I figured now was a good time as any to update everyone with how I'm doing at school. (And it's also a time to put the spotlight on myself *lol*!!!)
Actually, I decided to do this because I'm about halfway through this first semester and I'm almost done the classroom part of school and I'll be heading out to do a work placement in a couple of weeks.
So up to now, everything has been going well. The classes are alright, some have been a bit of a disappointment, just because I was hoping to get more out of them, and other have been fantastic. The professors are great, and because they're in the same field that we're all going into they have tons of experience and stories to share with everyone. So in that sense I've learned a lot. The work load was as I expected, heavy with assignments. But I wasn't surprised and I've been through one program that's been heavy with assignments so I was well prepared. :) A lot of it has been about developing your own philosophy as a teacher, which some of us have already done.
As for placement, the list came out this past week of where everyone will be going and we were also told to contact our 'mentor' teachers as soon as possible. So I was excited to find out that I'm in a year 2 (grade 2) class at a school called Stella Maris. If you look it up on Google, you'll also find a Stella Maris school in Toronto on St. Claire. *lol* Neil thinks it's a sign. *lol* Anyway, I contacted the teacher I'll be working with for the 5 weeks of my placement and I will be meeting up with her on Monday (Sept. 15th) and the other year 2 teachers and preservice students. I'm a bit nervous, but also excited because this was the grade that I wanted to work with. At least for my first placement. :)
So.......all in all, everything is going well. Just as I had hoped. :) The week off that we have in a couple of weeks will be much needed before I head to placement.
And on that note, I will head back to my studies. :( I have an assignment that I've been working on for what seems like forever (just ask Neil!!!) and I see the end in sight. *lol* Hopefully it will come with a good mark for me. *lol*
Anyway, tata for now!!!
P.S. I hope to post pictures of University of the Sunshine Coast campus. I've been meanning to for months, but I haven't been able to get a decent picture of the kangaroos that rule the campus. But I will! And when I do I will post them on here!!!
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3 comments:
Mom & dad wish you the best in your "placement". Back then they call it "practice teaching" & your mom went through it. You had always been good to kids & they will treat you the same way. Watch out for "concomitant" learning, this is very important in your first days in the classroom. You had enough experience from your old job we suppose which is a big help. Say hi to Neil & bye for now.
Thanks Dad! Actually, I think they still call it practice teaching, but it depends where you are. *lol* Here they shorten it to prac. But they seem to shorten every word and name they can, whenever they can! I've met a few Aussies that I now tease them about it. :) But yes, I'm looking forward to the experience. Especially after having met my teacher and the rest of the year 2 teachers. It'll be great, but I'm nervous. :)
Hi Melissa,
I met your Mom and Dad this afternoon, and just learned that Frederick is soon returining from Afghanastan. Sally and I had a lovely visit; Her garden is even more MAGNIFICENT this year than usual. I was happy to hear that your first "practicum" (that's the word of the day here) will be a grade two class - I expect that you'll really enjoy it (despite a probably heavy workload). Many seafaring Catholics from my parents' area had great devotion to Stella Maris - Our Lady, Star of the Sea. Best wishes to you and Neil for your sojurn in Australia. Barbara Evers
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