News
Gathering of Support
International Students Lunch
Some burdens become easier when shared, particularly if accompanied by noodles, hot tea, and common experiences.
So it appeared, when 50+ of our international students got together for a special luncheon in the upper dining hall, Saturday.
“We know some of our students are having a tough time being separated from their families because of the coronavirus [Novel Coronavirus] disease outbreak,” said Mrs. Plater, who, with Ms. Forward in the counselling department, helped plan the get-together.
“To support our students, we had a gathering which included traditional Chinese foods. There was an invitation to any international student impacted by or concerned about the coronavirus. The group of students talked and really gave each other support.”
Traditional Chinese comfort foods delivered from Duncan’s Guangzhou Garden Restaurant included stir-fry, duck, wonton soup, sweet and sour pork, sesame chicken, prawns, and noodles.
A Mandarin-speaking counsellor, Lei Belinda Chen from Nanaimo, was invited to help the students express themselves, and joined staff members, Mrs. Plater, Ms. Forward, Mr. Clinton-Baker and Mr. Mayes at the luncheon.
“Shawnigan recognizes the stress and struggles our international students are faced with and we wanted them to know we are doing our best to provide them with the necessary supports during this time of uncertainty,” said Ms. Forward.
There are currently more than two dozen nations represented at Shawnigan. School counsellors are already looking at more ways for international students to regularly meet, share, and explore the complexities of attending school away from their home countries.
Thanks to Mrs. Plater and Ms. Forward for coming up with this morale-boosting idea!
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
