Janet Portfolio.docx

TIME TABLE OF NEW TEACHER Christmas Term

TIME

PERIOD

8:35 – 9:10

1

9:10 – 9:45

2

9:45 – 10:20

3

MON

9A GEO

TUE

THUR

FRI

9C GEO

10 G 1 SS

9C GEO

10 G 1 SS

9A SS

9B SS

9B SS

9A SS

9A SS

9B SS

9B SS

7C AGR

9A AGR

9C SS

9C AGR

9A SS

WED

BREAK 10:30 11:10

4

11:10 11:45

5

9A GEO

LUNCH 12:45 13:25

6

13:25 13:55

7

13:55 14:30

8

9A AGR

7C AGR

9B AGR

9C SS

9C AGR

9A AGR

9C SS

10 G 1 SS

9C AGR

9B GEO

9C SS

10 G 1 SS

9B GEO

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VISION STATEMENT To provide quality teaching / learning experiences so that students can become functionally literate, law-abiding citizens capable of contributing positively towards the development of self, their communities and the nation.

2

MISSION STATEMENT

To equip students with the right attitudes, skills and capabilities necessary to function effectively in this modern society and world.

To ensure that every individual has access to educational, cultural and sporting experiences which cater for his / her with knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to make a meaningful contribution to national development.

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PHILOSOPHY

The aim of Golden Grove Secondary is to work along with all stakeholders to create a supportive learning environment which would enable students and staff to develop:    

A disciplined demeanour Tolerance and respect for each other views, customs or ideologies Good inter-personal relationships Academic and technical brilliance fit to develop self and society.

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GOALS  To structure a child-friendly environment in which students can develop their individual potentials to the maximum.  To create a supportive teaching / learning environment through empowerment of the teaching staff and parent body.

 To create literate individuals who can think independently and be able to differentiate right from wrong.  To provide students with knowledge, skills and attitudes fit for life and living.

 To inculcate in students civic awareness and a sense of loyalty.

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TIME TABLE OF NEW TEACHER Easter Term

TIME 8:35 – 9:10 9:10 – 9:45 9:45 – 10:20

PERIOD 1 2 3

MON

9C SS

TUE

WED

THUR

9B GEO

9A SS

9B GEO

9A SS

9B SS

FRI 9A GEO 9A GEO

BREAK 10: 30 11:10

4

11:10 11:45

5

9C SS

9B SS 10G 1 SS

9C GEO

LUNCH 12:45 13:20

6

10 G 1 SS

13:20 13:55

7

9C SS

9A SS

13:55 14:30

8

9C SS

9A SS

9B SS

9C GEO 10 G1 SS 9B SS

10G 1 SS

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TIME TABLE OF NEW TEACHER April - June 2016

TIME 8:35 – 9:10 9:10 – 9:45 9:45 – 10:20

PERIOD 1 2 3

MON

TUE

WED

THUR

10 G 1 SS

9B SS

10 G 1 SS

9B SS

FRI

9B GEO

BREAK 10: 30 11:10

4

11:10 11:45

5

9B GEO

9A GEO 9C GEO

9A GEO

9C GEO

9C SS

10 G 1 SS

9C SS

9C SS

10 G 1 SS

9C SS

LUNCH 12:45 13:20

6

13:20 13:55

7

13:55 14:30

8

9B SS

9B SS

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My First Day Experience at Golden Grove Secondary School

On the 31st of August, the first day of the school year 2015, was my first day at work as a new teacher at the Golden Grove Secondary school which is located on the East Coast of Demerara and which is also five minutes away from my home. Having reached at school I approached the HM’s office and submitted my letter of appointment from the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). She acknowledged my letter and I was told to sit in the waiting area, while sitting there I was approached by two other colleagues from Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) whom were also appointed to the said school. I felt a bit more comfortable knowing that I wasn’t alone since I was a total stranger there. I was also greeted by a few other teachers at the school; they were quite friendly and welcomed me to their school. After assembly I was given a tour of the school except for the Home Economics Department by the Deputy HM. After the tour I felt discouraged because I had very high expectations of what the school would have been. Firstly I was not happy about the way that the classrooms were situated; they were not separated by rooms which I had gotten accustomed to during teaching practice at Annandale Secondary. I got worried and felt frustrated as to how I was going to teach students in an open environment with such a high noise level. As I looked around students was up and about walking around the school yard and from class room to class room during instructional hours. Secondly, I noticed that the wash rooms were very dirty. I felt uncomfortable. I knew right away that I wouldn’t be able to use such an untidy and unkempt washroom. I was placed in a staff room for teachers that was very much dusty and smelly. It was neither properly ventilated nor cubical thus it was very, very hot. I was not happy at all. I was scared to be using the stairway because it was very weak and shaky, seem as if it would fall any minute. Finally I was given a grade ten class and was told that I would be the form teacher. I got really nervous and scared because I knew I was inexperience and didn’t want to hold such a class but it wasn’t an option. I was also give grade nine and ten classes to teach which I had also found not appropriate for me but I gladly accepted. It was not a good day for me because I felt very much disappointed and discouraged by the environment I was placed in. I realized that I was being faced with many challenges which I would have to sort out and adjust to.

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Schedule for Mentee

Date

Time

2015-10-28 2015-11-03 2015-11-03 2015-11-20 2015-11-24

10:50 09:40 13:35 08:30 13:50

2016-01-14 2016-01-19 2016-01-22 2016-02-01 2016-02-02 2016-02-09 2016-02-12

09:45 01:50 12:50 08:30 08:40 12:45 08:40

2016-03-03 2016-03-05 2016-03-16 2016-04-23 2016-04-27 2016-05-24 2016-06-13

13:50 08:30 12:55 13:50 08:30 09:40 13:35

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Weekly Meetings with Mentor Christmas term

Time

10:50

09:40

08:30

Date

2015-10-28

2015-11-03

2015-11-20

Observation

Planned Activities

The new teacher instructed grade 9A on The new teacher should have the 1953 general election. more students’ participation in The content was clear but more student lesson. involvement was needed. This will help to encourage more students to participate in lessons also students will be able to ask questions not being afraid to speak. New teacher presented a well prepared The new teacher plans to have lesson but more class room control was this class out in the school yard needed. because of the noise level in the upper flat of the building during Students were distracted by other the after sessions. students from neighbouring classes since the classrooms were only separated by one blackboard each. New teacher had a role play involving the Have more role students in presenting the lesson. Lesson presentations. entailed concrete facts.

plays

Students were excited to participate in role play; it was a form of motivation taking up leadership roles.

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and

Bi-Weekly Meetings with Mentor Easter term

Date

Observation

Planned Activities

09:45

Time

2016-01-14

Group work was given for discussion and students will report on their discussion.

01:50

2016-01-19

08:30

2016-01-22

09:45

2016-02-01

08:30

2016-02-09

01:20

2016-02-12

The new teacher instructed class on cooperative society. Content was cleared and students participated in lesson discussion. There was a lot of interaction and group work. New teacher instructed grade 9C. Students were engaged in discussion in an outdoor classroom. Teacher could have used an additional teaching aid for more clarity of lesson. New teacher instructed grade 10 G1 on vocal control in the school compound due to the noise level in the upper flat of the building. Student’s involvement could have been more present and some students needed to pay more attention. New teacher (mentee) observed mentor instructing grade 10 business / science students in Geography on topic ‘Population’. New teacher introduced lesson by using discussion on social control with students. Students were asked to share their views on the various forms of social control. Both mentor and mentee had a staff development session. During this session a discussion was done on how to present a lesson on hurricanes.

New teacher will be involved in pair teaching for the next lesson.

Have students research topic on values and pair teaching will also be done in the next lesson.

Mentee and mentor will be teaching together in the next lesson. Students were given the task to research on types of leaders. Mentee will be observing the expert teacher in the next lesson.

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Mentee observing Mentor Class:

Grade 10 Business / Science

Subject: Geography Topic:

Population

Date:

2016/02/01

Time:

12:45 hrs

Mentor instructed Grade 10 Business / Science students using vocal control. Mentor introduced lesson using pictures showing a number of persons based on population.

Mentor used a brief discussion and brainstorming to formulate a definition for the term population. Mentor examined ways in which a population is determined by reading from textbook.

Students were able to suggest answers. Mentor read from textbook and facilitated discussion.

Mentor then discussed key terms. Discussed the importance of taking a census to determine the population.

Discussed the importance of knowing the employment, unemployment rates, birth and death rates. Mentor concluded by recapping lesson.

Discussed Geography SBA with class.

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Team Teaching (Mentee & Mentor) Class:

Grade 11 Business / Science

Subject: Geography Topic:

Vegetation

Date:

2016/02/02

Time:

08:30 hrs

 Mentee introduced lesson by the use of pictures based on vegetation.  Mentor used brainstorming to formulate a definition of the term vegetation.

 Mentor also gave some additional information on topic (definition) for students to build on.  Both mentee and mentor examined examples of vegetation.

 Both mentor and mentee facilitated discussion based on vegetation.  Both mentee and mentor discussed types of vegetation found in the Caribbean, South and North America.

 Mentee discussed some key terms related / associated with the types of vegetation.  Mentor concluded lesson by recapping.

 Both mentee and mentor plans to visit the mangroves with the said class which is located behind the school (Golden Grove Secondary – seawall / sea defense).

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Mentee observing Mentor Class:

Grade 10 Business / Science

Subject: Geography Topic:

Population Distribution

Date:

2016/02/15

Time:

08:35 hrs

Duration: 40 minutes

 Mentor instructed Grade 10 Business / Science students using vocal control.  Mentor introduced lesson using pictures.

 Facilitated discussion based on picture.  Students shared their views and previous knowledge on topic.

 Mentor gave a definition of topic.  Used brainstorming to bring out the factors that influence the distribution of population.

 Facilitated discussion based on factors which influenced population distribution.  Read notes to students from textbook.

 Students copied notes.  Concluded lesson by recapping.

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Observing Expert Teacher

Class:

Grade Nine A

Subject: Social Studies Topic:

The Family

Date:

2016/04/06

Time:

13:20 – 14:30 hrs

Duration: 70 minutes



The Expert teacher introduced the lesson by asking questions. The questions asked were structured appropriately and students were able to respond correctly to questions. (good questioning techniques)



She then wrote the student’s responses on chalkboard and formulated a definition of the term family. Students also shared their definitions of the family.



Students copied definition.



The teacher facilitated a discussion based on the types of family in the Caribbean using pictures to show examples of the different family types.



Students were able to list the types of family in the Caribbean.



However, the teacher introduced the ‘reconstituted family type found in the Caribbean. Students were very much interested since they were hearing of this for the first time.



Students copied the types of family in the Caribbean.



After a detailed discussion the teacher instructed students to describe the types of families in the Caribbean in one paragraph each. 16



Most of the information was given by the students in the class.



The teacher concluded the lesson by recapping what was done during that session.



Teacher then used the remaining time of the double period session to check and mark student’s notebooks.

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Report on Workshop at NCERD This workshop was held at NCERD on April 12 and 13, 2016 at 09:00.00 hrs. It was based on strategies and social skills in the Social studies and Geography subject areas. The facilitator of this event was Dr. A. Kissoon Russell – Snr Subject - Specialist. This event was done to help teachers of the said subject areas to make their lessons more meaningful and to help students to grasp concepts, engaging students in more activities, also encouraging more role plays, drama and simulation in the classroom.

What is Role play? Sending a message through action Demonstration Depicting Acting out Performance acting out or performance of a particular role, either consciously (as a technique in psychotherapy or training) or unconsciously, in accordance with the perceived expectations of society as regards a person's behavior in a particular context.

Drama  Play  Dramatization  More organized

Simulation  Critical thinking  Problem solving  Game like abstraction of events based on synthesis of case studies that promote problem solving.  More elaborate than games because they provide realistic parts for students with enough roles to keep a whole class working for several periods.  Acting out or mimicking an actual or probable real life condition. 18

Professional Development Session

Topic: Leadership Facilitator: Mr. Mark Lite (President – G.T.U)

Becoming a leader Leaders never desire to lead but to serve Leadership is the ability to lead others by influence To a leader life is a career Don’t be a copy, be original Leadership is being, and then doing. Ability to inspire others.

Difference between leadership a Leader Leadership includes the capacity to influence, inspire, rally, direct, encourage, motivate, move and mobilize others to pursue a common goal or purpose while maintaining commitment. Two components of Leadership: Vision Value

Five basic ingredients of a Leader: Purpose a strong sense of destiny Passion Integrity – self knowing, honesty and maturity, never lies to himself Trust – earn Curiosity and daring Challenging traditions

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General Staff Meeting Date: 06/01/2016

Issues discussed at meeting: Duties of teachers Duties of level heads Class cleanliness Accuracy, labeling and completion of records Percentage Pass rate of students Behavior of students English department activities.

20

General Staff Meeting Date: 2016/02/10

Issues discussed at meeting: Tours Fund raising events (profits made at these events) Records GTI program with grade two students PYARG – grade nine students GTU meeting Time off ledger Time book Contingency plan End of term examinations

21

Grade Ten Parent Conference

Date: 2016/2/11 Issues / Items One on one interaction with parents Welcome parents Introduction to class teachers and subject teachers Discussion on grade nine projects and examinations Discussion on students behavior Submission of assignments Tours – areas to visit Lateness of students Attire, cleanliness, tidiness, dressing and uniform Adult behavior displayed by students Ministry policy on beating students

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Monthly meetings with Mentor April / June

Date

Observation

Planned Activity

2016/04/22

Discussion on migration in grade 9A. Teacher introduced lesson by recapping previous lesson.

Students had to research information on causes of migration.

2016/04/27

Discussion and pair teaching on urbanization in grade 10G1. Students participate well in lesson.

Students were given the task to find out how the various problems of urbanization can be reduced.

2016/05/24

Discussion on the causes Students had to read up of migration in Grade on effects of migration. 9C. Students were involved in discussion and concepts were cleared.

2016/06/13

Discussion on deforestation in grade 9A. Teacher introduced lesson using role play and students actively participated. The lesson was very interesting and the content was quite clear to all students.

Teacher completed her mentorship program.

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Professional Development Sessions

Date

2015/11/18

2015/12/05

2016/01/29

Topic

Observation

Facilitator Ms. Sharon Willis

Lesson Plan

Preparation of lesson plan. Key elements that should be in the specific objectives.

School Records

Specific objectives

Preparation of end of term records. To improve teachers ability in writing specific objectives.

Ms D. Dublin Benjamin (HM)

Ms. Sharon Willis

Ms. D. Charles

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Content Page Acknowledgement Introduction Letter of appointment from the Teaching Service Commission Notes from meetings with School management Copy of the School Improvement Plan School Vision and Mission Copy of School Rules and discipline code Orientation Schedule with annotations and useful sessions Staff list of Golden Grove Secondary School Map of the School Summary assessment forms from HM Notes from meetings with Mentor Notes from classroom visits by other school managers Schedule of professional development sessions Notes on participation in a learning community Monthly reflections / logs Notes on parent conferences Reflections on observations of specialist teachers’ lessons Reflections on special events Conclusion Annotated bibliography

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Acknowledgement

The New Teacher would like to extend sincere gratitude to Miss Sharon Willis (Mentor) for her guidance and support throughout this Induction Programme. I would also like to offer special thanks to Miss Ruth Richmond for her assistance; her willingness to give her time so generously has been very much appreciated and the HM of Golden Grove Secondary School; Miss Delores Dublin Benjamin for providing me with the necessary information needed to be placed into my portfolio. The new teacher would like to express her deep gratitude to her colleagues (Miss Kendall and Miss Sukhu) for their patience, encouragement and valuable support throughout this entire ordeal.

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INTRODUCTION This portfolio is a requirement for the completion of the Induction Programme which was scheduled for one year ‘September 2015 to June 2016.’ This portfolio entails information towards the growth and development of the new teacher during the first year of teaching, upon the completion of Cyril Potter College of Education. The new teacher known as the mentee is assessed and guided by an expert teacher called the mentor. These assessments are done by the mentor to help the new teacher with his / her weaknesses so that he / she can be corrected and be able to grow into a professional teacher / educator. During this period the mentee will be taught as to how to deal with various situations or circumstances which may arise from time to time at a school. Being placed directly in an environment with real problems, the new teacher will have firsthand experience to address such matters. This period will enlighten the new teacher about school records and other important documents. It will also help to improve the capabilities of the new teachers in the classroom thus the school’s capacity will be strengthened and known as a place that offers high quality of educational opportunities to the students in its classrooms.

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FIRE DRILL An emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment.[1] Most emergencies require urgent intervention to prevent a worsening of the situation, although in some situations, mitigation may not be possible and agencies may only be able to offer palliative care for the aftermath. While some emergencies are self-evident (such as a natural disaster that threatens many lives), many smaller incidents require that an observer (or affected party) decide whether it qualifies as an emergency. The precise definition of an emergency, the agencies involved and the procedures used, vary by jurisdiction, and this is usually set by the government, whose agencies (emergency services) are responsible for emergency planning and management.

An incident, to be an emergency, conforms to one or more of the following: if it:   

Poses an immediate threat to life, health, property, or environment Has already caused loss of life, health detriments, property damage, or environmental damage has a high probability of escalating to cause immediate danger to life, health, property, or environment

Dangers to life Many emergencies cause an immediate danger to the life of people involved. This can range from emergencies affecting a single person, such as the entire range of medical emergencies including heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrest and trauma, to incidents that affect large numbers of people such as natural disasters including tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, mudslides and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, Ebola, and malaria. Most agencies consider these the highest priority emergency, which follows the general school of thought that nothing is more important than human life. 29

Dangers to health Some emergencies are not necessarily immediately threatening to life, but might have serious implications for the continued health and well-being of a person or persons (though a health emergency can subsequently escalate to life-threatening). The causes of a health emergency are often very similar to the causes of an emergency threatening to life, which includes medical emergencies and natural disasters, although the range of incidents that can be categorized here is far greater than those that cause a danger to life (such as broken limbs, which do not usually cause death, but immediate intervention is required if the person is to recover properly). Many life emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, are also health emergencies. Dangers to the environment Some emergencies do not immediately endanger life, health or property, but do affect the natural environment and creatures living within it. Not all agencies consider this a genuine emergency, but it can have far reaching effects on animals and the long term condition of the land. Examples would include forest fires and marine oil spills. Most developed countries operate three core emergency services 





Police – who deal with security of person and property, which can cover all three categories of emergency? They also to some extent deal with punishment of those who cause an emergency through their deliberate actions. Fire service – who deal with potentially harmful fires, but also often rescue operations such as dealing with road traffic collisions. Their actions help to prevent loss of life, damage to health and damage to or loss of property. Emergency Medical Service (Ambulance / Paramedic service) – These services attempt to reduce loss of life or damage to health. This service is likely to be decisive in attempts to prevent loss of life and damage to 30

health. In some areas "Emergency Medical Service" is abbreviated to simply EMS.

GENERAL PTA MEETINGS Wednesday 16th September, 2015 Commenced at 14: 30 hours Issue / Item

Decisions taken

Persons responsible

Ms. Ruth HOD Science spoke about extra lessons for Grade Eleven students on Tuesday and Thursdays. Teacher’s concern

Miss Ruth and Parents Students are asked to remain for one hour to facilitate completion of the syllabus.

Ms. Djanada Charles HOD English spoke about the acquisition of the relevant material for the teaching of English B and Reading.

HOD English

Parents were informed about the extra classes on Tuesdays and Thursday for Grade 11 students.

Parents were also informed to get a deeper connection with their children and encourage them to read more.

Ms Maxine Henry Samuels HOD Business Studies reminded parents about the importance of the School Based Assessment component.

Parents

HOD Business and Parents

31

Subject Teachers They were also reminded that all SBA’s begin from the second term at Grade 10. All SBA’s must be completed by December, 2015.

Mock examinations will begin October 12 and will conclude on October 26, 2016.

Examinations

Students pursuing Business subjects are asked to subsidize support material.

Cost for mock examination script ($500) DHM Ms Septana Stephens Parents were reminded about the school’s uniform and the dress code of students.

Uniform

Male students are to wear pants with 17 inches bottom, plain black belt, and black footwear with black socks.

Female students are to have their hair neatly braided, no extensions, ribbons, badges, black footwear and white socks. SM Rhonda Benjamin spoke / reminded parents about the Ministry’s policy regarding parent conferences.

Grade Supervisors and Parents

Parent’s conference Grade 7 – Oct 29,2015 Head - Ms Devon Holder

Level Heads and Parents

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Grade 8 Oct 27 Tandy Tappin Grade 9 Oct 22,2015 Rhonda Benjamin Grade 10 Oct 20 - Sharon Willis Grade 11 Oct 15 - Elon Lee Marks Ms Maxine Henry Samuels responsible for the bible club informed parents of the objectives of the said club. Launch will commence on September 24, 2015. Bible club session will be conducted on Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:45.

Ms Maxine Henry Samuels and Committee Members

Parents were reminded that they play an integral role in the lives of their children.

Launch of bible club

They were urged to encourage students to attend. Remarks by HM – Ms Dolores Benjamin. Punctuality – HM mentioned that there has been an improvement in the punctuality of students.

Parents

Habitual latecomers will be sent to the school’s welfare unit. Parents were reminded that they need to work with the school to enhance the performance of students.

CSEC results and Prize Giving Exercise

There has been an increase in the CSEC results 2015 29.1 – 53% grades 1-3 and 78% grades 1-4.

Graduation Committee, Parents and Graduates. 33

Prize giving exercise will be done sometime between late October early November. Parents were asked to donate prizes towards same. Parents were reminded that they need to encourage students to participate in cocurricular, extracurricular activities. School t-shirts will be on sale Cost $2200 Sports will be held on October 01, 2015 @ 9:00hrs.

Parents

Trampoline, games and side attractions will be available. Co- curricular and extra – curricular activities.

Novelty races will be arranged to include parents. Each student has to sell three tickets and they will gain free entrance into the ground.

Sports Committee & P.T.A

Uniform for marchers will be made available @ the cost of $3000. Each child must make a contribution to their house ($200)

Continuous Assessment

Streaming

Students will be given at least three pieces of assessment.

All Teachers

Examinations will be administered at the end of the term for Math and English A.

HOD Math and English

Students were placed into streams according to performance. Students must be encouraged 34

Continuing fee

to work hard to have preferred classes. Parents were reminded that each student must pay a continuing fee $1000) for each new academic year. (Sept – July)

Parents

Parents were encouraged to do all in their power to support their child / children.

Parental Involvement

Parents must set realistic goals for their children. Parental involvement aids the child in various ways and school managers have fewer problems with student behaviour.

Concert

CSEC 2016

The PTA of Golden Grove secondary will be hosting a concert in November 29, 2015. Registration for CSEC 2016 will be done soon and payment will commence early in November. Payments must be completed by the end of the first week.

Vouchers

Vouchers distribution has been completed and a total of 123 have been returned. Mr. David Gentle has now been elected as the new P.T.A chairman.

Electing P.T.A President Mr. Winslow Cole has been selected as a new committee member.

Parents

P.T.A

HM and parents of CSEC students.

HM and Staff of Golden Grove Secondary and parents.

Parents and PTA Vice Chairman.

Prepared by: Adopted by: Lucille Caesar 35

Seconded by: Carol Ross

GENERAL STAFF MEETINGS

WEDNESDAY 03, FEBRUARY, 2016 COMMENCED AT @ 13:30 hours

Item/ Issue

Tours

Decision Taken Class teacher must inform students on the dates assigned for tours

Fund raising

The fund rising was successful.

Ministry visit

Teachers were reminded to be prepared for a visit from the ministry by having all records ready.

G.T.I Visit

Officials from the G.T.I are expected to visit on the 25th Feb., 2016 at 11:00 am to have a talk with students for 40 minutes.

Person(s) Responsible Class teachers

School

All teachers

Officials

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P.Y.A.R.G Visit

Officials from P.Y.A.R.G are expected to visit on 16th Feb., 2016 at 11:00 am to have a talk with students from grade 9

G.T.U

G.T.U meeting will be held at the Golden Grove Secondary School on the last Thursday of the month.

Officials

All teachers

Teachers were reminded to sign the ledger upon request. Time Off

Time Book

Contingency Plan

All teachers

Teachers were reminded to sign in and out.

All teachers

Teachers were reminded that any teacher can be asked to replace an absent teacher for a time table period.

All teachers

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MOD- Construction of flag pole.

Mash Parade and Concert

$160,000 would be needed for the construction of the flag pole. The PTA is expected to raise funds. This construction is to be completed before the 50th Anniversary.

To be held on the 19th Fed, 2016.

P.T.A

All teachers

Prepared by: Ms Lynese Kendall Adopted by: Seconded by:

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Staff Meetings Date: 16th March, 2016 Time of commencement of meeting: 13:30 hrs Time of conclusion of meeting: 14:45 hrs

Item/ Issue

Decision Taken

Submission of Records

Schemes must be submitted to HODs. HODs will submit schemes to deputy.

In complete CID Cards

Outstanding SBAs

CID cards must be submitted by 17th march, 2016.

Deadline for SBAs will be the 24th march, 2016. Teachers with outstanding SBAs should submit a list with the names of students with outstanding SBAs to HM.

Person(s) Responsible Subject teacher

Class teacher

Grade 11 teachers

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Completion of Records

None submission of Report Booklets

Teachers need to be aware of the number of subjects that are done in their classes.

Teachers need to remind students to return their booklets by the second week of the term.

End of term Examination Teachers of each department need to supervise examination according to department.

Dead line for the submission of Test

Table of Specification

Class teachers

Class teacher

All teachers

Teachers need to submit their test papers in a timely manner.

Subject teachers

Teachers with outstanding table of specification were urged to submit their table of specification on the 17th march, 2016.

Subject teachers

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Staff Room

Students should not be seen in staff room especially during instructional time. It was suggested by DHM that students state their business upon entering the staff room then leave.

All teachers that occupy the staff rooms.

Mathematics and English Poor performance in Mathematics and English teachers were Mathematics And English Language teachers encouraged by DHM to Language work harder with students in order to improve their performance. Subject teachers were Subject teachers also encouraged to check student’s notes books to ensure that the subjects agree with the verb.

Positive Highlights

English teachers were praised for working with students who won both categories of the spelling bee competition. Science teachers were also praised since Golden Grove Secondary was place second for the recycling of bottle 41

competition. Sports club

Motivation of students

Improvement of performance

Supervision

Teachers need to take up responsibilities and participate in the sport to which they were assigned.

Form teachers need to motivate their students more.

Teachers need to take up their role in order to improve performance.

All teachers

Form teachers

All teachers

Seniors Supervision need to be addressed by all seniors.

Class teachers

Registers

Registers must be stapled balanced and prepared for next term.

Schedule

It was suggested by HM that level supervisor ensured that the number

Level supervisor

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of students on the schedule corresponded with the number of students on the register.

Report Booklets

Report booklets that were not distributed to students should be submitted to the level supervisor.

Appraisals

Level heads need to be objective when appraising teachers. A panel will be in place in order to appraise teachers.

Orientation

Teachers will be guided continuously in order to make them aware of what is happening in the school.

Mentor

Class teacher

Class teacher

Level Heads

An assistant mistress can be asked to be a mentor to a TQM and so on.

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Salary Sheets/Book

Action Plan

Leave Concession

Time Book

Third Form Projects

All teachers The salary book should be signed in a timely manner.

HODs need to actualize what the teacher said he/she would have done last term.

HODs

If teachers are not medically sick then their leave will be leave over taken for those who have utilized all allocation.

All teachers

Teachers need to sign their time on the arrival and departure.

All teachers

Projects will be distributed on the 17th of march, 2016. It was suggested by HM that one period be set aside to deal with issues related to the completion of projects.

Prepared by: Ms. Karen Stuart Adopted by: Seconded by: 44

General staff meeting Date: 12th April, 2016. Time of commencement of meeting: 13:05 hrs Time of conclusion of meeting: 14:00 hrs Opening prayer was done by Ms Ruth Richmond

Item/issue Reflection on last term’s performance

Completion of grants

Decision taken

Persons responsible

There was a 2.5 increase in student’s performance for last term; however, there is room for improvement for much more. All teachers Submission of assignment is a sore issue for students and teachers were told to take actions to curb this problem.

All departments were urged to work on their grants. It was noted that grants are not to be used for purchasing text books.

All departments

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Last term’s school effectiveness

SBA

Miss Independence Pageant

Subject committee meetings

Teachers were urged to work together for improvement in all areas for better school effectiveness. HOD’s need to do more supervision and observation of their teacher.

All teachers

Teachers were reminded to look keenly at the heading (dates etc) and that they should jot down the dates for SBA teachers their SBA. Teachers were urged to work feverishly with the students on their SBA’s when completing labs.

Teachers were prompt in inquiring students for the pageant The deadline given for the submission of entry All teachers forms is 14th April, 2016.

Dates were given between April to June for the various subjects 46

to conduct their meetings.

50th Anniversary preparations

The school’s building has to be decorated as well as the flag pole needed to be erected before 1st May to the 4th June. Teachers should examine their classrooms and depict aids in aid of the anniversary.

Classroom competition

Class teachers were urged to get their classrooms up and running. It was noted that the ministry assesses the competition.

Teachers leave taken

All teachers

All teachers

Class teachers

Teachers were reminded to communicate with the school whenever he/she is absent from school. All teachers Teachers were told to call the school’s phone to make their reports. Failure to comply will result in UAL and 47

logging. It was also noted that medicals should be presented within a 48 hour period.

Finance for school

Grade 9 projects

General Assembly

Ministry stated that every school should not keep more than $10,000 in school. Excess should be placed in the bank.

Project teachers would have distributed projects and submitted their monies collected. Teachers were urged to guide the students and explain I detail for optimum marks. Every child must submit a project. Submission dates should be decided upon by departments individually.

Teachers were reminded that it is compulsory to be in every general assembly the school conducts to supervise the students.

Grade 9 project teachers

All teachers

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Daily rota

Dismissal

Teachers were reminded that there is a rota available for the upper, lower and annex building. Teachers need to act more responsible with the rota.

All teachers

Our SOP states that the school should have orderly dismissal and All teachers teachers were reminded that they should remain 15 minutes after dismissal. Teachers were also reminded that if they teach the 8th period they should dismiss the class in an orderly manner. The bible club was instructed to formulate a prayer for dismissal on a daily basis. Teachers were The bible club instructed to get the school’s pledge and make it available to their class for them to learn.

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Social funds

Teachers were reminded to pay their social funds. HM read a quote for the staff and the meeting was adjourned.

Class teachers All teachers

Prepared by: Ms Devika Ramsaran Adapted by: Seconded by:

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General Staff Meeting Date: 19th May, 2016 Time of commencement of meeting: 13:10 hrs Time of conclusion of meeting: 15:00 hrs

Item/issue

Decision taken

Persons responsible

August term

The term consists of fourteen weeks and the various activities have been planned. The success o these activities depends on the support of the staff and students.

All teachers

CXC schedule

CXC examinations are in progress and as a result students are expected to stay home on different days. Teachers are expected to teach however, it appears as though some teachers are neglecting their students when they are present. Teachers were urged to attend class on time.

All teachers

Teachers were urged to plan examination questions early and to make required date for 51

submission. Examination supervision

Assessments

Grade 9 project

Teachers were reminded that the correct amount of assessment should be given in order to acquire the 40 % needed for course work for the term.

HM inquired about the submission of project from subject teachers. English Language has approximately 10 outstanding projects from grade 9B and 9C respectively; teachers were urged to encourage students to submit projects since it was in their best interest.

All teachers

All teachers

Grade 9 teachers

All teachers

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Level 8 supervision

The current level supervisor Ms Tandy is on whitley council leave and as a result an acting level supervisor has been assigned. Please address all concerns with Ms Devika Ramsarran.

All teachers

Application for leave

Teachers were urged to apply for whitley council leave in a timely manner so that it can be approved. Teachers were also advised that only two teachers per department will be given leave at a time.

All teachers

Records

Teachers were informed that there is a new format for monthly reports and this report should be used when submitting records. H.O.D’s and level supervisors were advised to record visits and submit records showing same. Teachers were advised to submit notes of lessons and schemes because the H.O.D’s have

All teachers

Class teachers

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to record this and submit the monthly report. Teachers were urged to complete mark books, log books, CDIC cards and to also prepare the properly.

School Based Assessment

Repetition

Class prayers

School Based Assessment must be implemented in the final term at Grade 10. Teachers were urged to have students start the project in a scrap book and to keep a record of how many students have submitted this book. Teachers complained that there are several constraints and they were urged to make contact with parents. The current students of grade 10 will not be repeating the current grade.

SBA teachers

All teachers

Class teachers

All teachers

Students do not know the school’s prayer for lunch and dismissal. 54

Teachers were urged to ensure that students know and acknowledge prayers. Fund raising activity

Independence activity

Teachers duties

Registers

All teachers.

Frosty sale is scheduled for 23rd May, 2016. Students must participate or contribute in one fund raising activity.

All teachers

Internal rally scheduled for the 23rd May, 2016. All teachers are required to wear clothing showing patriotism and students will be attired in school’s uniform.

Level heads

All teacher were informed that they should not refuse to accompany students to any activity held or sponsored by the region and / ministry. All level heads were advised to identify an assistant so that registers can be marked when they are not present.

Class teacher

All teachers

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Teachers were also advised that registers must be marked at the end of each session. Lateness

All teachers must address the lateness book when late and state reason for being late since information has to be related to the region.

Addressing students

Teachers were advised that they should not call students out of their names. This is not permitted at all.

Marking of work books

Teachers were advised that students’ work book should be marked and signed.

Department rally

All teachers.

All teachers.

All teachers

Teachers were informed that there is a rally scheduled to be held at Bladen Hall Multilateral School in observance of Independence. Golden Grove Secondary and other schools will be presenting a booth on Chinese and their contribution. 56

Prepared by: Tekisha Harris Adapted by: Seconded by:

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GENERAL STAFF MEETING

Date: 10/12/2015 Time: 13:05 hours Concluded: 15:15 hours

Item/Issue

Decision

Review of school Year: Implementation of schools curriculum

Teachers were informed that activities on the list were incomplete and as such should be completed for the new school year.

Persons Responsible

All teachers

Teachers agreed that it was a fair school year but there was room for improvement and as such each subject department made necessary suggestions: -Strategies to help students perform better and getting students’ attention on various topics. -completing of assignments through motivation. -There should be more student centered lesson to improve students’ performance. The practical aspect of Home Economics should be improved.

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Students Welfare

-Teachers should try different forms of assessment and reduce the number of take home assignments.

All teachers

-Teachers should be supervised to ensure that these strategies are implemented. Teachers suggested that an oral assessment should be given to Timothy Lim. A list of students writing the CSEC subjects should be written up. Various strategies should be implemented to make contact with parents.

Teachers welfare

A day guard would be implemented at a later date. Teachers should have the student’s interest at heart and recommit themselves to the students by spending more time in their class. It is noted that there should be no more than thirty-five (35) students per teacher. Teachers raised the concern of not being able to use the washroom due to unsanitary 59

conditions and also the fact that there are not many and as such should be available and regularly cleaned. Teachers should communicate with H.M/DHM on issues that affect them. A differentiation among staff should be made for various reasons.

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ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

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CONCLUSION

The Induction Year Programme was both challenging and rewarding for the mentee. The mentee however is privileged that she was given the opportunity to complete this programme and at the same time develop herself as a teacher. The mentee is therefore looking forward to continue the good work she started during the induction year period and to also continue her self- development on the job.

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Monthly Reflections In Classroom Teaching

Highlights November The Mentee was visited by Ms Delores Dublin Benjamin (HM) of Golden Grove Secondary. She pointed out the way in which the mentee wrote her specific objectives in the notes of lesson were in correct.

Challenges

The mentee had observed during the first few months of the new school term that the students demonstrated indiscipline behavior and the mentee had to try various ways of dealing with such.

Recommendations

The mentee recommends that teachers and students alike should be encouraged not to stigmatize a child or class because of their lack of abilities.

They should be treated fairly and with the same respect as others.

This was a surprise to the mentee as she has been writing her objectives that way since final teaching practice, to which no lecture who assessed her objected.

The mentee however came to realize that the previously transition class had a stigma attached as a dunce class so they sought to get attention by delinquent means since The mentee willingly changed they cannot get it by the way she writes her objects performing academically. as demonstrated by Ms Benjamin.

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October The mentee has realized In this month the mentee was that students are not a part of the ushering submitting course work committee for graduation pieces on time or at all. 2015. This affected the This was an enlightening mentee’s timely delivery experience because the of scores to class mentee was able to foster co- teachers. Students operative working skills. The continue to show a lack mentee also learned team of interest for their work in getting students to be school work and this ushers and training them for affects the scores for the best performances. performance of students in her subject areas.

Parents should be called in if teachers report students who have not been doing course work pieces by the middle of the term. This will help in preventing the child from failing by providing him or her with enough time to complete course work pieces.

February The mentee was a part of the school’s annual school tour 2016.

Parents need to be encouraged to be more involved in their child’s learning and penalties should be put in place for those who do not attend. This will force parents to come out and perhaps they can be enlightened on the importance of going to school meetings.

The mentee accompanied the level nine students on the 26th February, 2016 on their tour to Berbice. The mentee shared this learning experience with the students and developed her cognitive level.

Parents not attending meetings scheduled to be updated about the performance of their children. This is a sore point at most schools and yet at the end of the term parents cry out about the injustice done to their children that they themselves have caused. The mentee has always had the opportunity to speak to parents whose children have little or no complaints but never for those whose parents are greatly needed.

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April The school hosted a cake raffle. This was a highlight during the mentees induction year period because it was a student from her class Samantha, Cox who walked away with a whole cake. The mentee felt proud as the form teacher. Samantha Cox made the event more rewarding by dividing the cake among the students of the class. This demonstrated a charitable deed as students are always encouraged to share and do good deeds for each other.

June Being a part of the induction year the programme was an innovative experience for the mentee. She was able to develop herself further as a teacher and as an educator.

Lack of co-operation among students in the classroom. Students have demonstrated their strong dislike for others in this classroom and this hampers group work being done by the mentee as the lack of cooperation affects the activities being done in groups and causes for work to be incomplete.

Firstly teachers need to demonstrate cooperation among the staff so that students can learn from them.

To teach students good behaviour to take with them into the next class and to wherever life takes them.

Students need to be punished for indiscipline behaviour and complimented on good behaviour.

The mentee would like for students as they grow older to develop a responsible and respective attitude towards school and the community at large.

Sometimes students mimic the behavior of their teachers and this affects the development of community spirit in the school. Students need to be encouraged to work in groups which often foster community spirit skills and co-operation.

This will be helpful in establishing the difference between right and wrong.

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Reflections On Special Events

 Education Month Rally 2015 During the month of September the mentee was a part of the educational rally at the National Park, in Georgetown. She assisted her colleague Ms Andrea in accompanying some students that participated in the March pass. Students were very excited and they enjoyed being a part of the rally. At the rally students from various schools participated and was given a chance to show case their talents and skills. The President of Guyana along with the minister of education was present there. There were also some popular Guyanese artists that performed at the rally. The mentee was able to demonstrate her commitment towards her responsibility of monitoring her students.  Graduation The mentee was a part of the graduation exercise 2015 held on the November 5th. The mentee was a part of the ushering team where she learnt co-operative work and team effort in making sashes and corsages for the ushers as well as partner shipping with fellow committee members to train the ushers. On the graduation day the mentee was awarded by the excellence performance of the ushers as they displayed skills and etiquette in performing their jobs. The graduation activity was fulfilling and a wonderful experience for the mentee.

 Culture Day On May 04th, 2016 the students and teachers all got dressed in our ancestral clothing. It was such a beautiful sight. Different classes were dressed to depict a specific ethnic group, their food, dance, music, craft and embroidery, history and way of life. 67

This enabled students to become aware of the contributions made by each ethnic group towards the development of Guyana. The mentee was responsible for getting the grade 10 bus/science students to demonstrate the way of life of the Amerindians. Most of the students in that class participated in the said event. The students were dressed in Amerindian outfits purchased by the mentee. Both mentee and the students decorated the classroom with branches, trees and other materials and objects found in the environment which is associated with the Amerindians. After the display of art and craft, and food and clothing a concert was held where the different groups were asked to participate in dances etc.

 Internal Independence Rally On May 23, 2016 the mentee was involved in the organization of the independence rally held at the school. The mentee was involved in organizing the dance pieces for the various ethnic groups that came to Guyana as well as researching the relevant music to match each dance. This assignment was the sole responsibility of the social studies department to which the mentee belonged. This exercise allowed the mentee to show case her knowledge of history which she holds a special interest in and values.

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Notes On Participation Within The Learning Community

 Annual School Sports ( sports 2014) During the course of late September to early November Golden Grove Secondary school prepared, practised and executed all activities pertaining to this grand annual event. The enthusiasm of students could be felt leading up to the events and participation by all was evident. The first meeting was held on the 5th of September, 2015 at 13:45 in the auditorium. The mentee was placed in C house with fellow colleagues, namely Ms. Sukhu, Ms. Tappin, Ms Devon and Ms Sharon Willis. During the 16 -19th of September the mentee along with the school community participated in the inter-house sports. Though the mentee was not a part of the winning team she celebrated the efforts of her house members both teachers and students. The mentee contributed to her house in the writing and painting of the Banner.  Annual school tour At about at 7:30 on the 18th of February most of the students had already assembled in the school compounded excited to begin the learning adventure. The mentee herself was eager to begin this wonderful experience. The places to be visited were the NandPersaud Rice Factory in Berbice, the Tain campus on the Corentyne and the 63 Beach,Corentyne. At the Tain Campus we educated about the making and the packaging of rice. We were also educated about the different faculties the centre houses and the courses it offers.At the 63 beach the students were allowed to rest and picnic while being educated about the sea creatures, waves and soil erosion.

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 Being a form teacher The mentee was the form teacher of Grade ten bus/science. This class is comprised of 26 students,5 boys and 21 girls. During the course of the school year September 2015 to July 2016 the mentee had a lot of challenges dealing with the indiscipline behaviour of some of the students .By the end of the first term the mentee finally understood most of the students and was able to find out possible reasons for their delinquent behaviour. The mentee had a chance to counsel, advice and form relationships among students of her class. Students were encouraged to display good morals and were reminded that they have the ability to do well in school and that they can be whatever they want to be in life.

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APPENDIX

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