A new face of DVSS was on full display last Friday as students, teachers and members of the community celebrated International Education Week.
November 12-16 is International Education Week and Canada is part of a community of more than 100 counties to mark the occasion that showcase the contribution international education makes.
The world was on a stage at DVSS. This year there are 57 students in the international program at the school representing about a dozen different countries. This year the numbers are up over last year and principal Curtis LaPierre said he expects the program is growing again.
“We’re getting really good at what we do, we are good at the placement of students, testing students in terms of their level of English and the marketing of students in terms of who we are bringing in,” said LaPierre. “The caliber of kids that we have been getting has been going up significantly.”
The cross section has changed as well. While in previous years the program had been marketed heavily in Asia, this year all continents save for Antarctica and Australia are represented.
The program is beneficial for the international students as it give them the opportunity tom live abroad, and study, learn or improve a second language and expand their world view. For the local students there are also great benefits.
“We call it an international program but the student body has embraced and accepted this program just as something we do. This is our normal. It is nothing extraordinary, they are just used to meeting new kids all the time that speak another language,” sad LaPierre.
Last Friday students were celebrating what makes them special through music, food, and sharing their talents. There were opportunities for students to expand horizons as well. The Duke of Edinburgh program was represented at the event and Tracy Kakuk of the Drumheller Rotary Club was on hand sharing the kinds of international experiences it offers to youth.
The food was a big hit as students, and staff at DVSS celebrated International Education Week. This year 57 student representing about a dozen countries are in the international program at the school.