SD42 superintendent Sylvia Russell welcomed incoming international students to the school district during an assembly at Riverside Centre on Tuesday.
“We’re so pleased to provide these students the opportunity to study in our schools, make new friends and experience living in the community,” said Russell. “Having international students with such diverse backgrounds adds to the vibrancy of our schools and broadens global understanding in our classrooms.”
Approximately 620 international students will attend elementary and secondary schools in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows during the 2016-2017 school year.
Students from this year’s international class represent 17 different countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
After receiving an academic orientation and meeting SD42’s International Education staff on Tuesday, the new students got their first taste of the Canadian outdoors with a trip to Golden Ears Park for a canoe adventure in Alouette Lake.
“We look forward to our new secondary student arrivals each year. Orientation is an opportunity to make sure students feel welcome and understand expectations,” explained Tricia McCuaig, vice principal of International Education.
“These students contribute to the diversity in our schools and in our community, and providing a well-rounded academic, homestay and cultural experience is foundational. It is why our district continues to attract students from all over the world.”
To learn more about SD42’s International Education program, click here.
Photo caption: Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District superintendent Sylvia Russell welcomed a group of 500 international secondary students during an assembly at Riverside Centre on September 6.