Halloween activities.  (Halloween happens on October 31).  People dress up in costume and hand out candy to kids and adults.  Having the weekend right after gives students & teachers time to get rid of their sugar highs after indulging in sweets. 

The festivities at Inuujaq School began a week early with classes decorating their doors.  We love decorating our doors.  The doors would be judged on the morning of October 31, and the chosen winners announced at the afternoon Halloween assembly (more on this coming up).  The hallways are also decorated to create atmosphere.  High school students designed and set up a haunted house in a large classroom downstairs for Grades 4 – 12.  The classroom was chosen because it has two entrance/exit doors; good for traffic flow.  The school’s Events Committee handled the assembly program, day schedule, and purchasing bags of candy for classes.

The morning of October 31 was like a regular school day but with a Halloween twist.  I arrived early to photograph classroom doors & hallway decorations.  The haunted house operated all morning while three judges walked around and selected the best decorated doors.  Teachers did Halloween themed activities in their classrooms.  My high school drummers & I reviewed our concert program.  We were the assembly’s opening act and wanted to make sure everything went well.  I assured the drummers our performance will be fine considering we’ve been preparing since September. 

Underworld Emperor.

Lunch was extended to 90 minutes to give students & staff time to eat and change into their costumes.  I brought my costume from home and changed at school.  I also brought my previous costumes and set them in my classroom for anyone to borrow.  My costume this year was Underworld Emperor, bought from Spirit Halloween.  The one-size-fits-all facemask was large, so I pulled back the excess and used a binder clip to hold it in place.  This tightened the mask and made it easier for me to see.  I headed down to the gym to set up the drums.  My drummers joined me some time later.

Underworld Emperor.

Students, staff, parents, & guardians arrived after lunch, excited & dressed in costume.  Everyone made their way to the gym for the assembly.  My drummers & I waited in the gym lobby as everyone filed in.  The place was packed. 

The assembly began with a brief welcome address from the principal.  Then she called on me & the drummers to perform our concert.  We walked in a line and took our positions behind our drums.  I stood in the centre.  I picked up my sticks, looked in both directions, and then clicked 4 times.  Our concert began.  We played three 1-minute drum cadences as a group.  I then played a duet with a student, followed by a drum solo.  Our performance lasted 6 minutes and the audience enjoyed it.       

My drummers & I moved our drums to the back of the gym, and the audience created a large open space in the middle for the costume contest.  Classes, school staff, and parents/guardians walked around the centre of the gym showcasing their costumes.  The judges who picked the best decorated doors selected the best dressed from each class/group.  The winners received Co-op gift cards.  The winners of the door decorating contest were announced and the winning classes received funding for celebratory pizza parties.

Students & teachers returned to class after the assembly.  My drummers helped me pack and put away the drums.  I congratulated my drummers for putting on a great first performance.  Halloween activities continued in classrooms and bags of candy were distributed & consumed. School was dismissed early to let people get ready for community trick-or-treating.  Those who borrowed my costumes returned them.  I removed my mask to breathe fresh air and wipe away sweat.  I changed out of my costume.  The principal gave me a ride home because I needed help transporting the large Rubbermaid bin that contained my costumes.

I brought out the candy I bought online and divided the first batch into three large bowls.  I changed back into my costume, moved a chair close to the door, and turned off most of the lights in my place.  When the time came, I unlocked the front door, sat, and waited.  Trick-or-treating began at 5pm.

There are a lot of trick-or-treaters every year.  They come in waves.  I do my best not to keep them waiting.  I also hand out candy to parents if they want it.  The weather outside is dark & cold, so many children are chauffeured around town on atvs, skidoos, and in vehicles.  Trick-or-treating lasted until about 6:45pm.  I went through many boxes of candy, but I did have leftovers.  I changed out of my costume and proceeded to the community hall for the Ugliest Halloween Costume contest.

I never miss this contest because it’s fun to see the creative & crazy combinations.  Previous participants have told me they just find stuff around the house, but thought is needed to put everything together to make it work.  Or maybe it’s not supposed to work?  People have asked me if I’ll ever participate, and I’m always split.  Half of me thinks I can pull it off while the other says no.  Only time will tell.

I found a seat at the back of the community hall.  People & participants slowly trickled in and found seats.  Participants sat in front of the stage and were given numbers to wear on their backs.  The numbers make it easier for the judges to choose the winners.  Participants were divided into two groups: 12 & Under, and 13 & Over.

The competition began with the 12 & Under group walking around the middle of the hall with music playing in the background.  Some of the participants were toddlers, so their parents walked & carried them.  They returned to their seats when the music stopped.  The process was the same for the 13 & Over group . . . except nobody carried them.  The costumes were creative & crazy.  It’ll take me more than 1000 words to describe each costume, so I’ll let my photos do the talking.  If you’re ever in Arctic Bay for Halloween, this event is one you don’t want to miss!

The judges took a few minutes to discuss & decide the top three winners from each group.  Each winner was called up on stage to receive their cash prize and reveal their identity to the audience. 

A candy toss was held after the contest.  Recreational staff threw candy from the stage.  I didn’t participate because I have leftover candy at home.  I went home after the candy toss.