well that is that

Yesterday was the official last day of practicum, and sadder I could not be. I loved my time at Swansea. From my AT, to the student body, to the school culture, everything, it was a great experience.

For my last day, I was fortunate enough to travel to Karen Kain school for the arts to observe a co-teaching session with Daiva and Tara her AT. As I had participated in the co-teaching session at our school, I knew exactly how Daiva was feeling and could relate. That begin said, her and her AT did a fab job with their kids. Very enriching experience to be an observer for.

After the co-teaching session, my AT took me out to Koreatown for some Korean lunch. Great to get out of the school setting and get to know him on a personal level. Although, I would say that we have related on a personal level since the first STEP day I was with him. The rest of the afternoon was pretty laid back as the students were merely finishing off a project that they had the week to work on. It was nice to float around and chat with the kids while they were finishing up.

As the day neared its end David popped out for a second and then returned to take the students out for a meeting about the grad trip, I was working with one student so he told me to continue with him and they'd be back. A minute later he opened the door and told me to come out, I knew something was up. As I got out into the hall, he had arranged for all 160 gr 7/8 students to get out of class and sitting down the entire hall. Once they saw me they roared into applause. I know I see the kids every day, but to have them all in one place, I kind of forgot what 160 screaming kids looks like. The screams continued, then died down slightly and before it ended it roared up again, I felt like a rockstar. After they settled down, the class president came up and presented me with a giant card that they had all signed and thanked me for all I had done.

I gave a little speech to the kids about how much they meant to me and told them that I would be returning wednesday mornings, as my related studies course is finished. They all seemed pretty happy about that. So as much as practicum is officially over, I am still a Swansea Shark for the foreseeable future.

the end is near

Well here we are, with only 2 1/2 days left. Crazy to think how fast it has all gone by. My time at Swansea has been more than what I could of hoped for or even imagined. The teachers and students have been so welcoming and encouraging that it has really drive home my desire to be a teacher.

Since the week began and I have been reminding the students that I will be finishing on friday, they have been responded with a series of groans and "we don't want you to leave", which has really shown me that my presence, albeit short, has been very impactful on them. It has illustrated that if I can leave a lasting impression in just 3 short weeks, imagine what could be done with an entire year.

With that being said I am doing all I can to secure a position for September. I know we all are looking for that prized contract allowing us to do what I feel we are all well suited for. Whether it happens or not is up in the air at the moment, but the connections we have made and continue to make, should be such that will aide in any future placements. That being said I know my AT is well on myside. Constantly getting me into the princpal's eyesight and allowing her to come and watch me in action. Hopefully, the connections made in this practicum, coupled with the next and our internship should open a door just slightly enough for an interview. After that it is all on me. I am ready for the challenge and am hopeful for the chance to have my own classroom come sepetember. But we shall see.

first field trip

The 3rd week has started and another first has been checked off the list, the first field trip. Today the Swansea 7's and 8's took in a performance by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall.

It was a sampling of selected works with a guest pianist. We have a small home room and with only 14 kids it was a fairly easy task to escort them via subway, to the show. However, that being said, I can see how this could be an arduous journey with many and often head counts. Thankfully today went well and no kids were lost and it was actually nice to interact with them outside of the classroom. It helps to remind them that I am just a person like them living life. I think it's important to level with kids often as at that age everything seems so much more life changing than a quiz that I have put together on my dining room table the night before.

With this being the start of our 3rd week, we need to realize that next week is our last week of this practicum and we will always think back at this experience for the good and the bad, but right now we are living it and we should enjoy it.

One week down, a whole career to go...

Well that is that, week one in the books. One of the longest/shortest of my life, and a memorable one for sure. It's strange to be switching hats so frequently now, from student to teacher, and how natural it can feel.

This was a good week. With a start on halloween, a day that is like no other in your school career, the attention was shifted from my arrival. With Tuesday came the first lesson planned by me and taught by me and bombed by me. Haha. Well it didn't go so badly, but I'm sure I heard crickets at one point.

With that experience in the bag, my confidence has grown even in just a short week. By weeks end, the students were writing a quiz which I had created. Another first, that as my career continues, I'm sure I will look back fondly on.

Swansea is a great school, with a wonderful student body a large part of which I am able to interact with as a rotary math teacher. I see roughly 150 Gr 7/8 students in my day, with three gr.8 lessons and two gr.7 lessons. While learning names continues to be a challenge, students personalities are unforgettable.

As it is Movember, my stasche is in full swing, as is my AT's, Mr. Laredo. I have challenged the 7's and 8's to fill a large plastic preztel jar with change to be donated by the time I leave. The jar was one that I myself had been saving change in and decided to make the initial donation with it to get the ball rolling. We will see how far they want to take it because it is up to them now.

As well I have volunteered to help with junior and senior boys basketball after school wed and thurs. One real draw to teacher for me was the chance to coach sports, as it is something I have enjoyed thus far in my life.

Well, I am sure there will be more to come.

Cheers