Field Experience Reflection

Introduction to my Field Experience School

The Physical Layout of the Classroom

As opposed to your standard classroom, this welding shop provides industry standard equipment and resources for students to hone their skills. With an open concept, several work stations, a bay door, durable classroom tables, stools, and a proper ventilation system; this classroom is any welder's dream. The classroom provides a professional yet welcoming atmosphere. As there is a lot of potentially dangerous materials within this classroom, the environment must be kept extremely organized and clean. The students and staff do a fantastic job maintaining this facility and treating it with the utmost respect. Overall, this classroom is a prime example of the integration of trades, innovation, and technology into modern high schools.

Mission and Vision of the School

According to the Lloydminster Catholic School Division’s website, Holy Rosary High School has “a commitment to faith and a tradition of academic excellence” (LCSD, 2020, p.1). Furthermore it’s mission statement is the following: “Lloydminster Catholic School Division will further the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development of each student in a faith-centred community” (LCSD, 2020, p.3). I have witnessed their vision and mission embodied in different ways throughout the school through the structure of their morning announcements, their extracurriculars, and their staff meetings. Below I have made a list of some specific examples…

• Have been more involved with showcasing the religious aspect of being a catholic school. Ex: all teams and clubs must pray before games and host mass (contribute to mass in some way through volunteering)
• Morning announcements start with prayer 
• Staff meetings begin with prayer
• Action plans are put in place to assist students who are failing classes to succeed in their academics
• “Catch-up” programs such as Tutorial have been put in place for students who have missed tests or assignment deadlines
• School counsellors are readily available for students to discuss their at-home or school-based issues
• And so much more!

School Values and Policies

The values and policies of the school are all written out on the LCSD website. There are numerous policies for the school that are all outlined in detail through a variety of .PDF documents. The values of the school are the following: “catholic faith, academics, communication, family/community, honesty, leadership, and love/respect” (LCSD, 2020, p.3). I have experienced these values in the school’s daily schedule and school community throughout my observation in the classroom. It is very useful that their values are written out, as it gives me a better understanding of the institution’s identity.

There is an enforced (although not very heavily enforced) dress code for students. Female teachers tend to dress code students more than male teachers, just as there is some red tape and assumptions based on male teachers dress coding students, specifically female students. The most enforced aspect of the dress code at Holy Rosary is “no hats”. The rule of not wearing a hat indoors is very strict and every teacher will call students out if they’re wearing one. The dress code for teachers is actually way more strict as opposed to the one for students. Teachers at Holy Rosary High School are not allowed to wear shorts, sandals, hats, or jeans. The only time staff are allowed to wear jeans is for “casual Fridays” in which teachers typically wear jeans and school merchandise (hoodies, t-shirts, etc.). To participate in casual Fridays, teachers must pay $50 per year and the money accumulated goes to charity or scholarships. Students are not required to wear indoor shoes except for gym class.

References

About LCSD. Lloydminster Catholic School Division - About LCSD. (2020). Retrieved March 18th, 2023, from https://www.lcsd.ca/administration/about-lcsd.html

Letter of Introduction