Partnership School Placement-1st day

Today was my first day at my partnership school at Lara Secondary. It was quite an interesting day with high winds expected and bush fire alerts being made throughout Victoria. What made it even more interesting was the fact that I had come down with something and nearly fainted in assembly in front of 800 students. Yet, my friend and fellow pre-service teacher, Katie, warned another teacher and they both helped me get out of there so i could lay down. I laid down right outside the assembly door and after that I was ok again. I was then escorted by the integration aid teacher and Katie to the staff room where I laid down further and rested. The integration aid even offered to drive me home, yet I stated how important this first introduction day was as the VU colleague was coming in, we will meet our mentor Teacher and be given our projects. So I stayed until around 2 o'clock so I didn't miss out on too much. Then when I met my mentor teacher she basically told me to go home and that it was for the best. I was also thinking it felt bad leaving yet, it would have been worse if I stayed and gave what I had to everyone else.

I was also surprised how supportive and friendly the staff was. Unlike previous staff at other schools I have been to, they all knew what we were there for and knew we were going to play an important part in helping them with several different projects around the school. They even made the effort to be the first ones to come up and speak to us and welcomed us to the school. At lunch time we had our own private meeting where we were served sandwiches and were given time with our mentor teachers. Katie and I even get our own office to work on the partnership project, which was extremely kind as the school is tight on space at the moment with its renovations. Having such a friendly and supportive staff in a secondary school is extremely important and I believe the 7 other pre-service teachers and I scored well at Lara Secondary.

The project Katie and I received was also very well thought out and beneficial for both of us and the school. Our project is basically looking at: behaivour management and positive bahaviour in the classrooms, the difference in behaviour for different subject areas, and how different teachers are implementing the positive behaviour model created 2 years back. We get to observe the classroom setting, and interview teachers and students, which also ties in nicely with our core education subject this semester.

My art/drama mentor teacher seemed very on the ball, perhaps a bit stressed, but enthusiastsic. I am interested how she incorporates technology in her class room. I already know the students who have i-pods can use them when the teacher says it is appropriate. I believe by incorporating this technology into classrooms makes the school already seem technologically advanced. However, I feel sorry for the students who don't have i-pods and miss out.

Besides coming down with some kind of virus and being known as the girl who almost fainted during the assembly (seemingly because of nerves), I had a brilliant day. I love the staff and our university colleague. They are all truly supportive and made me feel extremely welcome. It was a shame I didn't get a chance to observe my mentor teachers class, yet she did offer for me to go in sometime next Tuesday instead. I just hope Katie and I wont' have to be working on our partnership project all day long. It seems to be a main priority at this school.
At this school I also have to lastly point out, I truly know now why they call it a partnership school. Since, now I feel like we are finally working with the school on an equal playing field and supporting one another in a partnership. Not a dictatorship. :)