Review of Experimental Education
What is EXE?
Quality education is determined by the degree of
“emotional well-being” and the level of “involvement”
of the students.In order to perform well students have to
feel comfortable, have to be at ease. If you get them
involved by letting them find their own solutions to problems or choosing how to plan (set up) their daily/weekly
lessonplan,(own initiative) they’ll perform ever better. Their motivation increases, their attention span grows and
also their perseverance. They become more active and
they are very satisfied with what they are doing.
All these matters are key elements for learning.
The keyword for EXE is involvement
Prof. Laevers (inventor of EXE) names 5 factors with
which you can increase involvement.
1.Work on the atmosphere and relationship.
Create a good climate in which the child feels comforable.
2.Adjust to the level of the child. A too heavy task can create frustration and a too easy one becomes boring (differentiate).
3.What you teach must be connected to the real world.
4.Include a lot of activities in your lessons. Let students do rather than sit and listen.
5.Allow students to take own initiatives.
Prof. Laevers defines 5 methods, that the teacher can useto get students
more involved and to achieve their emotional well-being.
1. Hold group discussions.
2. Do contractwork.
Let students compile their own schedule for the day
for main subjects. Allow them to start with what
they want to do first rather than every day with math.
But at the end of the period all work must be finished.
3. Do projects.
Allow students to work on topics that have their inte-
rest.
4. Keep workshops.
Invite persons into the school to talk about their pro-
fession for e.g. a policeman, artist, a hotelier.
5. Allow choice for own activity
Experential Learning has now highlighted principals fulfulling the needs of society:
· Taking care of proper social-emotional development
· Drastically intervening in developing competence in children to give them a better understanding of society
· Making sure the basics of solidarity are firmly rooted, which is the essence of proper upbringing ( values and norms ).
The six pillars of character
Trustworthiness
Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat or steal.
Be reliable, do what you say you’ll do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal, stand by your family, friends and country.
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule. Be
tolerant of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do. Persevere: keep on trying!. Always do your best. Use self-control. Be self-disciplined. Think before you act, consider the consequences. Be accountable for your choices.
Fairness
Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded , listen to others. Don’t take advantage of others.
Don’t blame others carelessly.
Caring
Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care.
Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help people in need.
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community
better. Cooperate. Stay informed; vote. Be a good neighbor. Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment.
It is not your child’s
aptitude
but his/her attitude
that will determine
CONTRACTWORK
Contract work is the form during which the students work on their own day and week assignments. This takes place during the morning, independently in centers, on subjects such as math, language, reading, writing, and world orientation. Instruction and guidance take place on an individual basis, as well as in small groups. Observations, progress reports and other important information are noted down in the class agenda, as well as in the students’ tasks maps.
PROJECTWORK
This a form in which a group of students research a topic pertaining to real life, integrating various subject areas. The topic is chosen in conjunction with the students, increasing the students’ involvement. The task division is also discussed with the members in the group.
A project is worked out in 3 models:
· The first model is when the entire group is focused on the same topic.
· In addition to this, there is a form where a small group of children or individual children work on a topic.
· This form of working can be rounded off with a presentation, exhibition, oral report, newspapers, skit for the group / the school / parents.
Project work is usually done after recess.
Besides project work, there is that typical approach towards the World Orientation subjects, which is mainly done during contract work.
In Experiential Education, there are various ways to increase the level of involvement.
· Creating and maintaining a rich environment
· Working on specific problems of children, monitoring emotional and behavioral problems with class teacher, Student Care Coordinator (SCC) and social worker.
· Good communication between parents/teachers.
· Parental involvement during activities and educational guidance e.g. reading mothers, assistance in the documentation center, guidance during workshops, expression subjects, etc.
· Home visits
· Report discussion with parents and students.
· Physical education during and after school.
· Religious Education
· After school activities
The PARENTS are key figures.
The most effective strategies are those in which the
parents are the key figures. Without involvement of the
parents, the process can never be completed. If at home there is a completely different vision about the participation of children in the decision making process, then this can work against the process taking place at school. Getting parents involved in Experiential Learning it is very important. They can get information and guidance from the school to know how their child will be benefit from this experience.
The following Chinese proverb explains it:
“ I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand”
And this is Experiential Learning.
In Experiential Learning students should:
· Have a greater control over their learning
· Build on their own experience
· Develop their own confidence and thus empower themselves.
An active Experiential Learning approach will result in more effective training than the traditional didactic approaches.
Experiential Learning should include methods of, and practice in working with parents. In this way parents can continue to be the educators of their own children and be partners with those who work with children.
For parents it is of extreme importance to make their child the feel important, by enhancing their SELF ESTEEM.
Parents have to teach their children :
I HAVE, I AM, I CAN.
Character Building
Sow an act and you reap a habit.
Sow a habit and you reap a character.
Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
Charles Reade
The truth is that school may well be the last beacon of hope for many of our students.
How else would they have a chance to understand the value of traits called ‘ responsibility’ or ‘caring’ or ‘respect’ or ‘peacemaking’ or ‘cooperation?’
How else will these youths have the opportunity to watch someone model the trait appropriately?
How else but at school will many of our students be able to learn these core skills they will need to succeed in every arena of their lives?
The power in an ‘educator’ is extraordinary.
The simple profound truth is:
How else but from a caring, committed teacher will many of today’s students have a chance to expand their personal, social, and academic potential?
This is why the Sr. Marie Laurence School has implemented Character Building since school year 2002/2003.
THE SIX PILLARS OF CHARACTER
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat or steal. Be reliable, do what you say you’ll do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal, stand by your
family, friends and country.
RESPECT
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule. Be tolerant of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.
RESPONSIBILTY
Do what you are supposed to do. Persevere: keep on trying!. Always do your best. Use self-control. Be self-disciplined. Think before you act, consider the consequences. Be accountable for your choices.
FAIRNESS
Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded , listen to others. Don’t take advantage of others. Don’t blame others carelessly.
CARING
Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help people in need.
CITIZENSHIP
Do your share to make your school and community better. Cooperate. Stay informed; vote. Be a good neighbor.
Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment.
THE STAFF OF THE SCHOOL and grouping of school year 2008 - 2009.
Staff
Cycle 1
Group 1 Tr. Edmaira
Group 2 Tr. Eugeniene
Group 3 Tr. Joyce
Group 4 Tr. Irene
Cycle 2
Group 5 Tr. Priscilla
Group 6 Tr. Anton
Group 7 Tr. Mendi
Group 8 Tr. Claudine
English language arts: Tr. Junella
Religion: Class teacher
Non-teaching staff
Secretary: Mrs Regina
Maintenance: Mr. Ricky
Housekeeping: Mrs Anisetta Castro
Ms. Glenora
Ms. Jeanette
Management:
School Manager: Mr. Henri Brookson
Acting School Manager: Tr. Priscilla
Student Care Coordinator: Tr. Janneke
Cycle 1 Coordinator Tr. Joyce
Cycle 2 Coordinator Tr. Priscilla
Parental Contribution and Involvement
Parental contribution is Naf.300,- or $170,- first child, Naf275,- or $155,- second child, Naf250,- or $140,- third child per year.
The full amount for the new school year must be paid by the end of June of the current school year.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
It would be highly appreciated if any misunderstandings between parents and teacher be settled in a amicable way in presence of the principal and Cycle Coordinator, in office. Avoid confrontation where students are present.
Close cooperation between school and home is very important for the performance of your child. Students should be aware of this. In order to inform parents about matters at school we keep several parents’ meetings during the year.
At the beginning of the school year we have a general parents’ meeting and a classroom meeting for each grade.
It is in your child’s best interest that you attend these very important meetings.
At the end of the first two terms, you will be invited to come to school to discuss the overall performance of your child. You will then receive your child’s report card. You’re free to contact the school with any questions or problems you might have, concerning your child’s performance. There are also midterm evaluations to keep you informed on your child’s performance/progress. Parents are requested to assist us in the classroom with reading and to give workshops on certain topics, or computer lessons.
Parents must continue to assist in the social skills
program, Character Building.
Because of our school’s concept Experiential Learning, it is necessary to give full cooperation with class and school projects.
Teachers will be going on home visits, where necessary, in order to enhance the contact with school, parents and students.
Please note, that by any fundraising event planned by the school all parents are expected to help with the event and with the sale of tickets. You will be held accountable for all tickets received. You are kindly asked to turn in all monies on the due date given.
All parents are obliged to attend the ACTIVE PARENTING NOW 3 workshops, which are given at the school in 3 sessions. Upon receiving an invitation to attend these sessions, you should make an extra effort to do so. This is a very
essential part of our Parental Involvement Program.
P.T.A.
The objectives of the P.T.A. are:
· to foster a closer relationship between home, school and community on behalf of children and youth on the island attending the Sr. Marie Laurence Primary School.
· to give advice and to carry out projects concerning education.
· to stimulate cooperation between parents, the directory of the school, the teachers and the students in the interest of education and the upbringing of the students, in as far as the school is involved herein.
· to provide, by means of fundraising, equipment/material for the general administration and overall
improvement of the school.
The PTA has a board with the following functions:
President Vice President
Secretary Ass. Secretary
Treasurer Ass. Treasurer
Members(5)
SCHEDULE FOR GYM
Group 1—4 Tuesdays & Fridays :
Group 5 Wednesdays and swimming on
Thursdays
Group 6 Wednesdays
Group 7 & 8 Thursdays
The students from Cycle 1 (group 1—4) must come to school in their gym clothes. No changing at school.
The other students, Cycle 2 must come with their gym clothes in a separate bag.
Students are not allowed to wear their gym clothes under their uniform.
Please remind your child to wear or bring their gym or swimming clothes on the scheduled day(s)
DRESS CODE
Students must come to school dressed in their uniforms. Exceptions are made on their birthday, St. Valentine’s Day, Sports day, for our Christmas brunch and the last day of the school year.
Please see to it that your child comes to school dressed properly; blouse or shirt tucked inside skirt or pants and wearing a clean uniform. Purchase a new set when your child has outgrown the present one, or if it has become faded. No commercial T-shirts under the uniform. They may wear ‘marinas’.
Boys may not wear/have earrings, beads, locks, hair tails or shaved patterns on the head or eyebrows.
No hats, caps, sunshades or jewelry.
The dress code for boys:
· Blue pants (short or long, no jeans)
· Pink shirt with emblem on the pocket.
( no under shirts with sleeves or print )
· Black, navy-blue or white socks, black shoes
· No sandals, no slippers
The dress code for girls:
· Pink blouse and pink skirt (no short skirts)
· Pink blouse with emblem on the pocket.
· Pink or white socks, black shoes.
· No sandals, no slippers or sneakers.
· No beads or extensions in groups 1 & 2
· No hoop or hanging earrings
· No chains, rings or bracelets
For Physical Education students must be equipped with the following:
1. School T-shirt (available at school )
2. A navy blue or black short pants
3. A pair of low-cut white sneakers.
Swimming:
Grade 3 students receive swimming lessons every Thursday morning at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex.
They must have the following items with them on that day.
1. Proper swim wear: -girls, one-piece swim suit
-boys, swim trunks, no short pants
2. A towel
3. A swimming cap ( girls).
HEALTH and SAFETY ,Lunch and Birthday Celebrations
The school nurse of the Dept. Health Sector Youth Health Care takes care of immunization. She informs the parents of her visit beforehand, by letter.
All students are insured for accidents during school hours. Good health habits should also be stressed at home, not only at school. Always be alert when it comes to the health of your child. Make sure your child eats before coming to school in the morning. An empty stomach is not conducive to learning.
Lunch
Provide your child with a sandwich and or fruit or milk in his/her lunch kit. If a drink is poured into a bottle, please make sure it is closed properly. Should you give him/her a pudding or a fruit cup, please include a spoon.
No candies, malta, cheewees, chips, sodas or chubbies. Only at bake sales will we allow the above mentioned goodies. Juice and Caprisun are sold to the students during recess for $0,60 or Naf. 1,-. Sandwiches are sold for $1,-.
Birthday Celebrations
When a child celebrates his/her birthday, he/she is allowed to bring a treat to school. It must be a healthy treat. Not too many candies. If there is cake, please cut it and wrap the slices.
SCHOOLHOURS
School begins at 7.30 AM. Make sure that your child is always on time.
The school gate opens at 7:00 AM. Please do not drop off your child before this time, as we will not be responsible for him/her.
School ends at 12:45 PM. Children may not leave school before 12:45 PM, unless the teacher is informed in advance, or in case of emergencies.
After school please pick up your child promptly. We are not responsible for any child after 1.15 PM. Please advise your child to wait on the playground after school, until you pick him/her up.
Changes in the daily school routine will be announced in advance to parents.
Recess Cycle 1: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Recess Cycle 2: 10:00 AM— 10:30 AM
You may speak to your child’s teacher before 7:30 AM, or between 1:00 and 1:30 PM. You can also call to make an appointment. Avoid coming during school hours in order not to disrupt the lessons. Parents MUST report to the office first, when visiting to the school.
Activities are offered in our Community Schoolprogram from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Coordinator of this program is Ms. Stella Richardson. She can be contacted at: Cell. # 5863148. If your child is attending the Community School, please make sure that you pick him/her up before 5:30 PM
GUIDANCE OF ACADEMIC LEVELS, Important Tips and Agreements.
All students have a portfolio of their work. You can view these portfolios to keep track of your child’s performance.
A tracking system is used to monitor the child’s total
development. Each child is working on his/her own level.
All students are tested at the end of each term in the main subjects. Every method has its own tests. Besides these tests we also use other methods of evaluation.
For Dutch reading we use the A.V.I. test or the HCO test. For English reading the Silvaroli. The results of these tests are recorded and compared to the child’s previous scores, to see if any progress was made.
If a child has problems with a certain subject, he/she will receive extra help from the classroom teacher on Mondays until 2:00 PM. Parents will be notified.
In some cases the students may get extra homework and parents are asked to assist.
If a child does not show improvement after extra assistance, a psychologist is called in to evaluate the child, in order to find out why he/she is not progressing. Another form of education could then be advised. If this be the case, we request your fullest cooperation, as it will be in your child’s benefit. Reference will be made to the form you signed at registration.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
1. Show interest in everything your child does.
2. Always ask what he/she did at school.
3. See to it that he/she does his/her homework neatly.
4. Make sure homework is returned when it is due.
5. Have them do their homework in a quiet place.
6. Send your child to bed on time so that he/she is
well rested. On Sunday evenings and during the week children ought to be in bed by 8:00 PM.
7. Make sure you have a blue ballpoint pen and
color pencils at your home so that your child can do his/her homework.
8. Encourage your child to read every day for at least
15 minutes.
Children enjoy parents reading to them before bedtime,
make an effort to do so once in a while, or as a habit.
9. Make sure you take time to LISTEN to your child.
10. Establish a good contact with your child’s teacher,
by visiting the school regularly.
11. Return all completed answer forms the following
school day. This assures us that you received and read
our message.
12. Give your child chores to do at home and make
sure he/she does them.
13. Take time to play games with your child/ren.
14. Be consistent
15. Enroll your child in an afternoon activity.
16.FIND/MAKE TIME TO SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER.
***You are advised to read our monthly newsletter carefully, for it will contain valid information for that month. Put it in a place where you can check it on a regular basis. Keep your self up-to-date with what’s going on at the school!
ACTIVITIES and Vacation Schedule
The Sr. Marie Laurence School wishes to provide
activities for their students as well as parents after school time.
· Soccer and baseball are available at the school. Parents will be informed about the schedule on a later date.
· There are Tae Kwan do clinics given by Mr. Lui at the school. You can enroll your child if you wish by contacting Mr. Lui on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM at the school.
We encourage you to let your child participate in a sport which is good for his/her Character Building and physical well-being.
EVENTS
PLANNED EVENTS/ACTIVITIES FOR 2008/2009.
Report Evenings : Dec. 1, 2008 5.00- 7.00 p.m.
Mar. 30, 2009 5.00- 7.00 p.m.
Jun. 29, 2009 Given to student
· Opening of the school year Mass
· Workshops/clinics for students/teachers/parents
· Learning Excursions, Gardening, Sports Day
· Living Rosary
· Christmas Mass, Christmas Musical/Play
· Walk-o-thon or other Fundraising event
· Way of the Cross (Easter)
· End of the year Thanksgiving Mass
VACATION SCHEDULE
The vacation schedule for 2008/2009 is as follows:
Midterm vacation October 6 thru October 10
Antillean Day October 21
St. Martins’ Day November 11 & 12
Christmas Holidays December 22 thru Jan. 2
Midterm vacation February 23 & 24
Easter Holidays April 9 thru April 13
Carnival vacation April 24 thru May 1
Ascension Day May 21 & 22
Summer Vacation Jun. 30 thru August 7
School year 2009/2010 starts on August 10, 2009.
Please take note of the schedule above when planning your vacation.
STUDENTS’ AGREEMENTS
In every school there must be order to create a positive atmosphere for motivated learning. To achieve this we must work with the six pillars of Character Building at all times.
Below you will find a summary of our school agreements.
Please discuss them with your child. Continuous breaching of these agreements can lead to suspension or expulsion.
Attendance - Absenteeism.
· Regular attendance and punctuality are good habits that our students must develop.
· All students must attend school on a regular basis.
· If students need time off from school (only for a very good reason) they are obliged to bring a written request from parents or a doctor’s letter, if ill.
· If students have been absent, they must bring a note from their parents with the reason why they did not attend school on the day they come back to school. A phone call is also possible.
· Parents are welcome to bring forgotten homework or lunch for their child/children, but MUST report to the office before going to the classroom.
AGREEMENTS CONCERNING BEHAVIOUR.
· We expect our students to show their best behavior and manners at all times. Not only in school, but also outside and on the school bus. (citizenship)
· Students should respect themselves, the teachers, their fellow students and other adults in school. (respect)
· If someone is bothering you, please tell your teacher about it. ( responsibility )
· School property and private property must be respected at all times. Students will have to pay the cost of repair or replacement of any willfully damaged property.( fairness )
· Ask for permission before touching or using other students’ belongings.( trustworthiness)
· Use decent language and gestures at all times. (respect)
· Keep dangerous items out of school, like matches, lighters, knives, nail clippers, etc.
· Bring only the necessary amount of money that is needed to school.
· Be honest at all times.
· Keep all candies and gum at home.
· USE OF CELL PHONES IS NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL. If a child has a cell phone in his/her bag, IT MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING SCHOOL HOURS. IF NOT, IT WILL BE TAKEN AWAY AND HELD BY THE TEACHER UNTIL A PARENT COMES TO CLAIM IT.
If for any reason your child is out of control and
cannot be reasoned with, you will be called and asked to come in immediately.
AGREEMENTS FOR SCHOOL-/HOMEWORK
· Every student must produce school-/homework to the best of his/her ability. Quality schoolwork is important.
· Homework should always be made neatly and handed in on time.
· If a child didn’t get to do his/her homework, he/she must bring a letter from his/her parent(s) stating why he/she didn’t do his/her homework.
· Writing in books, on covers, drawing on the tables, stickers on school property are strictly prohibited. For every damaged or lost book, the student will have to pay a fine of at least Naf.36,- or $20,-.
· Help your child respect and care for books/copybooks by giving him/her a sturdy school bag.
· Students are not allowed to use correction fluid in their copybooks.
POLICY FOR COMING LATE.
Students who are late must report to the office, where their name will be listed.
After the third time, parents will be requested to come to school to see the Principal. Consequences will then follow.
SUSPENSION/EXPULSION
Only the Principal has the right to suspend a pupil.
Reasons for suspension are among others:
1. Fighting at school
2. Misbehavior of the student (disrespect towards principal, teacher or classmates)
3. Continuous violation of the school agreements.
4. Bringing weapons to school
5. Using any type of material as a weapon
If a student is suspended, this has to be reported to the School board and to the Inspector of Primary Schools.
This can be of grave consequence for your child.
Only the Catholic School board is authorized to expel students.
When expelled from our school the student will not be accepted at any other Catholic school on St. Maarten.
Sister Marie Laurence School Song
Chorus
We are students of the Sister Marie Laurence School (3x)
And we love to obey the school rules.
It gives us such a joy every day.
When we come to school where we can learn and play.
Our teachers are so nice, such a blessing in God’s eyes.
We are proud we can stand up and sing out loud.
Chorus: We are students of………….
From the very first grade right up to the end.
It’s to discipline and pleasure we consent.
Education, dedication set the order of the day,
For all nations that unite here both in work and in play.
Chorus: We are students of…………...
We are happy to be students of this school,
Education is our most important tool.
We are taught to give the best in all the subjects that we do
May the dedicated guidance of our teachers see us through.
Chorus: We are students of……………..
By: Mrs. Allison Simon
Cans of HOPE for Caring Parents
By Kathleen Rosso-Gana
We cannot ever raise perfect children,
But we CAN work harder to perfect
the way we raise our children.
We cannot teach our children all we have learned,
But we CAN learn from all
that our children teach us.
We cannot always protect our children from pain or harm,
But we CAN promise never to harm
our children or cause them pain.
We cannot insist that our children be just like us,
But we CAN instill in our children the
best of what is in us.
We cannot make our children believe they can succeed in school,
But we CAN show them our belief that
school will help them to succeed
We cannot give up on our children when they fail,
But we CAN choose not to fail them
when they give up on themselves.
We cannot force our children to cherish and practice their faith,
But we CAN practice our faith and
force them to see how we cherish IT.
It is evident that we are striving to be more than just a convenient district school. Besides our Catholic identity, we champion ideal principles, among others,
“Character Building”
We avow the acceptance of all children in our establishment and will prioritize the total well-being of each child, thereby assuring high self-esteem and self-confidence, which in turn will lead to the development of well-rounded world citizens.
Therefore, the mission statement of our school is:
“Nurturing the Child’s independence”
(To nurture independence in children, autonomy, develop and nurture self-determination).
This independence will contribute toward the total development of the child, foster feelings of safety, trust, responsibility, respect and honesty, and will encourage the children to embark on a quest to discover, explore and participate to the fullest.
This independence will enhance critical thinking, whole-hearted involvement in learning activities, and render each experience a memorable and delightful one.
