South Korean students participating in the Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) international program will be returning home today.
    The program is considered to be a great success this year, but its future is currently being evaluated.
    “It’s still a question mark whether or not we’ll continue next year. We need to have that conversation with the staff. Logistically on a short term stay, it’s very challenging,” said DVSS principal Curtis LaPierrie. “The only reason for continuing would be the phenomenal group we had this year. In terms of revenue, the school doesn’t need it.”
    The Korean exchange program was first held in the fall of 2011. After the success of the first exchange, it was decided to invite another 20 students in 2012.
    At the start of the school year, 20 students from South Korea arrived in Drumheller to expand their knowledge in the cosmetology, hospitality, and food industries.
    Over the past several months, the students attended class at DVSS and participated in work experience programs at local businesses.
    “This group came in with a much higher functioning level of English, their personalities are great, and they had phenomenal training before coming here. The foods students came in already knowing French classical cuisine, cake decorating, how to fillet a fish, sauces, and the list went on and on,” said LaPierre.
    Currently, the exchange occurs for the first three months of the school year. There had previously been consideration for expanding the exchange to include 40 Korean students in both school semesters. Should the exchange happen again next year, LaPierre hopes to keep it small.
    “We just don’t have a large enough community to handle that kind of capacity from a work experience standpoint. When they come, I have to make timetables and meal plans for example, so logistically it’s challenging,” said LaPierre.
    DVSS is hosted a farewell dinner for the Korean  students last night. LaPierre has spoken with students who have expressed a desire to return.
    “There are a number of students who would like to apply for a job here in Canada and get work Visas,” said LaPierre. “The reward is experiences the kids, our school, and the community has as a result of this program.”

Tony Shin (left), Crystal Mun, Britney Lee, and the remaining 17 Korean students will be heading home this Friday. The students arrived in Drumheller at the beginning of the school year and have been learning about Canada, western culture, and training for their trades. The students spent time working at local restaurants, salons, and other businesses during their stay.

    There was a shake-up two weeks ago in the furniture business in Canada, and it affects are widespread. So far however it should not have much effect on the local business community.
    On November 11, Leon’s Furniture and The Brick announced Leon’s would be acquiring The Brick. The two businesses will continue to operate under separate banners.
    Steven Peterson, owner of The Brick stores in Drumheller and Hanna said from what he understands it will be business as usual for the local stores.
    “It will be a little while before the deal is actually finalized, but the franchise owners have been told things will carry on as normal for now,” said Peterson.
    Terry Leon will remain CEO of Leon’s, but also become CEO of the combined entity.
    “This transaction brings together two great Canadian companies with complementary geographic footprints to strengthen our position in the home furnishings marketplace. We will apply the best practices of both companies to offer even greater value to our customers and create more opportunity for our associates,” said Terry Leon, president and CEO of Leon’s.
    President and CEO of The Brick Vi Konkle will continue as president of The Brick.
    “We welcome this opportunity to partner with this iconic corporation. By joining forces, we can strengthen both of our businesses, enhancing everything that has made Leon’s and The Brick two of Canada’s best-known retailers and preserving The Brick’s roots in Edmonton,” said Konkle.
    The arrangement comes at a time of changes in the Canadian retail landscape, and the coming of retail giants such as Target and Neiman Marcus.