School tours are still happening at St. Joseph’s School, albeit differently

Staff at St. Joseph School are preparing for the next school year by doing things a little differently. Typically, school administrators would offer orientation visits for new students to allow them to see their new school ahead of the fall classes. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, a new plan was needed. “Normally, prospective students, whether they are new to town or changing schools, would contact us to set up a meeting to discuss the school and see what our school has to offer. They would also go on a school tour and see what the school looks like,” explained Assistant Principal Daniel Hein.

He said that being able to provide a tour can help ease stress for students because it gives them a chance to get comfortable in their new setting. “Being able to have the opportunity to see the school, and know what to expect come September, can help put the student at ease.” After discussing ways that they could offer a similar experience, while still sticking to restrictive guidelines, Hein said they came up with the idea to provide virtual tours.

Parents simply need to email him (email is at the end of the article) and set up a time that works, and the app they like best. Armed with this cellphone, Hein then walks prospective students, and their parents, through the grounds of St. Joseph’s School in real-time. Think of it as Facetime, but instead of visiting with a friend or relative, you get to see your new school. “The virtual tour allows students to see what their classrooms will look like and prepare themselves for the next year with an idea of what the school is about.”

Hein said he has already done several tours and has more coming up. “We will be doing these tours through the summer,” he said. Hein said he starts outside and shows the drop off zones and where the busses go. “Then we go into the school and travel to different areas. They see where they will have lunch, the gymnasium and our fitness centre.”

He said that he also shows parents and students the school divide by walking them through the Junior/Senior end and the Elementary area. Since it happens in real-time, students and parents can ask questions right away. “They can ask to see certain things, and sometimes there are certain teachers at the school during the tour so, they get to meet them,” explained Hein. “They have been out of school for a while, so there is that excitement for it.” 

Though it is not as impressive as being in person, Hein said that this is the closest they can come to offering the in-person experience. “You can not beat being able to feel the positive energy of the school in person. You really miss that by not being in the school, but offering this allows them to get a feeling for the environment here, which is a feeling we are immensely proud of at our school. We really wanted to be able to display that.”

Hein said that he tweaks the experience to showcase the areas that best interest the student. “Through the tour, by asking them questions and through them asking questions of us, we can direct them to things that meet their needs or interests.” He said that some students are most excited to see the fitness centre, as they might be more fitness-minded, whereas other students are more excited to see the science labs. 

Hein said that he and the staff at St. Joseph’s School are remaining optimistic about the upcoming school year. “We are so looking forward to having the students, hopefully, back in the fall. We miss hearing them in the building and having the opportunity to connect with them one-on-one and face-to-face instead of electronically!” To set up a virtual tour, please email Assistant Principal Daniel Hein at daniel.hein@livingwaters.ab.ca.