October 4, 2010, Ottawa, ON — Three schools from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), in partnership with the Ottawa-Carleton Education Network and Canada Homestay International will host 28 students and two teachers from one of China’s most prestigious schools, Peking University Elementary School (PUES).
Castlefrank Elementary School Principal Andrew Canham says, "This is a wonderful and exciting learning opportunity for the students from Castlefrank Elementary School, Glen Cairn Public School, and South March Public School, as they meet with the visiting Grade 5 and 6 students from China who will study in the Kanata schools from October 7 to November 3." During their one month stay in Canada, the PUES students will be billeted in the homes of Ottawa residents, most of whom are OCDSB students or faculty, including Mr. Canham whose family is billeting two students.
It is hoped that this experience will offer the Chinese students an introduction to Canadian culture and schooling, and also provide them with an opportunity to improve their English language skills and visit some of Quebec and Ontario’s natural and man-made attractions. Mr. Canham says, "The Canadian students will benefit from this opportunity as they forge potentially lifelong friendships with their Chinese counterparts, while at the same time being introduced to the Chinese culture and language."
On Friday October 8, all 28 PUES students will meet at Castlefrank E.S. for a Welcome to the OCDSB orientation session. Special guests invited to this occasion include:
- Liu Xuyan; Second Secretary from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Canada;
- Mayor Larry O'Brien;
- Laura McAlister, Superintendent of Instruction, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board;
- Cathy Curry, Board Chair, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board;
- Ottawa Counsellors Peggy Feltmate and Marianne Wilkinson; and
- Host parents, students, teachers, and administrators from Castlefrank E.S., Glen Cairn P.S., and South March P.S.
This is a fabulous and enriching global learning opportunity for all of the staff and students involved.
-30-
For more information, please contact Castlefrank Elementary School Principal Andrew Canham at 613-592-8071 OR Communications Officer Sharlene Hunter at 613-596-8264.