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from yokohama to red deer

Red Deer Catholic hosting 67 Japanese students on first half of exchange program

Apr 13, 2024 | 7:50 PM

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) is hosting 67 grade 11 students from Japan this week and next.

The students arrived Friday from Yamate Gakuin High School in Yokohama, continuing a tradition with RDCRS dating back to 1988.

Their two-week journey will take them to various local schools, Banff, West Edmonton Mall, and many other quintessentially Canadian experiences like a high school dance, movie night, and bowling.

“We are thrilled to welcome the students from Yamate Gakuin High School to Central Alberta for the first time since 2018,” said Jeff Lerouge, Dual Credit Program Teacher at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School.

“This exchange has built bridges between our communities for over three decades, and we are proud to continue this tradition of friendship, learning, and cultural exchange. We look forward to two weeks of enriching experiences and lifelong memories.”

In July and August, 17 students from École Secondaire Notre Dame High School, seven from St. Joseph High School and three from Innisfail High School (another program participant) will stay with local families in the Yokohama area as part of the second half of the exchange.

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