With March Break about to kick in across the district, students aren’t the only ones counting down the hours to their week off school. Teachers also are eyeing up the five-day hiatus–and many plan to make it count for “quality time.”
“I’d like to put up my feet and read but [the March Break] is an opportunity to travel so we’re going to visit with family and then spend four or five days in New York City,” said one Fort High teacher.
The trip to the “Big Apple” will be a return visit for the local couple and their teenage daughter, who are big fans of visual arts and culture. In fact, they’d probably choose a visit to New York over a holiday on the beach in the sunny Bahamas.
“We like to go [to New York] because of all the opportunities like theatre, museums, sports events, and art galleries,” she explained.
“We’re not the kind of folks who like to sit on the beach. We’re not sun-worshippers,” she added. “We like to be active.”
But another Fort High staffer plans to head to familiar terrain and hit the beach as part of her March Break.
“Oh, hmmm, let me see, maybe close to 15 years,” she said of her annual trek to the Caribbean at this time of year. “I go for the sunshine, warmth, lush vegetation, and good relaxation.
“I’d recommend it to everybody,” she added.
But she’s not going to the exotic destination just to get some sun. She chose an all-inclusive travel package which will keep her busy with activities and other adventures, like snorkeling.
“I’m [into] everything,” she noted.
Yet not everyone is planning to relish in relaxation next week. One such individual is heading to Thunder Bay to hit the books.
“It’s not pleasure at all. I consider it all work,” said Fort High principal Terry Ellwood. “My particular plans are to finish up a course on quantitative research through Lakehead University,” he added. “But I’ve always believed in the philosophy that change is as good as a rest.”
Ellwood said the quantitative research course instructs teachers on how to do research projects, including studies for improved education. The course also will focus on how to properly survey education stakeholders on what their thoughts are on existing issues and needs in education.
Also starting off the March Break in “work mode” is another high school staff member, who will spend the first part of next week in teacher-related meetings in Toronto.
“Then after that, I’m going to Charleston, N.C. for relaxation,” she said, noting her extensive travel background had yet to include the south-eastern U.S.
“I want to explore them . . . there’s lots of historical places to see [and] I think it will be interesting,” she noted. “I’m really looking forward to it.
“We [teachers] are usually dragging our tails by now,” she chuckled.
And while exotic vacations, not-so-fun work, and historical destinations are on the list of some, still others are heading into the city for a dip in the pool and some spring shopping.
One local family, both parents of whom are teachers, is doing just that. After taking in a hockey tournament in Minnesota this weekend, they’ll set out for Winnipeg.
“We’re not going anywhere exotic,” said the mom.
“[Our] kids like to go shopping and get some pool time,” she added, but noted her husband’s work commitments would land them back in town by next Thursday.
“I know there are people who are going to Mexico and Disney World. Oh well . . . we only wish,” she sighed.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
