Graduation Held for Thai Exchange Students

Supplied by Huron Superior Catholic District School Board…
Sault Ste. Marie: Students from three schools in the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board
(HSCDSB) had an early ‘graduation’ ceremony held in their honour during Catholic Education Week.
St. Mary’s College, St. Francis French Immersion and St. Mary’s French Immersion held the special
ceremony for twenty students from Thailand at the end of their six week stay in Canada. The exchange
students opened the event at St. Mary’s College by showing their hosts various cultural aspects of
Thailand ranging from dance to foods.
“Having students from Thailand at our schools has been wonderful for our students. A key emphasis in
education today is the development of global competencies, and this program allows our students to learn
about the world around them. This exchange allowed our students to learn about another culture, another
language and to form life-long friendships,” said St. Francis French Immersion Principal, Colleen Hannah.
“I was very amazed at the level of proficiency in English that the Thai students had in reading, writing and
in speaking. Our students at St. Francis French Immersion, who themselves are second language
learners, were amazed at how proficient the Thai students were in English. The Thai students certainly
demonstrated that perseverance in learning another language leads to success,” said St. Francis French
Immersion Grade 5/6 teacher, Stephanie MacWilliam.
“Our thanks go out to teachers Shawna Corey, Laura Moore and Lisa Moore and their students for
welcoming our guests from Thailand into their classrooms with open arms and hearts. Although their visit
was relatively brief, the adventures experienced by all created memories and friendships which will last a
lifetime,” said St. Mary’s French Immersion Principal, Donna Carricato.
The exchange students were very pleased with their stay in Sault Ste. Marie and were particularly excited
to experience a Canadian winter. Many had never seen snow and took the opportunity to learn how to ski.
They noted that there are differences in the approach to the school day in Canada compared to Thailand.
This marked the third year students from Thailand participated at HSCDSB schools. The Huron Superior
Catholic District School Board looks forward to continuing their partnership with Canasian Academic
Adventures.