Weekly Video Message from the Chair

Hello everyone, here's this week's short message from me and Ty, wishing you all the best for this holiday season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJEsg4rhgJ4&feature=youtube_gdata

Frances

BUILDING FUTURES - Full Day Off-Site Event - Details, Directions & Parking - Students - Jan 7th, 2015

Attention All Professional Year B.Ed Students:

This is a reminder of the compulsory full-day off-site Professional Development Workshop held at Geneva Park Convention Center on Wednesday January 7th, 2015. ALL Professional Year B.Ed students are required to be in attendance.
ALL Professional Year EDUC courses regularly scheduled for Wednesday January 7th, 2015 will be cancelled, will be made up on: MONDAY MARCH 16th, 2015.
A Few Things To Remember About January 7th, 2015:
Registration Sign In For All Students:You must sign in at the registration desk in the lobby of the Centennial Centre when you arrive, where you will be given your program materials. The registration desk will be open from 8:30 to 9:00 am. 
Registration TIPS:

• If you received an online confirmation of the workshops you successfully registered for, in late October 2014 - PLEASE PRINT IT AND BRING IT WITH YOU.

• For those who did not complete the online registration by the communicated deadline, you must register manually for their workshops - please plan to be there by no later than 8:15am to manually register from the workshops that are still available

LOOKING FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS:Our Ministry partners are looking for 4 B.Ed students who would be willing to assist with the registration table, before the event begins. If you are interested, please send an email to Julie Howell ASAP.
What To Expect Following Mandatory Registration:The program will commence promptly at 9:00 am in the Auditorium. Please refer to the Building Futures website (www.ontario.ca/buildingfutures) for a copy of the agenda and further information about the day. Beverages and a light afternoon snack will be provided on the day.
Students must plan to bring their own lunch with them, for the day. There will be a designated area where students can have their lunch during the designated break.
Request Of Each Participant:Since the Ministry of Education is making every effort to organize greener events, your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We will not be providing paper handouts of the workshop presentations; instead, we ask you to bring your own pen and paper for taking notes.We also encourage you to bring your own beverage container (travel mug) to cut down on waste.
Parking at YMCA Geneva Park:
I thought it would be worthwhile to provide you with parking instructions since I'm not sure how well everyone knows the Geneva Park YMCA centre.
Their Address:
YMCA Geneva Park, 6604 Rama Road, R.R.#6 Orillia, Ontario, Canada, L3V 6H6
Directions For Parking:

• When you come into Geneva Park you will see the registration building (Centennial Centre) on your left.

• Keep driving past it while staying to your right. 

• You will drive right into the main parking lot which is first come, first serve. A parking pass is not required

• We ask that students carpool wherever possible, to ensure there is adequate parking for all.

• We also ask that any driver adhere to legal parking stalls within the available lots

Hope you enjoy the day.
See each of you there.

Regards,
Julie

Graduation Photos - Update

An update to the previous email about Graduation Photos (Please see below)

​MORE TIMES ADDED FOR GRADUATION PHOTOS! 

Graduation Photo sessions will take place the week of March 2nd.

Spaces fill up very quickly so book early!

You must have your photo taken to appear your Graduating Class Composite.  

You must also sign up online to book your appointment:

To do so follow these 2 easy steps:

1. visit   http://www.lassmanstudios.com/dcs_sched/

2. enter     lakehead15      in the school ID to access the schedules. (click on 2015, then March)

Find a time that is convenient for you and book it.

Included in the sitting fee are a set of unique, online poses from which you can view/order online and an 11x14 copy of your class composite. Both traditional grad portraits as well as some fun style shots (if desired) will be taken.  

Gowns, roses, mortorboard, graduating hoods, etc. will be provided on the day of your shoot.

You can also choose from over 25 different backgrounds!  Don't miss this great opportunity for Professional Graduation Portraits​.

Please contact the Bookstore with any questions you may have, at bookstro@lakeheadu.ca

Thank you,

​

The Importance of an APPLY TO EDUCATION Profile

Have YOU heard of www.applytoeducation.com?

This website and the profile you create on it, will serve to be an indispensable tool, in your search for Teaching Opportunities in Canada. 215 Canadian School Boards & 299 Private Employers use "apply to education" to post their jobs and receive applications online. Apply to education makes it possible for you to fill out ONE on-line application and e-courier it to School Boards, Private Employers & Job Postings you are interested in. Apply to education is the best way to send your application portfolio to employers for the following reasons: YOU SAVE TIME APPLYING: You fill out ONE application and use it for every job you apply to. You can customize your cover letter for each job you apply to. You can update your application portfolio as often as you like. Employers always see the latest version of your application portfolio YOU SAVE MONEY SENDING YOUR APPLICATION: It costs approx. $12 to use applytoeducation to e-courier your application portfolio to unlimited jobs with one school board and private employers for one year. applytoeducation is less expensive than paying for multiple transcripts, photocopies, mailing or faxing an application portfolio. YOU RECEIVE EMAILS ALERTING YOU TO JOBS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN: Search education jobs and set up a 'Job Alert' so you are emailed when jobs you are interested in are posted. School Board job postings can be viewed at any time free of charge. applytoeducation not only saves you time — it saves you money. We encourage all of you to review the benefits of this website, over the Holiday Break. See all of you on Monday January 5th 2015, when B.Ed Professional Year classes resume.

Regards,

Julie

Weekly Message from the Chair

Hello everyone. I apologize for not sending a video last night, but I've just come through a wicked bout of stomach flu. I'm still in recovery, so I'm sending this message rather than a video.

You've made it through the practicum process, some with success, some with more learning to do. Whenever I speak of professional year, I always talk about this period as a time to sleep. I do hope that you will manage to get some well-needed rest, and to think about the experience of being in the schools.

Please cherish the wonderful moments of learning of which you were a part, reflect on the areas for improvement in your teaching, and make a plan for success in the Winter term. Remember that this is a journey with ups and downs. The destination won't be the same for everyone, but the learning that you do during this time will be invaluable to you as you move forward.

I want to thank each and every one of you for the energy, the enthusiasm, and the sheer determination you have put into this process. I learn much from you every day, and with each story I hear about your challenges and your successes. I look forward to hearing more when you're back to resume your classes.

I'll send a video next week with some reminders for the Winter term, but in the meantime, sleep (if you can)!

Frances

REMINDER - NEW PRC/VSS Documentation Requirement for ALL B.Ed Students (2nd Placement)

THIS IS A REMINDER COMMUNICATION.

Original communication was shared with all Professional Year B.Ed students during Fall Placement, on their EDUC 4499 D2L site.

Please refer to that communication for all the supporting documents that were included.

Below, you will find the original communication posted to D2L on Nov 17^th or 18^th, 2014:

 Good Afternoon B.Ed Students:

With your 1st placement well-underway, we did not want you to forget that it is each student's responsibility to secure a NEW PRC/VSS in time for your second placement, that is set to occur between March 23rd, 2015 through April 28th, 2015.

We are asking all students to obtain a second (new) PRC/VSS document in time for their 2^ndplacement in 2015. This has been decided, to ensure that all students are prepared and can satisfy each school board’s specific documentation requirements – whether switching boards or not.

Because we cannot guarantee a placement within your desired board but make every possible effort to obtain one,  it is best to be prepared for any possible situation.

The upside or benefit to this request:

Not only is each student now in a position to ensure that they are prepared for any board’s expectations that might be a requirement of their 2^nd placement, even if a student does not use their new PRC/VSS for placement 2, they can use the new PRC/VSS documentation for submission to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), as they prepare their online profile that is required of them, to obtain their certification to teach in Ontario.**

**Assumption: The new PRC/VSS can be used for OCT certification consideration, IF a student begins and completes the OCT certification application within 6 months of the new PRC/VSS being issued.

PLEASE NOTE:

A 1 step TB skin test's results are valid for 1 year from the date the TB skin test was administered.

If the one 1 year validity of the TB skin test results are up before the 2nd placement (March 23rd, 2015 through April 28th, 2015), it is also your responsibility to secure a new 1 step TB skin test in time for your second placement.

We suggest that all students get started in this process as soon as possible, to manage any extended wait times for the results, experienced within your community.

OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS:

Do I need a new letter to take to the Police Services location in my community, to request a newPRC/VSS?

The answer is no.

The letter we provided to each of you in May 2014 should suffice.

(We have attached it to this communication for printing, if you have misplaced the original letter.)

If I live in the GTA and I am going to TORONTO POLICE SERVICES to obtain my PRC/VSS, is there a special application form?

Yes. 

We have attached it to this communication.

Remember: The form must be printed on LEGAL sized paper for it to be considered

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE ATTACHED MEMO REGARDING RECENT CHANGES TO PRC/VSS FEES COLLECTED BY TORONTO POLICE SERVICES.

Once I have my new documents, am I required to submit the originals to my winter placement school board office, before placements begin?

Currently only 2 school boards insist that each student submit their documents to the board office, before placements begin. Those 2 boards are: Peel District School Board and Toronto District School Board.

We have attached these 2 board's instructions for PRC/VSS submission, to this communication.

ALL OTHER BOARDS WILL REQUIRE YOU TO ARRIVE AT YOUR HOST SCHOOL, WITH THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF YOUR 2ND PLACEMENT.

Weekly Video Message from the Chair

Hello everyone. Here's the link to this week's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxyAZjatbz0&feature=youtube_gdata

Topics include Facebook as a source of placement information, where to find details about the Summative evaluation process (hint: it's not on Facebook!), and when placement ends.

Have a great week!

Frances

Winter Intramural Registration Is Now OPEN!!

The Athletics and Recreations department is offering Volleyball and Basketball in the winter semester.  Each intramural has a cost of $20.00 which includes 8 games and an intramural jersey.

Visit the Orillia Athletics page for additional information or click here and register today!

GRADUATION PHOTOS

Attention B.Ed Students,

 

Graduation Photo Sessions will take place the week of March 2nd, 2015

 

Spaces fill up very quickly so book early!

 

You must have your photo taken should you wish to appear in your Graduating Class Composite.  

 

You must also sign up online to book your appointment:

 

To do so follow these 2 easy steps:

 

1. visit   http://www.lassmanstudios.com/dcs_sched/

2. enter lakehead15 in the school ID to access the schedules. (click on 2015, then March)

 

3. Find a time that is convenient for you and book it.

 

Included in the sitting fee are:

•  a set of unique, online poses from which you can view/order online 
•  an 11x14 copy of your class composite

Both traditional grad portraits as well as some fun style shots (if desired) will be taken.  

 

Gowns, roses, mortorboard, graduating hoods, etc. will be provided on the day of your shoot.

 

You can also choose from over 25 different backgrounds!  Don't miss this great opportunity for Professional Graduation Portraits

​.

Please contact the Lakehead University Bookstore for any questions you may have at: bookstro@lakeheadu.ca

Weekly Video Message from the Chair

Happy Sunday everyone, I hope you've had a good weekend.

This evening's message is all about when your course grades will be available, and about feedback. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY-k_WJkn8Q&list=UUSyOvMw9gRmveyeeUrvBvag

Have a great week! I'm looking forward to visiting more of your classes this week and meeting the children.

Frances

Do You Need A Computer?

Weekly Video Message from the Chair

Hello everyone, I hope you had a great first week and are looking forward to the second week of practicum.
 Here is a link to this week's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCg8q3eQByY

Not much of this message is new, but it bears repeating, including reminders about social media, lesson plans and feedback.

Enjoy yourself. Catherine Hannon and I will be visiting a few Simcoe County schools with the Dean of the Faculty of Education, John O'Meara, so don't be surprised if we poke our heads into your classroom!

Frances

Teaching in England

ODYSSEY Info Session

Weekly Video Message from the Chair

Hello everyone. I've been asked to pass on good wishes to you from the Wellness Centre. If at any time during your placement you feel that you need to talk to someone, contact the Centre by phone at (705) 330-4008 ext. 2115. You can also contact the counsellor Jim Wylie by email at counsel2@lakeheadu.ca.

Here's a link to this week's message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEpcBwKxJUY

There's not much more for me to say this week except have a great time this week as you begin your practicum. We are here to support you. Be familiar with your Practicum Guide, keep in touch with your Faculty Advisor, and as the weeks pass, submit your lesson plans in good time to enable your AT to provide you with feedback.

You'll meet some memorable children in the coming weeks, and I hope you'll remember that they are the reason we all do what we do.

We'll be thinking about you!

Frances

Heritage Place Library Hours During Placement Period

Dear Bachelor of Education Students:

The hours of the Heritage Place library & commons are reduced slightly during the placement period. The full hours are listed below (and are also available on the Orillia library homepage), but in general, your best opportunities for visiting the Heritage Place library during the placement period are Monday and Wednesday evenings before 7:00pm, and on Saturdays, between 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

The hours for the fall 2014 placement period are: 

Mondays =  8:30am to 7:00pm

Tuesdays = 8:30am to 4:30pm

Wednesdays =  8:30am to 7:00pm

Thursdays = 8:30am to 4:30pm

Fridays = 8:30am to 4:30pm

Saturdays =  12 to 4

Sundays = Closed

Best of luck on your placements.

Orillia Library Staff

Teacher Candidate -Week One Communication

Hello!

Some of you may have already met your Associate Teacher and others of you will meet your AT tomorrow or first thing Monday. You will be eagerly awaiting that first day on your placement on Monday! Here are some brief reminders for you for the first few days of your placement:

 By the first day we ask you to do the following tasks for the Education Office:

• confirm your Associate Teacher's receipt of the Welcome package that was sent by Julie Howell or Rosa Fabiano
• confirm the GRADE your AT is assigned (if it is different than what currently appears in the Portal)
• confirm the number of students in grades 3 and 4 if your AT has a 3/4 class (so we know what division to call this placement)
• confirm the number of grade 6 and 7 students if your AT has a 6/7 class (the class has to have a majority of grade 6 students to be called a junior placement for this P/J program)
• confirm your AT's email address (if it is different than what currently appears in the Portal)

Getting this information as soon as possible from you will reduce any Associate Teacher login issues as we approach week #3 when you and your Associate Teacher will be eager to submit the Formative Assessments.

Teacher Candidate Communication-Weekly

I will be sending out brief weekly reminders to you throughout your placement. Dr. Helyar will continue to share information with you on her Sunday night  videos and my notes will be attached as well. Thank you for managing your emails throughout your placement.

Professional Development Day and Teacher Candidate Responsibilities/ Teacher Candidate Absences

During this placement period school boards will be having a professional development day and it is typically the student-teacher-parent conference time. If  your host school board has evening conferences and your AT is  not expected to be at school for a half day on the PD day, you can follow the same schedule as your AT, if you are with your AT in the school for the evening session. If you are not with your AT in the evening session then you are expected to be in the school all day on the PD day. You can be involved in lesson and classroom preparations for the upcoming weeks for that half day that your AT is not in the school. If you have any questions about this expectation please email your Faculty Advisor. The Associate Teachers have been given this information. 

It is the expectation of the Ontario College of Teachers that you are in their placements for 25 days, so any absences do need to be added on to the end of the placement and you need to be teaching up to 100% if you are permitted by the associate teacher to stay until Dec. 15 to make up one day. Making up any more than one day will need to be discussed jointly with the faculty advisor, the associate teacher and myself to ensure that the expectations are met in your placement. Please ensure that you have emailed your Faculty Advisor if you are absent during your placement.

 Professional Development Workshops During the School Day and Teacher Candidate Responsibilities

If your Associate Teacher is attending a professional development workshop and would like you to attend, that is permitted. I have asked the Associate Teachers not to have you attend more than one workshop during in-school time during your placement, however, as you have only 25 days in your placement to develop your planning, teaching and assessment skills and the more you can be in the classroom with the students at this point in your education,the better. Working alongside an occasional teacher for a day is a wonderful experience for you too!

Teacher Candidates Not To Be Left Alone in Classrooms with Students/ Supervision Duty Responsibilities

Thank you for not being alone with the students in your classroom or anywhere else in the school. You are to be supervised by OCT certified teachers at all times during your placement when you are with students, including during nutrition breaks. You are to do supervision duty  when your Associate Teacher is scheduled for such duty, and not remain back in the classroom. We appreciate your Associate Teacher giving you the full range of teacher duties to experience when out on your placement. 

Associate Teacher Communication

I will be sending out weekly communication to the Associate Teachers to remind them about upcoming expectations for the week(s) ahead. As with you, they can email their Faculty Advisor and/or me if they have any questions or need clarification on something.

We wish you the very best on your first placement. Please remember that we are here to support you in your professional journey. Work hard and have fun.

Weekly Video from the Chair - November 2nd

Hello everyone, here's my video for this Sunday night. Among the things I talk about are various Full Day Kindergarten professional development opportunities, safe winter driving, the four keys to success on placement, and what to wear to school next Monday as your placement begins.

Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxX_qOY7q00

Have a great week!

Frances

Release of Placements - Fall Term - November 2014 - Please Read Carefully

Attention ALL Professional Year B.Ed Students: 

Details Regarding The Release Of Your Winter Placement Details

This year, there have been some significant changes to the way in which students will view their placement details, during professional year. 

Below, you will find very specific information for you to follow over the next couple of weeks - leading up to the commencement of your placement.

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS EMAIL VERY CAREFULLY

Step One:

• Confirm that the placement you see in the Education Portal online match that of our Departmental records BEFORE contacting your host school
• Tuesday October 28th 2014 we will have a table set up from 12:00 noon until 2:30pm, to verify the confirmed placement data you see in the portal, matches our records.

If you are unavailable during this scheduled time to visit the table, please confirm details within the Faculty of Education Administration Office at Heritage Place. 

WE REQUEST THAT YOU DO NOT INUNDATE US WITH EMAIL.

Important Placement Confirmation Practices:

• DO NOT CONTACT YOUR HOST SCHOOL UNTIL Monday November 3rd, 2014
• No requests for board changes will be considered 
• We do not permit confirmed placements to be traded
• Confirmed Placements will only be changed for  circumstances involving personal or professional conflicts of interest
• Remember that you can communicate with all of the other BED students via your D2L 4499 Group Section 
• (This is also a requirement as outlined in your EDUC 4499 syllabus.)

Where We Stand In Our Progress Today:

• With 2 weeks until the start of Winter Term Placements, approximately 82% of you have a confirmed placement
• For the 18% who do not yet have a confirmed placement, please be patient. We are working hard to complete the work of confirming all placements and getting them on the Education Portal - check it daily 
• At times the teacher or grade information may have changed due to internal circumstances at the placement school.  We will notify you if we receive such information, or alternately, please notify us immediately if your placement school notifies you directly
• There may be changes to confirmed placements - but we will notify any impacted students if required

How Will I Be Notified Of A Confirmed Placement?:
As the outstanding placements are confirmed we will upload them to this webpage, and you can log-in and check periodically.  All outstanding placements will be updated in this online portal, as they are confirmed. Please take a moment to ensure that you can log on (same username and password as you LU email).

Placements are confirmed at varying times, completely dependent on the specific board we have an agreement with.  Although every attempt is made to confirm placement requests as expeditiously as possible some boards due to demands on their resources may be later than others in being able to do so.

Do not, under any circumstance, contact Boards, Principals, Associate Teachers, etc to attempt to secure your own placement. Doing so will jeopardize your entire Professional Year. 

PLEASE BE PATIENT AND CHECK THE EDUCATION PORTAL FREQUENTLY FOR UPDATES - THEY WILL BE MADE DAILY, AS THE BALANCE OF OUTSTANDING PLACEMENTS ARE CONFIRMED.

New Conflicts Of Interest?

It is important that our "conflict of interest" schools records for each student is accurate.  This refers to any schools where you have immediate relatives/ spouse or schools you have worked or attended within 6 years - if there are any to add please let me know by email.

What If A School Board Cannot Locate A Placement For Me?
If a school board is unable to arrange a requested placement, the individual teacher candidate will be contacted and asked to name an alternative partnership board.

Required Documentation For Entry Into A School:EVERY student must supply the Education Administration Office with copies of their PBC with VSS and their TB skin test BEFORE they are permitted to step foot inside a host school.    

All up-to-date original documentation required (police background check/vulnerable sector screening and tb skin test) must be presented before the school Principal will allow you into the school.

Review your school board's documentation expectations found on our website, to be sure.


Incorrect Information Appearing In Your Placement Details?
If any of the information appears incorrect (including your Faculty Advisor ) please let me know.
(If you are not sure who your Placement Faculty Advisor is - this is your instructor for EDUC 4490/4499).

Are You Ready To Check The Online Education Portal For Your Placement Details? 

To check for your placements details, once confirmed:  https://fieldexperience.lakeheadu.ca/candidate/
PLEASE REMEMBER: YOU MUST BE LOGGED INTO MYINFO TO VIEW YOUR PLACEMENT DETAILS

PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS  ABOVE URL/LINK - YOU WILL NEED IT AGAIN

Please let me know if you have any issues logging in or if any error messages appear.  

Okay, What Do I Do Next?

Once you have confirmed that both the departmental records and electronic placement information that appears in the Education Portal MATCHES you may contact your associate teacher, after Monday November 3rd, 2014. 

It is important to note that the Education Administration Team will be sending out electronic Welcome/ Resource Information Packages, for all Associate Teachers.  

We aim to send all email packages to all Associate Teachers and Principals before Wednesday November 5th, 2014.

Let us know if you discover incorrect spelling of names, email addresses or phone numbers.

Good luck, have fun and learn lots! :)

Regards,
Julie

Weekly Message from the Chair - October 26th

Hello everyone, here's a link to this week's video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w321zPvZqkA

Have a terrific week!

Frances

Teaching Practicum in China – May 2015 - Information Session

Would you like to participate in a teaching practicum in China, in May 2015?

The Faculty of Education is offering a group of teacher candidates an opportunity to travel to China to participate in a three-week teaching practicum in May 2015. This teaching practicum is a separate opportunity from the placements in the Bachelor of Education program, and is open to all students who successfully complete the program.  Some funding will be available to help offset the costs of the trip.

Please see the attached PowerPoint to learn more about this opportunity, and to see photos from the pilot program that ran last spring. 

An application form is also attached, and you can apply now. The deadline for applications is November 17.

An information session will be held on Wednesday October 29th, 2014 from 4:45pm - 5:45pm in OH8, to outline further details on this opportunity and the application process. 

Please sign up in the Education Office if you are interested in attending the information session.

If you have any questions about the teaching practicum in China, please contact:

Jan Oakley, PhD

International Initiatives Coordinator

Faculty of Education, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay

joakley@lakeheadu.ca

Library Halloween Party

Mirror Mirror on the Wall
Who's the Scariest of them all?

Please join us for a Halloween Party on Thursday October 30, 2014
(Visit the HP Library for further information)
 
Your GHOSTS:
HP Library Staff

Costumes are encouraged!

Registration for Building Futures Opens Monday - October 27th, 2014!!!! - Please Read Carefully

Good Morning Students,

The Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Lakehead University’s Faculty of Education, will be presenting its annual Building Futures event to Professional Year B.Ed students on January 7, 2015. The event offers interactive workshops on key education policies, programs and resources, all designed to support new teachers as they enter the classroom. 

Registration opens Monday October 27th @ 9:00am  and is mandatory for all B.Ed Professional Year students

Please make your selections soon, as seats will fill.

Registration for your 3 workshops will remain open until 9:00am November 3rd, 2014.

NOTE:

*Please refrain from using Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo accounts to register, as your confirmation message may be blocked by these email providers. Use your university email address instead.

Please continue to monitor your LU email account, as additional information about the event, transportation etc will be made available.

Regards,

Julie

Weekly Message from the Chair- October 19th

Hello everyone. Here is a link to my weekly video: http://youtu.be/Ap1u8l0qsds

It contains information about lesson plans, student satisfaction surveys, and about practicum.

Catherine Hannon will be visiting each cohort on Wednesday this week and next to talk about the placement experience. She will be sharing her experiences to support your professional work in your first placement.

Rosa is still taking names of teacher candidates who want to take the Kindergarten workshop this Wednesday, October 22nd from 5 to 7 pm. This session is on inquiry learning in Full Day Kindergarten. It's highly recommended as Full Day Kindergartens are wonderful opportunities available to our graduates, in contract, long term occasional and supply teacher positions for the future.

We'll also have choir practice again this Wednesday afternoon between 4:30 and 5:30 in room 10, for anyone who is interested. It's more of a jam session than a choir, a chance to sing and play an instrument if you have one. Come with a song you'd like to share

I hope you have a great week,

Frances

The Online Application Process - Registering With The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)

Good Afternoon,

Since the OCT presentation held on October 7th, 2014, we have received a number of general inquiries about the online application process for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers.

This video is a step by step instructional guide, that will assist you as you prepare your application.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0aoL3K6wfQ 

Regards,

Julie

Weekly Message from the Chair

Hello everyone. I hope you've enjoyed the long weekend. Here's a link to this week's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNqA-2r36IE&feature=youtube_gdata

Below, please find attached the OCT memo regarding exceptions to the August 31, 2015 regulation mentioned in last week's presentation at the Opera House. 

http://www.oct.ca/-/media/PDF/Memorandums/2014_1710_e.pdf

Have a great week.

Frances

Weekly Video Message from the Chair: October 5th, Start of Week 6

Hello everyone, there's a lot going on this week. Here's a list of things to remember:

Many of you have been asking about the graduation requirements for the Professional Year program. Follow this link, http://navigator.lakeheadu.ca/Catalog/ViewCatalog.aspx?pageid=viewcatalog&catalogid=20&chapterid=3238&loaduseredits=False If you scroll down the page to Academic Regulations, item #3 lists the requirements.

Tuesday is a Professional Development day, so all classes are cancelled. Meet at the Orillia Opera House (corner of West and Mississaga, one block from Heritage Place) at 9:30 am. The event will continue until 4:30 pm, with a nutrition break.

Wednesday afternoon from 5 to 6:30 pm is another mandatory event, this one a presentation by the Ontario College of Teachers.

The Food Drive, an initiative of the Professional Year Religion class, continues until Friday October 10th, with drop boxes in the Learning Commons.

If you haven't yet joined our Facebook page, please take a look, and if you know any graduates of our program who might have some advice to offer, please ask them to join too. Just search for "My Teaching Journey" from your own Facebook account. Alumni have some very interesting stories to share!

Finally, here's a link to my latest video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xoMqM58pco&feature=youtube_gdata

Have a great week!

Frances

Weekly Message for Students from the Chair - September 28th, 2014

Hello everyone, here's a link to this week's video. The big news is that our Lakehead Choir will have its first meeting on Wednesday, October 1st between 4:30 and 5:30 pm in Room 10. Please tell your friends!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vglD6r9jPIc

Have a great week!

Frances

EdCamp

Attention All B.Ed Students,

Want to learn more about technology to support students? Want to learn with others?

The attached poster outlines the EdCamp event that will be held at Eastview SS in Barrie this Saturday September 27^th

It is an unconference - so participants choose what they want to learn from others!

Registration is free and includes some great sponsors

Sign up here

http://edcampbarrie.blogspot.ca/

Have You Obtained Your Edvantage Card?

Information on Edvantage Card

It is a discount card that entitles Pre-Service teachers to discounts at participating stores and services.

This program is administered on behalf of OTF/FEO by OTIP.

The OTF student teacher cards are only printed in large batches at the beginning of the school year, and are only valid until August 31 each year.

Be sure to act quickly.

Want to request yours? Contact your ESTA reps in the program.

EDUCATION - Custom Sweater & Jacket Day Coming Soon

Hello Everyone,

Custom Jacket and Sweater Day is coming soon!

Details:

- October 1st and 2nd, 2014 at Heritage Place

-Samples and sample sizes will be available 

-Mastercard/Visa/ Debit & Cash all accepted

When Will Orders Be Available?

- Orders will be available 2-3 weeks after ordering and you will receive an email confirmation when the order is available for pickup at Heritage Place

-All orders are final sale. 

Please Note: 

This is an event being held by the Lakehead University Bookstore- for any additional information please call or email us at bookstro@lakeheadu.ca or call us at (705) 330-4008 ext 2856

Weekly Video Message from the Chair: September 21st, 2014

Hello everyone. I hope you've had a good weekend and are ready for the week ahead.

Here's a link to my video message for the week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4DCdMgoPkA

I'd also ask that you take a look at this video from Jim Wylie, our counsellor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKcqayHOdGs&list=PLN9OZFmtvzBGixyCGNMaRJAggn4nOIaeG&index=2

And finally, attached is a copy of the Ontario Ministry of Education's draft document titled Supporting Minds: An Educator's Guide to Promoting Students' Mental Health and Well-being.

Take good care of yourself,

Weekly Message for Students from the Chair - September 14th

Hello everyone, it's the end of one week and the start of another, so here is my weekly message: http://youtu.be/u2DYpVmct4Y

Have a great week!

Peer Tutoring Program for March 2015 Math Competency Exam ( B.Ed Professional Year )

Good Morning B.Ed Students,

In preparation for the next Math Competency Exam on Thursday March 19th, 2014, Lakehead University's Faculty of Education will be organizing our annual Peer Tutoring program. 

If you were successful on the recent Math Competency Exam and would like to tutor a fellow B.Ed Professional year student, or if you were unsuccessful in the September 2014 sitting and are looking for assistance, this may be the answer for you.

If you are interested in studying math with another professional year student please contact Daniela at dmemma@lakeheadu.ca. 

 If you have any questions about this program, please do not hesitate to contact Daniela.

Regards,

Julie

September 6th, 2014 P/J Math Competency Exam Results Now Posted

Good Evening Students,

The results of the September 6th, 2014 P/J Math Competency Exam have now been posted.

Below, you will find a number of the most common questions students have regarding the exam results and any next steps that may be required.

How Do I View My Math Exam Results?

Here are the steps:

• Log into MyInfo
• Click on the "For Students" tab
• Look under the "Academic Profile" header
• Select the "My Marks" option
• Scroll down to "2014 Year" courses on the page
• Locate EDUC 0450 YAO (current year students) OR EDUC 0450 AAO (returning students) course code in the list
• Under the Final Mark column, you should see "IP (click here)"
• There, you will see either a "P" for pass or "F" for fail

I was successful in passing the September 2014 exam, what happens now?

If you have passed the September 6th, 2014 sitting of the exam, you have satisfied this particular academic requirement in your journey to earn your B.Ed degree.

I was unsuccessful the September 2014 exam, what happens now?

You will receive an email from our Math Coordinator (Sharon Malyczewsky) with a brief overview of "next steps" and instruction.

If you were unsuccessful in passing, the following plans should be made:

• A meeting should be booked with the Math Coordinator (Sharon Malyczewsky) to review your exam. (She will soon reach out to each of you who were unsuccessful, via email)
• Devise a plan to study for the March 2015 sitting of the exam, focusing on those areas of opportunity discovered after your exam debrief meeting
• Take advantage of the Math Skills Development workshop (details available online or in the Education Office)
• Sign up for our Peer Tutoring program (details about this program will be circulated for those interested via email soon)
• Take advantage of our "Mock Exam" sittings planned in both January and February 2015 (details will be circulated for those interested via email soon)
• Sign up for our planned "Brush Up" sessions in March 2015, before the March 19th, 2015 exam sitting

Can I see my exam even if I passed?

The Faculty of Education would like to be able to offer as much support as we can to those who were unsuccessful in the September 2014 sitting of the exam. 

With that in mind, we will not be in a position to meet with students who have passed to review exams, but we can provide the numeric score on the Math Competency Exam.

If you are interested in obtaining your score, please visit the Education Administration Office.

Regards,

The Education Administration Team