ResourceManual

181 Henlow Bay Winnipeg | MB | R3Y 1M7

P: 204.488.1757F: 204.487.4021

A Handbook for Schools

International Student ProgramPembina Trails School Division

Revised: 08.29.2016/CK

Table of ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2 - Program Office Location - Staff Members and Contact Information Current International Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 7 - History - Benefits of an International Student Program (ISP) - Why Students Choose Canada - Students’ Objectives for Studying Abroad - Countries Represented by our ISP Students - Definition of an International Student - Who is not an International Student - Application Process, Student Accomodations and Fees - Economic Benefit to Schools - Cultural Activities Provided by the ISP School-Based Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 School-Based Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 11 - School Registration, Course Related Fees and School Fitness Fees - Yearbook - Extended and/or Optional Field Trips - Driver Education Classes - Sports - Graduation/Convocation/Dinner and Dance/Safe Grad - Lunch and Before-and-After School Programs Academic Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13 - Report Cards - Parent-Teacher Interviews - Courses and Course Changes - Behaviour and Academic Concerns - Graduation Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 15 FAQ’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17

A Handbookfor Schools

Introduction to the International Student ProgramProgram Office Location The International Student Program Office is located on the main floor of the Pembina Trails School Division Administration Office at: 181 Henlow Bay, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 1M7 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday Please feel free to visit our website for more information on fees, application process, photographs and more, at: www.pembinatrails.ca/isp. Staff Members and Contact Information The International Student Program Team is comprised of the following staff members: Mr. Brent Poole, Director P: 204.488.1767 Ext. 1246 E: bpoole@pembinatrails.ca Brent is responsible for overseeing the operation and management of the program, which includes marketing and recruitment, receiving applications and placing students in schools, acting as a liaison to the school board and senior administration team and troubleshooting. Ms. Tess Cordeiro, Assistant Director P: 204.488.1767 Ext. 1137 E: tcordeiro@pembinatrails.ca Tess is responsible for some student recruitment, reviewing applications and placing students in schools, monitoring students’ academic progress, maintaining contact with biological parents and agents and additional support to the Homestay Facilitator in troubleshooting. Ms. Julie Banfield, Homestay Facilitator P: 204.488.1767 Ext. 1203 E: jbanfield@pembinatrails.ca Julie is responsible for recruiting homestay families, placing students with families, maintaining regular contact with students and their homestay families as well as general troubleshooting. Mr. Paul Friesen, Activities Facilitator P: 204.488.1767 Ext. 1132 E: pafriesen@pembinatrails.ca Paul is responsible for the planning and implementation of all of the cultural activities and field trips that are offered for our international students.

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Ms. Donna Gray, Secretary and Homestay Aide P: 204.488.1767 Ext. 1225 E: dgray@pembinatrails.ca Donna assists the International Student Program in an administrative and receptionist capacity. She also assists our Homestay Facilitator with the day-to-day operations of our Homestay Program and with the welcoming of new immigrants into Pembina Trails School Division. Mr. Shane Yang P: 204.488.1767 Ext. 1133 E: sxyang@pembinatrails.ca Shane is responsible for the financial aspect of the International Student Program and for keeping the program’s database up to date. He also assists our ISP students with their medical and immigration needs (e.g. study permits, passports, etc.). Shane also assists our Homestay Facilitator with the Homestay needs associated with our ISP students from Chinese-speaking countries.

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A Handbookfor Schools

Current International StudentsPlease note that a copy of each student’s application package is sent to their school. Please ask you administrator for the location of the files. These files include: • Student Application Form (www.pembinatrails.ca/isp/forms) • Homestay Placement Forms - if applicable (www.pembinatrails.ca/isp/forms) • Transcripts from the previous two years of school • Letter of recommendation from former teacher or director of last school attended • Photograph To access your school’s current list of International Student Program Students, please go to Mayet and follow these steps: Step #1: Open Mayet Step #2: Click on “Student Records” Step #3: Click on “Query” (top left hand corner of screen) Step #4: Go to “Program” (bottom left of screen) Scroll down to “ISP” Step #5: Click on “Execute” (top left hand corner of screen) And, PRESTO - you have a list of your entire current International Student Program students. If you notice any discrepancies, please notify the staff member in your school who manages the Mayet database.

Studying in the Heart of Canada ...

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General InformationHistory The International Student Program (ISP) started in 1995. Pembina Trails School Division was the first school division in Manitoba to formalize a program for recruiting and hosting fee-paying foreign students wanting to study in Manitoba. Many school divisions in Manitoba now offer a similar program. Benefits of an International Student Program The Pembina Trails School Division believes that there is a tremendous cultural benefit to the students, staff and community of a school that hosts international students. The school and the school division also benefit financially by hosting international students. International education is recognized as a major industry in Canada. International students who come to Canada to study have a direct annual economic impact on the country that is estimated at 6.5 billion dollars. Why Students Choose Canada The three main reasons that international students select Canada as their study abroad destination are: 1. Canada provides them with an opportunity to learn and/or enhance their English skills. 2. They want to learn about Canadian people and culture. 3. They see Canada as being a safe and friendly country. Students’ Objectives for Studying Abroad There are many reasons that students choose to study abroad and their objective(s) generally determines their length of stay. Short-Term Students (less than 5 months) These students are enrolled in a program where they are auditing classes and there is no expectiation for credit. Students usually choose a short-term program to provide them with the opportunity to learn and/or improve their English in an English-speaking environment. Many of these students require the support of the English as a Additional Language (EAL)program in the school. Long-Term Students (5 months to several years) Students enrolled in the ISP for one or more semesters are generally here to receive credit for courses that they can transfer back to their school in their home country. Some of these students have strong English skills and do not require any EAL support. Others require a range of EAL support from the school. Some long-term students plan to be in the program for several years with the goal of receiving a Manitoba high school diploma.

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Countries Represented by our ISP Students Our International Student Program student enrollment is generally represented by between 10 and 20 countries each year, including but not limited to China, South Korea, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Japan. Definition of an International Student Students who are considered to be a member of the International Student Program include those students who attend a Pembina Trails school (short of long-term) and: 1. are not Canadian citizens, permanent residents and/or whose parents/legal guardians are not Canadian citizens, landed immigrants or permanent residents. 2. are under the age of 18 and are Canadian citizens (or permanent residents) and/or whose parents/legal guardians are Canadian citizens (or permanent residents) but whose parents/legal guardians are not living in Canada. 3. are accompanied by a parent/legal guardian with a Study Permit for a program/institute that is not recognized by the Government of Canada as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). *Please see Pembina Trails School Division Policy JFABB for more details.

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Who is not an International Student Students who are not considered to be a member of the International Student Program include those students who attend a Pembina Trails School Division school (short or long-term) and: 1. are Canadian citizens (or permanent residents) and/or whose parents/legal guardians are Canadian citizens (or permanent residents) and reside with their parents/legal guardians in the Pembina Trails School Division. 2. are 18 years or older and are Canadian citizens (or permanent residents) and reside in the Pembina Trails School Division. 3. are accompanied by a parent/legal guardian with a Work Permit that is valid on September 30 of the school year of intended study and the student is attending class in a Pembina Trails School Division school on September 30. 4. are accompanied by a parent/legal guardian with a Study Permit that is valid on September 30 for an academic program at a Government of Canada Designated Learning Institution and the student is attending class in a Pembina Trails School Division school on September 30. NOTE: In all cases the Pembina Trails School Division’s International Student Program office (181 Henlow Bay) makes the final determination whether or not a student belongs to the International Student Program. If you are in doubt about whether or not a student belongs to the International Student Program, please contact your school administrator or the International Student Program office (see “Contact Information” on pages one and two of this document). Application Process International students wanting to attend a Pembina Trails School Division school must apply to the International Student Program and pay the ISP fees as outlined on the ISP website at: www.pembinatrails.ca/isp. Completed applications from the ISP students are forwarded by the International Student Program office to a school administrator for their consideration. Students are placed in a school only after the school administrator has agreed to host the student.

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Student Accomodations International Student Program students reside in one of the following 3 places: 1. with their parents/legal guardians 2. with a family member or friend of the family who satisfies our non-homestay criteria (see www.pembinatrails.ca/isp/homestay_program/homestayprogram) 3. with a homestay family arranged by the International Student Program Homestay Program. NOTE: the International Student Program Homestay Program only locates homestay families for students aged 12 to 18 years. Students in our Homestay Program receive 24/7 support from the International Student Program. Fees International Student Program students pay a tuition fee that compensates the school division for the cost of educating the student. The tuition fee also covers the cost of all school-based fees that are not optional to the students (e.g. annual registration fee, fees for supplies, field trips that are not optional, etc.). Schools can charge the International Student Program students for optional fees such as graduation dinner. NOTE: the International Student Program office is not responsible for collecting yearbook fees and/or the sending of the yearbooks to the students who have left the program. Economic Benefit to Schools All Pembina Trails schools that host International students receive funding from Pembina Trails School Division for each International Student Program student that they host. In addition, all schools (hosting or not) in the Pembina Trails school Division receive an annual financial contribution for the International Student Program in gratitude for assisting with such items as promoting our Homestay Program. The amount received varies from year to year and depends on the total revenue generated by the International Student Program. The expenditure of the International Student Program revenue is at the discretion of the school principal in consultation with the Superintendent. Schools are expected to access their International Student Program allocation to support the needs of the International Student Program students who they are hosting (e.g. staff, EAL support, supplies, etc.). Cultural Activities Provided by the ISP The International Student Program offers several field trips a year to its students to assist them with learning about the culture and people of Winnipeg and Canada. Most trips are planned outside of the regular school day. However, on occasion, it is necessary to remove the student from class for these field trips. The school will be notified in advance when these trips are being planned.

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School-Based Field TripsPermission Forms for Field Trips Field Trips within the Winnipeg Area All International Student Program students have signed permission from their biological parents to participate in all one-day field trips that take place within the province of Manitoba. You will find that signed permission on page six of the Student Application Form, a copy of which is located in the student’s file in your school. It is important that International Student Program students take field trip information home with them, including permission forms so that homestay families are aware of school activities, however homestay families are not permitted to sign these field trip permission forms. Extended Field Trips If an International Student Program student wishes to participate in an overnight field trip (e.g. ski trip, sports trip, band trip, excursions to Europe, etc.) the biological parents must provide permission. NOTE: Teachers and/or trip organizers, please forward all written material and permission forms regarding extended field trip for parental signatures to the International Student Program Assistant Director at the Pembina Trails Administration Office. Field Trip Costs Field Trips During Class Time International Student Program students are not required to pay for mandatory curriculum-based field trips (field trips that are organized during class time and are part of the curriculum). Extended and Optional Field Trips Any optional field trip or activity that an International Student Program student chooses to take part in must be paid for by the student. These activities include “Life Week”, extended field trips, Envirothon, Basketball Marathon, 30-Hour Famine, etc.

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SportsSports Waivers Participation in many school sports requires parental permission for all Pembina Trails School Division students. This includes our International Student Program students. Please forward permission forms for sports participation to the International Student Program Assistant Director at the Pembina Trails School Division Administration Office, who will obtain the biological parents’ signatures. Sports Fees Please refer to section on School-Based Fees. Sports Field Trips Please refer to section on School-Based Field Trips.

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School-Based FeesSchool Registration Fees International Student Program students pay international student fees and, therefore are not charged school registration fees. Course-Related Fees Certain courses such as Lifetime Activities, Leadership, Sports Education and Art have fees associated with them. The International Student Program students are not required to pay these fees. The cost associated with these courses are the responsibility of the school. International Student Program students have the choice to take physical education options that do not have a cost associated with them. Should an ISP student choose a physical education option that has a cost, that cost is the responsibility of the student. If an ISP student chooses to study an instrument in band that requires a rental fee, they are responsible for covering the cost associated with renting the instrument. School Fitness Facilities International Student Program students should be given access to their school’s fitness facility at no extra cost to the student. Yearbook If an ISP student would like a copy of their school yearbook, the school will cover the cost of the yearbook. However, please be aware that it is difficult for the students to receive the yearbook if they have returned to their home countries when the yearbook is available. The arrangement and any cost associated with sending a yearbook to an ISP student in their home country is the responsibility of the student. Extended and/or Optional Field Trips Extended and/or optional field trip costs are the responsibility of the ISP student. Driver Education Classes International Student Program students are not permitted to drive and are not permitted to take Driver Education classes. Sports International Student Program students are responsible for covering the costs of participating in optional sports activities in the school.

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Graduation/Convocation/Dinner and Dance/Safe Grad ISP students are responsible for covering the cost of graduation, convocation, dinner/dance and Safe Grad. NOTE: ISP students are permitted to attend Safe Grad (either as a graduate or as a guest) provided they satisfy all of the requirements for Safe Grad that are stipulated by the school. ISP students are responsible for completing the Safe Grad forms required by their school and securing the necessary signatures from their biological parents. The International Student Program office will be pleased to assist with securing the necessary signatures. Please contact the International Student Program Assistant Director. Once the ISP student leaves the Safe Grad they must return directly home and are not permitted to proceed to another venue. Lunch and Before-and-After School Programs Costs for supervised lunch will be covered by the hosting school. Any invoices pertaining to supervised lunch programs are to be forwarded to the school administrator. The cost of before-and-after school programs are the responsibility of the International Student Program student. Arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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Academic ProgramReport Cards Report cards for international students can be accessed from the International Student Program office through Mayet. Therefore it is not necessary for schools to send copies of the report cards to the ISP office. The ISP provides a copy of all report cards to the students’ biological parents/legal guardians and/or agents. The report cards should be sent to the students’ home in Winnipeg, addressed to the homestay parents in the case of a homestay student. For non-homestay students, the reports should be addressed to the guardian in the home. Parent-Teacher Interviews Homestay parents and the guardians of the students not in the ISP Homestay Program are encouraged to meet with their students’ teachers. Courses The International Student Program office requires that international students maintain a minimum of three courses per semester and recommends that students maintain a minimum of four courses per semester. International students attending school in Pembina Trails School Division have a wide variety of goals, including auditing courses, English language development and acquiring high school credits. Some students may have limited options in terms of the courses they can take. For example, students in Brazil must take one English, one math, one science, one history or geography and one physical education course. The school administrator is made aware of each ISP student’s academic goals when they are forwarded the student’s application package for consideration of acceptance.

The International Student Program tries to confirm the courses that each student wishes to take before their arrival. This information is shared with the school administrator to assist with the student’s timetabling. Course Changes International students must get approval from the International Student Program Assistant Director to change and/or drop courses. For any course changes we ask that counselors please contact the International Student Program Assistant Director.

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Behaviour and Academic Concerns Teachers are asked to address any behaviour and academic concerns of international students according to the Pembina Trails School Division Standard of Behaviour. Should the concern escalate or become a problem, please feel free to contact the International Student Program Assistant Director who may be able to problem solve or get the biological parents involved. Graduation Some international students request to graduate with a Manitoba high school diploma. This is possible provided the student meets the graduation requirements for all students in Manitoba. The International Student Program students can receive Manitoba high school credits for courses that they successfully complete in their home country. The credits that are transferred are determined by the administrator in the Pembina Trails School Division school that is hosting the student. ISP students must complete a minimum of 5 courses during their time in our program to be eligible to graduate. These courses must include English (core) 40_, Mathematics 40_, Physical Education 40F and two additional grade 12 courses 40_.

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TroubleShootingIMPORTANT: If an International Student Program student comes to you with a question that you cannot answer or with a problem that you cannot help him or her solve, please ask the student to see the school administrator. What to do if: • ... an ISP student tells me that he/she is not happy with their homestay family? (A) Please do not try to solve any problems where the homestay family is concerned. You can show concern by listening but please do not make any suggestions or give any advice. Simply ask the student to contact the International Student Program Homestay Facilitator at 204.488.1767, Ext. 1203. • ... an ISP student is failing a course? (A) If an ISP student is not passing your class and you have given the student every chance to get extra help, please contact the International Student Program Assistant Director. • ... an ISP student is struggling in English? (A) If you find that an ISP student is struggling with the language in your class, you may need to modify the course content and give the student an “E” designation for the course. Please contact your school administrator who will in turn consult with our International Student Program Assistant Director. • ... an ISP student is sick or injured? (A) All ISP students in Manitoba are covered by Manitoba Health and/or Ingle Insurance. Each student has a medical card which contains their individual insurance number. The school is sent these numbers within three weeks of the student’s arrival in Canada. If a student needs to be seen by a doctor during school hours, please call their homestay family or custodian (if a non-homestay student) to deal with the situation. If they are not available, please call the International Student Program office at 204.488.1767, Ext. 1225. In the event of an emergency, please call 204.793.7073. • ... an ISP student is disruptive in class or not doing the work required?

(A) Teachers are asked to address disruptive behaviour or uncooperative ISP students according to the Pembina Trails School Division Standard of Behaviour. If the problem continues and support is required, please contact the International Student Program Assistant Director.

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• ... an ISP student is 18 years old (or turns 18 while in the program) and requests to sign the “Age of Majority” form that restricts the school from releasing school- related information to their biological parents, homestay parents and/or guardians? (A) The “Age of Majority” form does not apply to ISP students and they are therefore not permitted to sign it. The International Student Program has an obligation to the student’s biological parents and/or agent to keep them informed about all the school-related matters involving the student, and the homestay parents have the same obligation to the International Student Progam. • ... I see that an ISP student is withdrawn and not making friends? (A) Speak with a guidance counselor at the school for advice and perhaps introduce the student to him or her.

FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CALL: 204.488.1767 Ext. 1225 These inquires include: • Students with a Study Permit • Parents with a Study Permit • Parents with a Work Permit • Students who are residents of Canada but are not living with their parents or court-appointed guardians. • Students/parents with Permanent Resident status (pending or granted) • Students who hold a Canadian passport but are not residents of Canada • Any legal guardian inquiries

FAQ’sHow do students apply for the International Student Program? • Please refer to page 6 of this document. How are fees paid by the International Student Program students used by Pembina Trails School Division, and do the schools have access to this money to help support the needs of their International Student Program students? • Please see your school administrator to answer all financially related questions regarding International Student Program students. Who do I contact if I need translation services to assist an International Student Program student? • Please contact the International Student Program office (see pages 1 and 2 of this document). How are homestay families matched with students? • Homestay families and students complete personal information profiles which are used to select the best matches possible. Criteria gathered from both profiles are then analyzed by the Homestay Facilitator. • Proximity of the homestay family home to the school the students will attend. • Family dynamics - dual/single parent, ages of children/no children, pets/no pets, family interested in music/sports, etc. What is the screening process that homestay families must go through in order to be accepted into the program? • Once it is determined that the family lives within the Pembina Trails School Division area an International Student Program application package is sent to them. • A completed application includes: - An application form which gives the International Student Program specific details about the family. - A criminal record check and a child abuse registry check completed by each person living in the home who is 18 years of age of older. - Three written references from non-family members testifying to the suitability of the family and their home environment. • The Homestay Facilitator will do a home visit to meet the entire family and to check the physical suitability of the home, safety features and do a more personal evaluation of the family.

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How are homestay families located? • The International Student Program looks for homestay families continually throughout the year. This search involves many and varied advertising methods. • School newsletters, school reader boards, attending school events and setting up an information table with handouts, community newspapers, church newsletters, and best of all - word of mouth. How do International Student Program students travel from their homestay family to their school? • The International Student Program attempts to locate a homestay family within walking distance of the student’s school. The student will sometimes ride a bike to school when the weather is appropriate. If the student lives further away than a short walk or bike ride, they will either take a transit bus or be driven by their homestay family. The Pembina Trails School Division does not provide transportation by school bus for International Student Program students. How are homestay families paid? • Homestay families are paid at the end of each hosting month by a direct deposit from the International Student Program.

“Everyone smiles in the same language.”

181 Henlow Bay | Winnipeg | MB | Canada | R3Y 1M7 | www.pembinatrails.ca/isp

Study in the heart of Canada