Course Evaluations
Toronto: Level 2, Part A
Formation Facilitators:
Registrar:
2024.02.L2A.02
Anna Boyagoda
Anna Boyagoda
Kathleen Ennis
Part 1 - Formation Experience
The Pace
It was a very full schedule. But manageable. I found by the last few hours my attention was less focused. The days when we ended with liturgical celebrations and activities were helpful.
I have already submitted this Evaluation Form except that I realized I needed to be mentored. I am resubmitting this form to fill out Part 3 Q#2 with my name and email. Thank you for understanding.
The pace is good.
The class schedule was given to us long before the start date so we had ample time to prepare readings and set aside time I. Our lives for the fullness of the week. I appreciated the way Anna and Kathleen kept things moving according to this schedule, honoured our breaks and lunch. It was much but not many 😌.
The pace of the sessions are good as it gives time for catechists to express their experiences and there is always an option to talk to or communicate to the presenter anytime they're available, in person or on line.
Excellent pace. Easy to follow.
The pace was good, given the amount of content that needs to be covered. The breaks were important in order to say engaged and focused. I find the monthly course easier to absorb and wonder about in between sessions. However, because I have spent a year in the Level 2 atrium already, the amount of presentations didn’t overwhelm me as I thought they might.
Was good pace, giving time for reflection and meditation of the topics
The pace allows for the time to make notes of the presentations and materials.
Good.
It was fine!
Overall, I found the pace to be good. There was a nice balance of reflection, presentations, prayer and new concepts. I also found that the interleaving of concepts made it manageable to integrate and work with the new content and the spiraling depth that was offered to content from level 1.
Perfect
The Presentations
I enjoyed the variety of people presenting. With each person having their own gifts to offer. The presentations were excellent.
The presentation resonated with me.
A rich variety of alternating talks and presentations, all built around a daily theme. All the Atrium materials were there, and we were given access to them throughout the day. Each presentation was like a retreat for us. We were given time to absorb, reflect and fall in love, as well as ask or share practical thoughts.
Presentations are the favorite. The presenters are fully knowledgeable with their work. But again, circumstances determine how we deal with the actual scenario with children at the Atrium.
Provided all the materials and each presentation was both auditory and visual. Excellent background, context, and delineated difference between level 1 and 2. Only at moments, could the speech have been very slightly louder.
The presentations were beautifully done. I appreciated that we received them from 4 different catechists so that we could witness their own ways of presenting. One note is that in the future, when adults play the role of children in the presentations, they should make sure not to block the materials for the rest of the group.
Very clear, well prepared giving us the necessary tools to write the album pages.
The presentations are easy to follow, and there is enough time for reflections, comments or questions.
Good.
The presentation were easy to follow!
The presentations were beautifully presented. I loved how the materials were displayed on tables in a way so that we could view the materials given the space constraints.
Just right
Album Page Writing
I liked the time and assistance given. I am learning to use the computer which has been a challenge for me, everyone was helpful.Perhaps an album page sessions on zoom would be helpful.
Writing the album page is always a challenge but a good learning experience.
The requirement of completing one album page was ver reasonable. Kathleen and Anna shared a template with titles and a few details, leaving us to concentrate on the message, aims and moments of the presentation. They were always available during the lunch break or by email to assist us.
We should have more time to detail each line as small group then as a whole class. I observe that many of us have a little difficulty producing album pages maybe because we have different ways of looking at an angle or dexterity of put the words together.
Provided time to work in it during class time. Short turn around. It may have been helpful to have the album pages due one week after the intense classwork to have some time to digest and prepare.
The facilitators were available to answer any questions about album pages. Completing the album page during the week was doable.
Good guide to identify the Christian points , direct aims, indirect aims. Also extensions of the some presentations were covered
Album page writing does require a certain level of comprehension to scripture and liturgy to apply to the album page writing l. The facilitators provide sufficient feedback to successfully create the appropriate albums.
Good. (I’m not good)
It was a little bit hard to understand how to do. But will help it worked out.
I appreciate the shared album writing. I wish that there were templates for the different presentations shared for all of the presentations and not just the one that we were signed to officially write. I'm also not sure how to tell if my album page needs edits.
I’m surprised there was no support handout with doctrinal content and direct aims. It feels like we’re on our own and it takes a lot of time.
Practicum Sessions
Very useful.
We were given enough practical knowledge of the sessions based on the liturgy.
I believe this refers to our requirement to complete 10 hours of observation in an Atrium. We have access to each participant’s contact through google classroom, so this will be easy for us to arrange if we haven’t already.
It is good to practice presentations with fellow catechist. I like the way some catechists volunteer to be a "child" during role play, but maybe not for a bigger audience.
I appreciated the talk and video about the Montessori method. It was helpful to understand further the approach in the Atrium.
Good supervised practical application of the presented themes
Explanation, guide and feedback to write album pages
Explanation and practice of how to prepare materials and suggestions on what and how to use them
Good for putting the materials and learning into meditative practice.
Good.
It was interested to try to practice!
I'm not sure what is meant by the practicum sessions.
Not included
How the Course Fed Participants Spiritually
I was in need of a reflective time after a busy year in the Atrium. The course helped greatly.The new gained information will be very useful.
The course always enlightens our knowledge of God and meaning of His works and His love for us.
There's a sense of yearning to be the best that I can be to be righteous and to follow the will of God.
Wonderfully! Hemmed in prayer in De La Salle College’s Chapel, and as I said every presentation was a retreat for us!
This is a spiritual retreat for me. It was a different experience in my level I because I didn't have much knowledge about CGS that time.
Yes.
It was wonderful. I felt the gentleness of the Good Shepherd drawing me closer to Himself through Liturgy and Sacred Scripture.
I felt that I grow too much, I understood much better and learned about history and cultural moments on Jesus time
Looking at the atrium from the eyes of a child and an adult, gives me a fulfilling spiritual experience.
Well.
It helped me grow in my faith. Go deeply
The course fed me spiritually by pushing me deeper into the concepts. It felt like a lived retreat time this week and I imagine that I'll be unpacking the reflections in the coming year.
Beautiful!
What Participants will always remember about this course
The diversity of the participants. Such a wonderful example of the universality of our faith. The dedication of the formation team. The new knowledge of God's plan.
The joy and energy, the shared love for this programme, the kindness of everyone there and the wonder of discovering the truth and wisdom of Sofia and Gianna’s work!
The sharing of catechist's view after the presentation. The coming together for the morning prayer, the singing and very supportive and knowledgeable formators.
The clarity of the material, the fostering of community among the attendees.
So many things! One highlight is the immense love of God for me which leads to a love of the Law and the language of signs and symbols, to a trust and confidence in moral formation, all reminding me that I am a part of God’s great cosmic plan. What a tremendous gift. My cup overflows.
The experiences shared by the group and the knowledge, kindness, and cordiality of the catechist
I will always remember the course contents (high level) along with the great group of facilitators who guide us through the courses.
The spirit or the way they present the materials.
The peace, the quiet and the friendship!
I will remember the Fettucia ribbon. The presentation on the History of the Kingdom of God and just the vastness was incredibly powerful. I can see the power of anchoring all of our work in salvation history.
The community
What Participants would change
Maybe a little earlier start time and finish time. Transit was lighter before 8:00 and before 4:30 so maybe a half hour earlier start and finish. Not sure if the drive in would be easier for those coming from outside the city core.
There's nothing to change.
Not one single thing!
Nothing. Everything that comes from the Lord is good!
Only the timeline for submission of album pages.
A slightly shorter day, if possible to consider commute times.
Nothing.
Nothing
Shorter breaks that allow for movement. I'd prefer two five minute breaks rather than one 15 minute break.
Have some breakout space. Provide more support on the crucial elements of the album pages so people feel more confident instead of feeling like they’re guessing. Maybe there’s a reason for doing it this way but it’s different from my level one course.
Part 2 - Formation Team and Course Host
Feedback for Formation Team
Very dedicated. So much experience in the work we are doing.
Anna, Kathleen and Rosella are wonderful and knowledgeable facilitators. They are approachable and helpful when we ask questions.
A tremendous thank you for all the effort made to make sure that we were fed with the most essential elements, just as we aim to do with the children. I was amazed by your stamina, and appreciated your respect for our time and stamina as well! Also, thank you for creating the Atria for us!
Very supportive and knowledgeable, hardworking and very organized.
Wonderful formation team! Each offering a unique perspective.
To keep bringing to us this excellent way to guide the children to reflection, contemplation
The formation team is very supportive and each team member brings an approach that is practical for use in the atrium. Awesome team!
Better accommodate for audio recordings.
The team is amazing!
Thank you for a wonderful course experience!
I really love their demeanour and gracious responses to comments. It’s very helpful to have the handouts ready and bound. Google classroom is a good idea. Would be grateful for some specific information on making the materials.
Feedback for Course Host
The location was excellent. The transit was close. host families or university dorms might be an option as the cost of staying in Toronto for 6 days might limit people who might be called to this work.
The room where we were at, was too small for our large group of 30 people. The location was far and no parking was offered except for the last day of class, on a Saturday. Public transportation was used get to the course location. City traffic was a problem too.
Such an enormous task and Anna made it seem effortless. So much care was given to making sure we all were able to get there and remain comfortable during each day! What a wonderful thing that you and the team accomplished - so many seeds planted!
Subway accessible, water fountain available, washroom wide for everybody. Need to have better air control in the packed classroom, although it's ok on the weekend where there were no other people in the building.
The site was OK, but a lot of noise due to outside works. Lack of parking
Bigger rooms, if possible. The food and coffee is good. Lodging is not applicable.
N/A
Everything was perfect!!
I found that the site and food were perfect. I was a little unsure about how the pop up atrium would work but I didn't end up feeling like I was missing out.
Thanks for the all day coffee! Be aware that the rooms have a smell like plastic fumes which worries me.
Part 3 - How can we help you continue to grow in this work?
How Participants Plan to Use Formation
Participants Who Would Like to Be Contacted re: Mentoring
Suggestions for Continued Support
I have been with the association for 17 years in Northern Ontario. I have seen such positive growth in Canada. Continue your great work of training Canadian facilitators, and continue to offer courses in the Summer. This is so helpful for those of us that travel long distance. On line support and course introductions to keep the commitment and cost to travel more reasonable. The association and its members have been the lifeline for me and those of us who serve in more remote areas.
A visit to our atrium is appreciated to put forth suggestions on how we can improve or better our atrium facility.
Registration fees for Formation, Rich and informative website , email subscriptions
The current emails are sufficient for materials, events, etc.
I suppose we can work on making materials more accessible to make or buy.
I'm wondering if there will be a level 3 offered in Ontario in the next few years?
Information on finding materials