INUVIK - Jerry and Susan Woolridge, who have been teaching in Inuvik since 2001, are leaving Inuvik to have a baby.

Jerry said the time the couple spent in Inuvik was a great experience where he learned a lot about the region and the people.

Jerry and Susan Woolridge have been teaching at Sir Alexander Mackenzie for the past six years. Susan has served as vice principal and Jerry has been a key force behind the music program at the school. The two are leaving Inuvik to expand their family with a new baby on the way. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"When we first came here, I didn't expect to see any trees," he said.

"I really had no clue what to expect. I expected tundra and rolling hills."

Jerry said he was relieved that his new home was close to water, in this case, the Mackenzie River.

"I grew up near water and was afraid that I would miss it, but I was lucky to be here in the delta where there is water," he said.

The two teachers started their work at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School in fall of 2001.

"Taking on any new job is a challenge," said Jerry.

"Adjusting to being a new teacher and getting to know the students came first."

Jerry has held many positions in the school, ranging from Grade 5 and 6 to teaching music.

Susan was a Grade 1 teacher, program support worker and also served as vice principal.

Jerry said their involvement in the local music scene also kept them busy.

The two educators are also sensational singers and served as co-directors of the Our Lady of Victory church choir.

"We made lots of friends and had a great time up here," said Jerry.

He said they have another baby on the way, which is why the couple is moving south.

"Our leaving is sort of bittersweet. It's time to go with the baby on the way," he said.

"We need to be closer to family."

Jerry said he feels that the both of them have contributed to the school, which is why they came North.

"I feel that we accomplished what we set out to accomplish," he said.

"It's going to break our hearts, we will miss the kids.

"If any of our stduents are reading this, keep plugging away in school. You only get out of life what you put into it."

Principal Janette Vlanich said the couple did a lot for the school in their time.

"They have been excellent staff for the school," said Vlanich.

"I've been here since last year and they have done so much."

Vlanich said Susan was integral to the execution of the annual science fair.

"She helped everyone through the fair and also did a great job as a Grade 1 teacher and in program support," she said.

Vlanich said that Jerry was always ready and available to stand in when administrators were gone.

"Jerry has been in the office before and has stepped in as acting principal before," she said.

"Their true gift has been one of music, Susan has the voice of an angel. Jerry is a great entertainer," said Vlanich.

"This is a great loss to the school, I wish them the best."