Animal Awareness Session
On the 9th of April 2018 guest speakers from ‘The Office of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare’ visited Marsaskala Primary School and during the PSCD lesson they delivered a session on Animal Awareness to all year 6 students. The ultimate mission of the Commissioner’s office is to promote and advocate for the animal welfare and the highest standards of health, keeping and treatment of animals.
The students watched a video in which Emanuel Buhagiar, the appointed Commissioner, explained his role . With
the help of an interactive Power Point Presentation, the speakers encouraged children to be more aware of
animals’ feelings and needs. They emphasized the great importance of keeping them company and giving them
love, just like humans.
Children explored possible situations where they might encounter animals in distress and different ways of helping them were discussed. Other useful information was given like the importance of microchipping an identification medals on dogs and cats, and when to keep a dog on a leash. They also talked about dog beaches, protected birds, exotic animals and farm animals.
Finally two books with useful contact numbers and creative activities were distributed to year 6 and year 5 students. This was a very interesting educational activity for both students and teachers alike!
My experience with Mr Christian Camilleri from CRPD by Miriam Sammut 6.2
On Wednesday, 11th April 2018, Mr Christian Camilleri visited our school. He is a teacher by profession and is now studying to become a lawyer. He is in a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy. He works with C.R.P.D the (Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability). His work is to visit schools and talk to students to create awareness about persons with different disabilities. I met him twice that day. The experience was amazing, and interesting as well. It felt great to know about people like him.
I felt astonished by the way he lives. He knows how to use technology. To get in and out of bed he has help from his parents. His friends or parents drive him to work, but he said that he is going to buy a car which will be customised for his needs. He is also going to buy a house and hire a carer to help him out of bed! I told you, he is astonishing to all of us! He has inspired me to help people with disabilities by looking at their skills and encouraging them to become more independent. I also learned to first ask whether they need help instead of simply doing things for them.
GENDER AND STEREOTYPES
On the 23rd April 2018, all Year 4 students at our school enjoyed a lesson with a difference. Mr Andre’ Callus from the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) was our guest speaker. This was part of the Sexuality and Relationships Education programme which is part of ‘Personal Social and Career Development’ (PSCD).
The topic for discussion was ‘Gender and Stereotypes’. Children explored how sometimes in our society we are made to believe that we cannot do certain things because of our gender. This is called ‘Stereotyping’. Some examples of myths which were discussed are – “girls shouldn’t be pilots” and “boys shouldn’t be childcare minders”. Or “it is a woman’s job to cook in the kitchen and a man’s job to cook on the BBQ”.
Students explored how these stereotypes sometimes affect our decisions and our lives.
We concluded that we are all born unique with different qualities and should all be encouraged to develop our skills independently from our gender. In this way we can reach our potential and fulfill our dreams.
Service Dogs Malta Foundation
On the 25th April 2018 year 5 students had an unforgettable experience. They had the opportunity to learn about ‘The Service Dogs Malta Foundation’ which is a registered NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation). Service dogs can be trained to carry out a variety of tasks to make life easier for persons:
- who have a hearing impairment
- on the autistic spectrum
- who are wheelchair bound or have mobility issues
- needing alert for conditions such as seizures and diabetes
- with psychiatric conditions
Year 5 students watched a video about service dogs in the hall and were given a very interesting talk by Robert Spiteri, the Head Trainer. We cannot describe the excitement the kids felt when they saw Toby, a young Golden Retriever which is being trained to help a boy in the autism spectrum. They watched Toby carrying out his trainer’s orders and were thrilled when they had the opportunity to pat Toby which was really patient and sweet. A week before the activity we asked the year 5 students to bring a small donation for the dogs and they collected 115 euros. This gesture was really appreciated since this is a non-profit foundation.
Marie Claire Vella and Charmaine Sammut
PSCD Primary St. Thomas More College, Marsaskala
