OVER a hundred enthusiastic Langley international students and homestay parents were greeted and welcomed to Langley by Township Mayor Jack Froese and City Mayor Ted Schaffer at Langley’s First Annual International Students’ Day at the Muriel Arnason Library.
The Mayors noted, “Multicultural hospitality is a something that we value in Langley so as we celebrate October’s National Manners and Character Month it was great to give our international students a warm welcome.”
Students loved getting their photos taken with the mayors as well as having fun with Master-of-Ceremony Judi the Manners Lady, learning memory tricks on how to say “Hi” in each other’s language, practicing firm and friendly handshakes with each other and the value of a friendly smile as they pass other students in the hall.
Other special guests included Canadian Citizenship Judge Dane Minor, Langley Tourism Executive Director Deborah Kulchiski, former MLA Dave Hayer, TWU’s Elaine Johnston, author Tom Watson, ISM Canada Youth Leader Skye Fulton, Young Life’s Jared Vince, Youth Unlimited’s Danny Fergason, and LEFC Youth Pastor Chris Sawka.
Langley is home to over 900 international students with 500 students enrolled in the Langley school district and over 400 international students at Trinity Western University, Kwantlen University, Langley Christian School, and Kings Christian School. School district international students come from China , Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Vietnam, Spain, Italy, Thailand and Turkey, and university students come from India and other countries.
Also honoured at the event were Langley’s ISP (international student coordinators) at each high school as well as the homestay parents who welcome international students into their homes and serve as “ambassadors” for Langley and for Canada.
The event was hosted by FVRL’s Dr. Sarwan Singh Randhawa, at the Muriel Arnason Library. He noted, “It was exciting to meet many international students from a variety of different countries, to welcome them to Langley and to give them a feeling how friendly and resourceful our Langley is.” Sarwan also invited everyone to Township of Langley’s 10 annual Diwali (Festival of Lights) that will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Muriel Arnason Library.
International Students’ Day “Welcome to Langley” event was the vision of Judi Vankevich, the Manners Lady and CEO of the non-profit Canadian Centre for Manners and Civility. For more information on being part of Langley’s International Friendship Network or Langley City of Character, contact Judi at info@nationalmannersmonth.com or call 604-530-4346.
