From chilly autumn field trips to experience Canadian nature at Goldstream Park to the warmth of summer sun at the end-of-term potluck in Central Park, our LINC students have completed another action- and learning-packed year at ICA.

Learning English is vital to attaining Canadian citizenship, finding work, and feeling more settled in Canada. It’s a lot of work for newcomers, but our dedicated LINC team of teachers and volunteers at ICA work hard to help build a sense of community and to assist every single student in having the skills and confidence to reach their goals. Some of the teachers held cooking classes to prepare for the United Way bake sale fundraiser held in November. Students are happy to be asked to contribute and proud of the results of their work with a real sense of pride when they can use their own skills to help others.

During the learner conferences conducted in January and late May, teachers meet each student individually to discuss their learning, progress, strengths, and weaknesses. Each student who had collected enough artefacts in their portfolio to demonstrate progress in at least one skill area was given a learner progress report and a LINC certificate.

In March, all daytime classes come together to celebrate the end of the winter term at our Culture Day. Students prepared displays, food, music, dance, and fashion from their countries to share with everyone and take great pride in sharing their culture with others at this popular multicultural event.

Our Reading Buddies program started up again in April with a morning LINC 2 class. Volunteers are grouped with 2 or 3 students, and they read basic readers together. The students read aloud and the volunteers listen, ask comprehension questions, explain when needed, and lead a discussion on topics that arise from reading. This program is very popular with our students because, even though their English level is low, they get a chance to talk to Canadians.

 

The end-of-term potluck at Central Park, near Crystal Pool, wrapped-up the year with around 200 students and some of their family and friends in attendance. We enjoyed food, sang songs together, and shared stories, memories, and many laughs. Evening classes didn’t miss out either as they held potlucks in their classrooms on June 12 and 13 respectively.

Have a wonderful summer! We look forward to seeing everyone back on September 9 ready to learn more English that will help them attain Canadian citizenship, find work, and live their lives as they settle into their new home, Canada

Submitted by Todd Kitzler – Language Services Manager

Photos by Sharon Stoose