Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s), Greetings, and welcome to both you, and your daughter or son.

My name is Sean Desrochers, and I will have the pleasure of instructing your child during this upcoming quarter, in Social Studies 10-1. I am an education student at the University of Lethbridge, and I have previously completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in General Social Sciences, focusing on History, Political Science, and Psychology, as well I have a minor in Philosophy. This is my third practicum, and I am very lucky to be interning under Shelley Kirkvold, who will be my Teacher Mentor during my time at CCH. Last quarter I taught Social 10-1, so this will be my second time teaching this course. During my previous two practicums I have taught grade one, grade eight Social Studies, Social Studies 20-1, and some of Social Studies 30-1. I am mainly responsible for this course but will be assisted by my mentor, and I have many fun and engaging activities planned to help us work through the curriculum for Social Studies 10, which centers around the broad inquiry question of To what extent should we embrace globalization? This is a complex topic and we will be exploring it both from multiple perspectives and disciplinary approaches. We will examine how globalization effects both individual and collective identity, its historical legacies, and their particular implications for Canada, as well as what globalization means for us as citizens. Helping students to develop strong writing and critical thinking skills is a focus for our department, and a personal goal of mine. To aid this development, students will form and express critical arguments through debate and discussion of various topics of inquiry. There will be four major writing assignments that the students will complete this quarter, two source analyses, and two position papers. As well students will complete various minor writing assignments throughout the course. These minor written assignments will be drafted during class time, and then typed up and submitted on our class blog during flex time, or during the students own time. By having students respond in this fashion it is my aim not only to broaden their understanding of the course material but also to deepen their ability to relate to it, by stimulating critical discussion and encouraging them to respond to each others posts. I look forward to hearing from you, and working together to ensure that your child has the best possible experience in this course, reaching their full potential and coming out with new knowledge, skills and attitudes. Please feel free to contact myself, or Shelley Kirkvold, if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Thank you so much for entrusting me with you son or daughters education during this quarter, I will do my utmost to rise to this occasion. Regards, Sean Desrochers BA

Please feel free to contact either of us via email, and if necessary we can arrange a time to speak on the phone or in person. Mr. Desrochers: desr@holyspirit.ab.ca Mrs. Kirkvold: kirkvolds@holyspirit.ab.ca

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