Red Deer Public welcomes record high numbers of international students
The Red Deer Public Schools District (RDPSD) says they have welcomed 196 newcomers from across the globe to its Division since the start of the 2022/2023 school year.
“We have always welcomed new students from around the world, but we have seen a significant increase since last summer,” said Amy Nye, Coordinator of International Languages with the Division’s Learning Services team.
“These newcomers make such a positive difference in our classroom. They offer new perspectives, we get to learn about new cultures and about diversity, and they learn from the other students in the classroom too. It’s really mutually beneficial as we learn each other’s perspectives. They really strengthen the fabric of our communities.”
Officials say the Division is seeing the majority of new students come from Ukraine, Syria, the Philippines and Afghanistan. Nye said the Division has a strong relationship with CARE for Newcomers, who help to assist and facilitate many of the families in the process.