Amanpreet approached her BCCC experiential learning placement with genuine curiosity about the behind-the-scenes work that helps classrooms come alive. Through her placement at Father Scollen School, she discovered the teamwork, planning, and creativity that make the start of a school year run smoothly. She spent her time supporting a Grade 7 science class and an ES1 teacher, while also lending a hand to other teachers across the school whenever needed. Amanpreet shares, “As I entered the school, a rush of excitement and nostalgia washed over me — it looked so much like my old school, St. Francis School in India.”
School Context & Goals
Father Scollen is a vibrant K–9 community known for its strong collaboration and positive school spirit. Amanpreet’s goal during the placement was to gain a deeper understanding of how teachers prepare classrooms, organize materials, and create welcoming environments for students. On her first day, she worked alongside an ES1 teacher who had just moved classrooms. Together, they sorted through a large number of leftover materials, organized cupboards, redistributed supplies, and made sure everything had a place. This process showed Amanpreet how much intentional effort goes into making a space both functional and inviting for students.
Amanpreet expresses, “The teacher was so kind as to share her materials. The teaching community is great. I was given materials by an experienced teacher, and they tried to share as much as they could. A piece of advice she gave me was learning how to share and find resources for free rather than spending a lot of money.”
Personal Highlights & Artifacts
One of Amanpreet’s most memorable moments came on the first day of school. She helped Grade 7 students learn how to use their lockers, organize their schedules, and find their CTF classes. What seemed like a simple task at first turned into a full morning of teamwork and encouragement. She quickly learned that something as small as opening a locker successfully can make a big difference for a student’s confidence and sense of belonging. Amanpreet comments, “It was so fun to see students choose their CTF topics. One student even expressed that they needed to learn financial management because they wanted to get a job and save money.”
Another highlight of her placement was attending the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) meeting alongside staff, principals, and vice-principals. The meeting blended responsibility and fun as teachers participated in a scavenger-style challenge to locate safety items, such as the first-aid kit and muster points. The first group to complete the challenge and take selfies at each location won candy, which kept the energy high and the learning engaging. This experience reshaped Amanpreet’s view of staff meetings, showing her how professional development can be both informative and enjoyable.
Amanpreet reflects, “It was so much fun to be with three of the teachers for the activity where we had to take selfies at the places listed on the checklist. I remember one teacher jokingly saying, “You guys are too short,” and we all looked at him and replied, “No, you’re too tall!” We made funny faces in the pictures, and it was a really playful moment.”
Collective Reflection
Through her time at Father Scollen, Amanpreet developed a deep appreciation for the collaboration that drives a successful school year. She saw firsthand how teachers support one another by sharing resources, troubleshooting challenges, and celebrating small victories. The placement helped her understand that teaching extends far beyond instruction — it’s also about preparation, organization, and community care. Amanpreet illustrates, “When I was at the science meeting, I remember the learning leader asking where the Grade 7 teacher was in the planning process and mentioning that he would like to see a rough plan for the first month, including at least three labs. The teacher said she would need more time to prepare the labs, and he responded, “Oh no, don’t reinvent the wheel! I’ll share my drive with you so you can use my resources or take ideas—whatever works.”
Closing & Advice
Amanpreet encourages future BCCC participants to embrace every task and opportunity, no matter how small. Setting up classrooms, organizing supplies, or greeting students might seem simple, but each task contributes to the bigger picture of creating a supportive learning environment. Every experience, she believes, offers a lesson about the kind of educator one hopes to become.
Amanpreet concludes with, “The main advice I received was to ask questions, seek help, and stay curious. For example, when the learning leader mentioned a notes package for all science classes that was provided by the board, my curiosity led me to ask where we could access it, and he kindly showed and shared it with me. As pre-service teachers, and even as future educators, our goal should be to collaborate and share resources rather than constantly reinventing the wheel.”
Biography
Amanpreet Kaur is a final-year student in the Concurrent Education program at the Werklund School of Education. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, she is passionate about inspiring curiosity and confidence in her students. Amanpreet takes every opportunity to expand her skills, such as through the BCCC program, and strives to create inclusive and engaging learning environments.
Co-created by Amanpreet Kaur and Tracy Dinh.