Hopeful Eyes

Canada's northern school divisions face unique challenges. Poverty, broken families, alcohol, drugs, language barriers and isolation. New teachers find the isolation particularly difficult. Teacher turnover is high and kids are left wondering who their next teacher will be. But if there is a place that resiliency is alive it is there.

If ever Canada should be inspired it is in the northern kids who have overcome so much and still have hopeful eyes and playful spirits. Take the time and travel north as far as you can drive and offer some time to read to kids, bring some instruments and make music or sit and listen to a child's story. Google a northern school and send a principal a note of encouragement and if you go you will discover hopeful eyes. ---TJS