Social Issues Day #1

Overall I found our first Social Issues Day extremely interesting and informative. The morning provided me with some insights into the perspectives of members from the native community. I learned a great deal about the native culture, which I know will help me in the classroom, as well as when teaching children belonging to native communities. I think to be sensitive towards diversity and to teach without bias we need educate ourselves as much as we can with regards to various cultures. I also really enjoyed how they got us involved in some of their traditions and practices, which many of us had probably never experienced.

In the afternoon I participated in the workshops on FAS and Mental Health Issues. The information presented in both of these sessions is information that we need to become aware of. Without the understanding or knowledge on FAS or mental health issues, we may not fully realize the affects that some conditions have on students. I know, especially from working with students with special needs, that a good understanding of a disability or condition can have a huge difference with respect to our relationships with students, as well as student progress.

Saying Good-bye

I found leaving my placement very difficult, as a result of all of the connections I had made with the students and staff. It seemed as though all of the sudden those ties had been severed. Although it is difficult, however, we are lucky as we still have the opportunity to go back and visit our schools and I'm sure they would be more than happy to have us back.

It is important to remember that we are not the only people who feel the emotions connected with separation (as we referred to it in college). Students also have to be taken into consideration, as many of them struggle just as much, if not more, than we do. We can help our students deal with separation by making sure they know ahead of time that you will be leaving, as well as, the timeframe with regards to when it will happen. This helps to prepare them for when the separation actually occurs. Furthermore, it is a good idea to prepare a good-bye activity to assist them with, what might be, a very difficult transition.

Creating a School Community

There is a real sense of community at my school, which makes the environment warm, comfortable, and welcoming. I noticed this immediately and thought to myself that this is the type of school I would like to work at and become a part of.

Teachers, parents, and administrators work together in an attempt to ensure that students are getting the most out of their education. Throughout the school, doors are always open for parents who have concerns, students who are in need of help, and colleagues who need advice.

A couple of weeks ago, we did the Terry Fox walk, which truly demonstrated the school community at my school. As a school, teachers, administrators, suppport staff, and students ventured out on a 3km walk on the trails of Niagara-on-the-Lake. To my surprise, many parents joined in, bringing along their dogs for the walk. It was so nice to see the entire school and several parents out visiting, mingling, and laughing with each other.

I have come to realize the importance of creating a sense of community within a school for it truly does enrich the environmet to benefit students.