Teachers Jill MacApline and Janet Westcott may live at opposite ends of the earth but they have a lot in common.
Westcott recently finished a two-week job shadow of sorts with MacAlpine, who works at the Simcoe County District School Board. The two women were paired through an exchange program.
MacAlpine visited Westcott in the small town of Walgett in Australia’s outback in July. For two weeks MacAlpine went to work with Westcott at a remote elementary school where Westcott provides literacy and numeracy educational support to teachers and primary students.
MacAlpine is a student work study teacher at four elementary schools in Simcoe County, where she is part of a team that assesses student learning.
In comparing the two countries, they say teachers in this area have more resources and a higher level of support from the board of education while in Australia, there is a strong sense of partnership among agencies and information sharing between teachers to allow for a well rounded and collaborative approach to education.
Westcott said the school is a hub of the community.
The school in Walgett has an all-aboriginal student population and the school is doing a wonderful job of incorporating culture, said MacAlpine.
“I think that’s something we are working towards,” she said.
The exchange was arranged through the Ontario Principals’ Council’s LEAP program (Leading Educators Across the Planet), which works with its colleagues in New South Wales, Australia.
“It’s been fantastic. I feel like we have known each other forever,” said Westcott.
Both MacAlpine and Westcott have also enjoyed the travel. Westcott enjoyed the Canadian scenery, especially the fall colours.
“All we have is evergreens and dust,” said Westcott, laughing. “The people are so welcoming, hospitable and friendly. I can’t say thank you enough to Jill and her family.”
MacAlpine said she was amazed by the wildlife in Australia. She said there are emus everywhere, and echidnas, similar to hedgehogs. She said driving at night is a hazard because of all the kangaroos.
“The first kangaroos I saw were road kill,” said MacAlpine.