Students from all different backgrounds go to schools in St. Laurent.(Photo: Sylvain Sarrazin)
The whole world in one classroom
As it can be difficult for adult immigrants to integrate into their new communities, the challenge can seem like a mountain for a child starting at a new school. This is the reality for many children in St. Laurent schools, as many of the students come from other countries. Nevertheless, there are a number of efforts in place to help them.
Nearly half of St. Laurent’s residents come from other countries, and the number rises if you include students. For example, at the Émile-Legault pavilion at St. Laurent high school, there are about 70 different nationalities among the 1,600 students who attend the school. Only about 80 are pure Quebecers. “The immigrant clientele is a big concern at the school board because of the high concentration of these young people in our schools,” said Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys (CSMB) president and St. Laurent North councillor Diane Lamarche-Venne.
In order to make integration easier for new arrivals, welcome classes and special activities are offered. “During these occasions, students spend the day together, share meals, and participate in a fundraiser. This year, the money went to children in Peru,” Lamarche-Venne said.
Learning French
Language can be a difficult obstacle to overcome. However, St. Laurent schools offer courses for students who don’t already know French. “An exceptional job was done to ensure the success of students who don’t speak French or are of different cultures,” Lamarche-Venne said, adding these children often are the ones to help their parents learn the language and integrate.
About 90% of students at the Enfant-Soleil elementary school come from different cultures, their parents coming from all four corners of the earth. For that reason, the school decided to offer French courses to the parents during the evening, after their children’s classes were done.
Since 2000, the cégep de St. Laurent has also been providing French courses. Twice a year, 200 adult allophone new arrivals are split into 11 classes. They take a maximum of 1,000 class hours over 40 weeks.
The school of the world
The Enfants-du-Monde school recently opened its doors in St. Laurent, with students from 35 different countries. It is a good example of multiculturalism. “There is no difference for our students. Friends are friends,” said the school’s principal René Bernier.
While some students take special French courses, there is no particular attention paid to cultural differences at this school. “Accommodations are not a priority, because things are harmonious,” said Bernier. “We want to teach our students about more uniting subjects, like the environment and health.”
Parents seem to agree with this model, as no special demands have been made. “In five to 10 years, two out of three students will be immigrants. People have to get used to this reality and learn how to live together. I think we’re headed in the right direction in our schools,” Lamarche-Venne said.
(Translated by Elyse Amend)
Météo: Montréal, 17 mai 2008 / 9°C
/ Quelques nuages
/ Vents: 9 Km/h / Humidité relative: 76 % 
par Pascal LeBlanc 
Steven Guilbeault - 
