Australia and beyond
One of the exciting opportunities afforded teacher candidates attending CSU is the chance to do a professional experience placement in Australia. Recently several students returned from studies in Australia. Here are a few wonderful memories and photos BPES graduates Angelica Barone and Laura Ann Donnelly want to share:
"The students there were truly amazing. I learned so much about their culture and lifestyle and they genuinely wanted to hear about Canada and where I was from. The students made the trip worthwhile and I am still in touch with them today. I missed home and I missed my children but the people of Australia welcomed me into their homes and made me feel so comfortable. There is an amazing feeling getting back from school and seeing six kangaroos jumping around on your campus. Every night Angelica and I would watch the sun set. It was so beautiful; I have never seen anything quite like it in my life"
Laura Ann Donnelly
"My time in Australia was invaluable and so amazing. The staff at Wellington Public School and the Dubbo campus of CSU were more than accommodating; they treated us all like family. I was able to experience three different classrooms (Kindergarten, Year Four and a Year Five/Six combined class) and through my interactions with the students I was able to implement all the strategies that CSU taught me. I am so thankful for my experience and I would recommend it to any future CSU students."
Angelica Barone
“Thank you to Heather Bell and Ali Lord for making our stay in Australia a truly memorable one."
Angelica and Laura Ann
Post-script: Laura Ann graduated from Charles Sturt in June. She is currently working at The Chisholm Centre in Oakville, ON, teaching a remedial program with students that have multiple levels of learning disabilities. She is enrolled in FSL this fall and hopes to get on the French and regular school board 'occasional list' within the month.
Angelica graduated from Charles Sturt in June. She is currently working for Tutor Doctor, in Burlington, ON. She is working hard to secure a school board teaching position.