Since I’ve been here, I haven’t posted much about my work.. actually, I haven’t posted anything.

I work at CPE Jardin D’Oseille, just outside of Lévis in Beaumont.  CPE (Centre de la Petite Enfance) meaning daycare, I work with kids from 0-5 years old. From the morning until naptime, after lunch, I am in the classes with the kids (the age group changes every day) and in the afternoon I usually do some kind of maintenance, cleaning or office work for the centre. I am really enjoying it.. this is definitely my favourite placement so far.

The language thing is not easy, of course, but it’s getting a lot better. Of course, none of the kids know any english.. a couple of the staff know a bit, but most speak only french. I myself have determined that I have the conversational skills of a 2-year-old francophone.. the 2-year-olds understand more, though. I came home with a massive headache every day of my first week there, but it’s gotten muuuuch better since then. I am learning, slowly. I usually understand what is being said to me, as long as it’s not spoken too fast. We have french lessons, but the real way I am learning is through my little notebook, which goes everywhere with me – and when I think of something I want to say, or hear something I don’t know, it goes in the book. This is pretty much saving my life right now.

Anyway, what is a post here without pictures. This is my main source of frustration here lately:

The snow.. never stops. That is what our snowbanks look like.. and this picture was taken a month ago, we have had a lot more since then. Granted, it also melts a bit in between, but so far not enough to make a big difference. It went up to 5 degrees here the other day, definitely the warmest since I’ve arrived, and it was the highlight of my week. Then.. it snowed again. I am usually anxious for spring, but especially now, because I don’t want spend all my time here in a snowbank. It looks like it’s supposed to be above 0 this week though, so I hope that makes a big difference.

Totally random, but that is the ferry from Québec to Lévis. I am always amazed when it makes it through all the ice on the river.
anyway, it is bed time. more pictures will have to come another time.