My name is Mary-Ann Yokhana and I am a grade 11 student attending Holy Cross Catholic Academy in Woodbridge, Ontario. June 19th, 2023 marked the end of my co-op experience at Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School, where I had the incredible opportunity to work in a grade 5 classroom.
Over the course of 4 accomplished months, I was given the pleasure of working side-by-side with one of York Catholic District School Board’s most brilliant teachers. Looking back at the past few months, I am filled with a mix of emotions — gratitude, growth and a sense of accomplishment. From the very first day, I was warmly welcomed with open arms by the students, staff and my admirable supervisor/mentor. The placement experience was enriching as it provided me with firsthand exposure to the dynamics of a faith-based educational environment. I witnessed how the values of compassion, kindness and respect were integrated into every aspect of the school day, creating a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere for both students and teachers.
Throughout my time at Pope Francis CES, I had a wide range of tasks to complete. I assisted the classroom teacher (my supervisor) in preparing lesson materials, grading assessments and providing one-on-one support to students who required extra assistance. I also had the opportunity to lead group activities and teach a couple of small lessons. These responsibilities allowed me to deepen my understanding of the curriculum, enhance my communication skills and develop my leadership abilities. Undoubtedly, there were challenges that I endured along the way. One of the main hurdles I was faced with was finding effective strategies to engage all the students, considering their diverse learning styles and abilities. I quickly learned the importance of differentiation and implementing various teaching techniques to ensure each student had an equal opportunity to learn and succeed. I began to develop a sense of creativity when brainstorming ideas on how to get the students as engaged as possible. I often played brain-teasing games with the students and even handed out prizes to students who worked efficiently throughout the school day. Occasionally, I would create “clubs” for the students to work to get into by showing acts of kindness, responsibility or initiative in which they would be rewarded with a good like ice cream or lollipops. This idea pushed the students to be kind to one another and try their absolute best in their work. Overcoming this challenge not only improved my instructional skills but also taught me the value of flexibility and adaptability in an educational setting.
Reflecting on my co-op experience, I can confidently say that the benefits derived from this placement are immeasurable. Firstly, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of community and collaboration. The sense of unity among the school staff, students and families fostered a supportive learning environment that extended beyond the classroom walls. Secondly, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact a teacher can have on a child’s life. Seeing the students grow academically, socially and spiritually was incredibly rewarding and it reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a career in education. In conclusion, my co-op experience at Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School has been a transformative journey. The opportunity to work in a grade 5 classroom, the tasks I completed, the challenges I overcame and the invaluable benefits I gained have all contributed to my personal and professional growth. I leave this placement with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with knowledge, skills, and a heart filled with gratitude for the enriching experience.