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The art and core french teacher at Sir John took advantage of the deferred salary program last year. The program is offered by the public and Catholic school boards.
She works at 75 per cent of her salary for three years, and then takes a paid year off. Europe, Hawaii, and New York City are some of the destinations Tonge jetted to last year.
Tonge arrived in Yellowknife 10 years ago for the first teaching position of her career.
She has been at Sir John Franklin ever since.
Ten years in the classroom doesn't leave time to explore exotic locales, so the St. Johns native crammed all her dream vacations into her leave.
She spent four months in Europe, citing the Italian hillsides and wineries as her favourite spot. "I would love to spend a month in Italy, taking cooking courses, and hiking" she said.
She is a little sheepish explaining a meal of "mussels in Brussels" was the best the Maritimer has ever had.
While her Sir John peers were well into their second semester of the year, Tonge was at her home base in Vancouver packing for the next stage in her travel -- Hawaii.
She snorkeled in La Perouse Bay in Maui, and explored the Waimoku Falls on foot. Enjoying her first tropical holiday when she should have been donning her parka, was a highlight of her travels.
According to Tonge, she developed adventurousness during her trip, and may not be ready for mountain climbing, but is looking forward to hiking or kayaking in New Zealand on her next leave.
The relaxation in Tonges' face confirms the benefits of the deferred leave program. She says "I've got so much energy now, the kids (at Sir John) will benefit from it."
She recommends the program to fellow teachers, and thinks more businesses should offer something like it to employees.
The Catholic School board had two teachers take a deferred leave last year, and two others in the upcoming year.
The public school board had two teachers take advantage of the program last year, and three more for the upcoming year.
Tonge has the whole summer to enjoy before she heads back to the classroom in September, but she's leaving her passport behind for the upcoming school year.
