What do you want to be when you grow up?
Waterloo Elementary celebrates career day
Tuesday was a special day for the students of Waterloo Elementary School (WES) as invited guests shared stories of their careers with students across all levels of the school. Moving from room to room, groups from the four-year old kindergarten right up to the sixth grade got first-hand information on what it means to be a dog behaviour therapist, a paralympian, a visual artist, a prison guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, and a newspaper reporter.
“We try to get different jobs every year,” said organizing committee member and WES teacher Jennifer Buck, explaining that past visitors have included nurses and veterinarians.
Although only grades three through six were able to see every presentation, all age groups got a varied experience over the course of the day.
Dog behaviour therapist Jennifer Boyle of the Super Puppy training program shared the details of her life and work with all kinds of different breeds over the last decade. Prepared with a large number of visuals, the trainer offered the students an in-depth look into the life of a dog trainer while also touching on aspects related to her work with the MIRA foundation training helper dogs. Although the students were interested in Boyle and her work, it was clear that Hagrid, one of two dogs who came along with her for the visit, stole the show.
Canadian Paralympian Caroline Viau shared stories of her experience competing in the 1992 Tignes Paralympics, the first winter paralympic games held in the same location as the winter Olympics of that year, and showed off the gold and two bronze medals she won as a part of that competition. She also fielded numerous questions about how she lost her arm and what life is like with prosthesis.
Sculptor Philippe Mori brought in an array of different artworks he has created as we as the tools of his trade. Specializing in plant and animal sculptures made out of old tools, bicycle and motorcycle parts, the artist impressed by students and staff with his ability to create life from leftover odds and ends.
Students also got a look into the criminal justice system through the eyes of a local prison guard as well as RCMP officer David Buck. In the latter presentation the children were given a walkthrough of the officer’s equipment and what it is used for, and a few lucky students event got to try on a police vest or handcuffs. Each group also took a trip outside to the parking lot at the end of their visit to see Buck’s truck and hear its sirens.
Students in grades three through six also got the chance to learn more about the life of a reporter for a local community newspaper. (The Hut) 300 St. Francis, Lennoxville Admission $10.