With the 2006-2007 school year underway, I am happyto report that this year's program is off to a greatstart. We have over 70 students attending six schoolsin our district. Students from Brazil, China, Colombia,Hong Kong, Mexico, France, Japan, Germany, Vietnam,South Africa and South Korea are studying with us thisyear.

Please accept my thanks for your warm welcome ofthese students in your schools and in your homes.

It is hard to believe that time passes so quickly andthat students who are with us for only one semesterare more than half way through their internationalexperience. For many students, there are only 10

weeks before you return home. Make the most of whatCanada has to offer! This is especially important aswinter approaches. Canadians find activities to keepthemselves active during the long winter evenings.Have you found a club, a sport, or other activity forthe upcoming winter months at school or in your com-munity?Remember, our staff is here to help make your yea.r asan international student or homestay family a memo-rable one. If you have any questions or concerns,please feel free to contact us.

Have a great year!

Robert Porkka, DirectorInternational Services

INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTERTelephone: 403-343-1405e-mail: internationalservices@rdpsd.ab.cawebsite: www.rdpsd.ab.ca/internationalservices

address: 4747-53 Street, Red Deer, Alberta Canada T4N 2E6

FALL 2006

Greetings from the Director

Almeida, FilipeBRAZILAlmeida, TalitaBRAZILAraiza, XavierMEXICOAvila, AndreaMEXICOBaba, MaiJAPANBarrera, SantiagoMEXICOBetzler, Shirin JasminGERMANYBustillos, ArturoMEXICOCassini, MarcosBRAZILCastillejos, BrendaMEXICOCavazos CarolinaMEXICOCeballos, AdrianaMEXICOCeballos, GraubenMEXICOChaparro, SindyMEXICOCheung, ChristyHONG KONG

Choung, Su-AhKOREAChoung, Su-JungKOREADelacourt, CharlesFRANCEFlores Garcia, RogelioMEXICOFontana, MilenaBRAZILFu, ZhenyuCHINAGonzalez, DiegoMEXICOGonzalez, SantiagoMEXICOGutierrez, PamelaCHINAHan, Sang DeokKOREAHan, Song YiJAPANHe, ShuaiCHINAHuang, Luo XiCHINAKhourichfa, SafaaFRANCEKim, HyunjooKOREA

Kim, JunghoonKOREAKim, Yoon SangKOREAKinoshita, RisaJAPANKraus, PatrickGERMANYLam, Fu SingCHINALeao, Clarissa LapaBRAZILLee, Jae YeobKOREALehner, Anna KatarinaGERMANYMaaneri, AichaFRANCEMartinez del Rio, AnaMariaMEXICOMatuzaki, JulianaBRAZILMiyano, YukaColombiaMo, RongjunCHINAMolina, DanielaMEXICO

Moriuchi, SakikoJAPANMuniz de Oliveira,LeticiaBRAZILNguyen, VanVietnamOkamoto, YoshiakiJAPANPenagos, Luisa M.ColombiaPerez, Mariana MEX-ICORamirez, Oscar MEX-ICOReyes-Flores, HectorMEXICORo, JuhyunCHINARossi, Ana LuizaBRAZILRoxo Nobre, MathiasBRAZILSalvadori, LucasBRAZILSantamaria, JoséMEXICOSchwob, ChristinaFRANCE

Shimaguchi, AikoJAPANShin, Sun MeeKOREASo, MillardCHINAStroebel, GuilhermeBRAZILTong, KelvinHONG KONGTurner, LindaGERMANYVedie, MagalieFRANCEWang, ShuaiCHINAWong, Ying LunCHINAYamano, HarukaJAPANYik, ChouCHINAYoo, Su BinKOREAZhou, YeCHINA

RED DEER WELCOMES THE WORLD!

CANADIAN HOLIDAYSTo learn more about Canadian holidays, go to http://www.cal-endarupdates.com/Holidays/canada.htm

Halloween Holiday:Halloween Holiday is celebrated onOct. 31st and is the eve of AllSaints' Day. It is observed with tra-ditional games and customs enjoyedby children all around the world. Theword Halloween comes from medievalEngland's All Hallows' Eve.

Witches and other evil spirits were believed to roamthe earth on Halloween evening, playing tricks, espe-cially on children. Bonfires were lit, offerings weremade of foods and sweets. People would disguisethemselves as one of the roaming spirits in order totrick the spirits. Today, children often dress up aspopular heroes such as Spiderman, Superman, HarryPotter, and Yu-Gi-Oh, to name a few. They go fromdoor to door shouting “trick or treat” in the hope thatthey will receive candies. Halloween has become afavorite holiday among children in Canada.

Remembrance Day Holiday:For millions of Canadians, the poppy haslong been the flower of Remembrance.Originally, it was a reminder of theblood-red flower which grew in the fieldswhere many Canadians died during World

War I in Belgium. Remembrance Day is observed onNovember 11th throughout Canada. A famous poemwritten for Remembrance Day is "In Flanders Fields",by John McCrae (Guelph, Canada) and is often recitedat Remembrance Day ceremonies. Remembrance Dayis also observed in Australia and Great Britain.

Christmas Holiday:The word “Christmas” comes from Christ's Mass inChristian religion. Roman Catholic and ProtestantChurches celebrate Christmas Holiday on December25th. Other religions celebrate Christmas on differ-ent dates like January 07 or January 25. The date ofChristmas coincides closely with the winter solstice inthe Northern hemisphere, a time of rejoicing amongmany ancient cultures. Today, Christmas is celebratedin many countries, but primarily in Western Europe,South and North America, andAustralia.

In the mid 19th century, the focus ofthe holiday season became gift-givingand good cheer. Christmas cards firstappeared in the 1850s.

Gift giving at Christmas began primarily as an Englishcustom. The Christmas tree was a tradition that orig-inated in Germany and has become a Canadian tradi-tion. A midnight church service is often held onChristmas Eve as a popular religious observance of theholiday.

Boxing Day Holiday:Boxing Day is observed one day after Christmas Dayon December 26th. Boxing Day is listed in theCanada Labour Code as a holiday, and is celebrated inBritain, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Canada. Inother countries this holiday may be called by a dif-ferent name. Many stores offer “Boxing Day Sales”,and is a well-known shopping day in Canada.

MINI FESTIVAL AT HHHSOn Monday,October 16th,International /ESL studentsat Hunting HillsHigh Schoolhosted a MiniFestival andSale. Therewere boothsrepresenting

their countries with music, crafts, games, and BESTof all - FOOD! Passports were issued to studentsso they could collect a stamp from each representa-tive country. The festival included students fromMexico, Brazil, Colombia, Korea, China, Japan,Vietnam, Iraq, France, Spain, and Germany. A largerfestival with similar themes will be held in March2007 in conjunction with International Elimination ofDiscrimination Day.

MAKING MOON CAKESInternational studentscelebrated a Mid-Autumn Moon Festivalby making moon cakesand decorating themwith Kanji symbols,traditional Chinese

calligraphy. The moon cakes were then sold to staffand students to enjoy. It was a great bonding expe-rience for the studentsinvolved. Lesley Young, ESLteacher at HHHS, reportsthat one of the most inter-esting activity was listeningto a French Internationalstudent explain the Chinesesymbols, in English, to Canadian students and receiv-ing support and clarification from his Chinese-speak-ing friend. True International Spirit!

INTERNATIONAL SUPPER

On Tuesday, September 26, Hunting Hills HighSchool hosted an International Pot Luck supper. Theschool cafeteria provided salads, perogies, vegetabletrays, buns and beverages. Familes were requestedto bring a main dish or dessert to share.

After the opening remarks by Mr. DavidMacLean, principal of Hunting Hills HighSchool, students were asked to brieflyshare an experience they have had sofar in Canada.

The mood was festive and everyone hada great time!

A sampling of countries represented at the dinner...

Students pose for a group photo ...

TRILINGUAL EXECUTIVEASSISTANT PROGRAMSafaa Kourichfa is a college studentfrom Ecole Jeanne D'Arc in Mulhouse,France who recently completed a sixweek internship in the InternationalServices Office. Safaa is presentlyenrolled in the Trilingual Executive

Assistant Program. Her knowledgeof French, English, German andArabic was very helpful to us inInternational Services. We willmiss her. Thank you Safaa.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Students requiring transport to the Calgary airport forChristmas vacation may book a van service to drive to theairport. Host families may drive you, but are not obligatedto do so. Pick up and delivery to the airport is providedonly when you begin and end your program on the designat-ed weekends.

Website:www.airportshuttleexpress.com/RedDeer.htm#Airporter

Phone Reservations:24 Hour Local Reservation Number: (403) 509-4799

Email Contact:kenm@airportshuttleexpress.com

Cost:1-5 person van is $165 one way

“This service is offered between Calgary InternationalAirport and ANY residence, hotel, motel, condo, office,hostel or school in Red Deer. We go "door-to-door". Wewait for late flights and will travel anytime, subject toroad/weather conditions. We are the only company with a24 hour staffed airport check-in office...we are at the air-port whenever your flight arrives!”

If this van service is unavailable please contact us atInternational Services and we may be able to assist youwith alternate services.

CONGRATULATIONS!The Simmons family who hosted formerInternational student, José Campos, recentlyattended an award ceremony at Lindsy Thurberon his behalf. José’s final English 30-2 mark was86% and Connie and Dennis attended on hisbehalf and accepted the award for José. Quitean accomplishment!

E-MAIL ALERT!All students should now be using school district e-mail. A fully illustrated instruction sheet on how toaccess your account is included below.

We will send you important information and updatesto your e-mail accounts.

If you are having problems, please contact theInternational Services office or your school librari-an, and we’ll be happy to help

PUMPKIN CARVING AND HALLOWEEN COSTUMESStudents at Lindsay Thurber and Hunting Hills High Schools celebrated Halloween with aninternational flair.

Three amigos ...

It’s not really a hat ...

Three heads are better than one...

Three hands ... three heads ???

Purrr-fect ...

Very mysterious ...

A couple of Alberta cowgirls ...

CELEBRATE!

Mr. Rob Porkka is the Director of InternationalServices. Born in Red Deer, Mr.Porkka has served as a teacherand Vice Principal at EastviewMiddle School, Central MiddleSchool and most recently, as VicePrincipal of Lindsay Thurber HighSchool.

Mr. Porkka has travelled throughout the world to over55 countries. In addition, he has taught, on loan,from Red Deer Public Schools for NATO and theDepartment of National Defense in Baden Baden,Germany and Brunssum, The Netherlands.

Mr. Porkka speaks 5 languages to varying degrees, andis one of the founders of the French Immersion pro-gram in Red Deer. He has taken hundreds of studentson educational trips and exchanges to Quebec and toEurope throughout his career. Mr. Porkka screens andoversees both inbound and outbound international stu-dents.

He may be reached at 342 3726 ( office phone) or bye-mail rporkka@rdpsd.ab.ca

Mrs. Jane Davies is the Homestay Coordinator forInternational Services. Originally from England, Mrs.Davies has been in Canada for manyyears, and has lived in Red Deer for thepast 14 years. She has three grownchildren, so has some personal experi-ence in raising teenagers. Mrs. Davies also works as a substitute

teacher, spending most of her time at LindsayThurber, Hunting Hills, Eastview Middle and CentralMiddle schools. As Homestay Coordinator, Mrs. Davies works atmatching international students with homestay fami-lies. She looks at application forms closely in order tofind the best match possible.

Mrs. Davies may be reached at 342-3729 (office tele-phone), 352-2823 (cell phone) or by e-mail atjdavies@rdpsd.ab.ca

Mrs. Sherry Ainscough is theAdministrative Assistant forInternational Services.

Originally from the United States,Mrs. Ainscough immigrated to Canadaand is now a Canadian citizen.

Mrs. Ainscough joined the International Servicesstaff in 2005. She has worked at Hunting Hills andLindsay Thurber High Schools and brings over twentyyears of experience to International Services.

Mrs. Ainscough is in the office on Tuesdays andThursdays (9:00am - 4:30pm) and on Wednesdaysfrom 9:00am to 3:00pm.

She may be reached directly at 357-3990 or by e-mail at sainscough@rdpsd.ab.ca

The Staff of Red Deer’s International Services Office ...

The Red Deer International Education Alliance (R.D.I.E.A) is a partnership between the Red Deer College,Red Deer Public School District and the Red Deer CatholicRegional Division. In recognition of the importance of aninternational strategy for each partner, the alliance isdesigned to foster cooperation among the partners to pro-vide a complete Central Alberta profile for InternationalEducational services from kindergarten to degree level.

Red Deer Public Schools is the host institution for the home-stay program for students attending one of the three partner's institutions.

Red Deer International Education AllianceWhat is R.D.I.E.A?

WWEEAATTHHEERRDescent into winter is as difficult as winteritself. The period of time in which the bodyis making the adjustment to lower tempera-tures is the most uncomfortable. Canadiansare cold at this time as well, as we have allenjoyed the warmer summer temperatures.

• Wind chill factor - wind-proof clothing is desirable.

• You will not freeze, but you could freeze the skin on parts of your body. This is called frostbite.

• It is advisable to listen to a weather forecast each day to prepare for the conditions you are likely to experience.

• The sun shines on the coldest days of the winter. Cloudy days are often warmer.

CCLLOOTTHHIINNGG• should be wind-proof and water-proof. Cover the

pulse points FEET - keep them dry and warm with

• wool socks• water-proof boots • open boots in class, get material that breathes • no leather soles as these are slippery on ice • powder your feet • put insoles in your boots

HANDS - mittens are warmer than gloves, and make them wind-proof

HEAD - protect ears and forehead NECK - wear scarf and turtleneck sweaters UNDERSHIRT - keep it tucked in! LAYERS work well - generally speaking,

tight clothing is not warm ALLOW ROOM for air between layers of clothing JACKETS/COATS - features to look for:

• long, nearly to knee • high collar or hood • cuffs that close around hand • pockets to slip hands into• waist cinch • wind-proof • lining is important • should be large enough to accommodate a sweater • Some jackets have detachable lining which is it's

own jacket (a good multipurpose, all season choice)

WARMTH TP: In very cold weather, expose as little skinas possible. Frostbite can happen in a very short time,especially if cold temperatures are accompanied by highwinds.

PPHHYYSSIICCAALL HHEEAALLTTHH• sunshine - will help mood • oxygen - get outside and change air in room where

you sleep or study • exercise - preferably out of doors. Walk rather

than taking the bus whenever possible.• wear sunscreen and sun glasses

• vitamins - natural source, do not replace balanceddiet with vitamins from a bottle, but supplement if you must

• eat lots of fruit and vegetables (Canadian cookbooks available at public library)

• walk safely - ice cannot always be seen either underfoot or hanging above your head.

• After a heavy snowfall, sidewalks sometimes disap-pear and pedestrians are forced onto the streets. If you must walk on the street, always walk facing

oncoming traffic, and be prepared to climb up ontothe snow bank, if necessary

• weather reports - check them out before leaving the house. Dress accordingly

SAFETY TIP: Conditions can change dramatically over 24hours

• COLDS - you will get them. Get some information now on colds and how to help the body recover. Sleep, drink plenty of liquids and eat fruit

. • There is no medicine to get rid of a cold. There are over-the-counter medicines to help relieve the symptoms of a cold.You need not consult a doctor about these; ask the pharmacistfor advice. Generally, colds take one week to work through thesystem.

COMFORT TIP: Put moisture into the air by leaving watersitting in a bathtub, or hanging laundry up to dry in yourroom. Make sure your bedroom has moist air - moistureprotects the sensitive tissues in your nose and throat fromdrying out and becoming vulnerable to cold viruses. Dry aircan also cause headache.

• Reduce heat in your living area at night • When the air is dry, your skin will be dry, flaky and

itchy. Use a cream or moisturizer

PREVENTION TIP: wash your hands often and do not putthem near your eyes, nose or mouth as this is the mostcommon way for viruses to be introduced into your body.

EEMMOOTTIIOONNAALL HHEEAALLTTHH LAUGHTER AND PLAY - embrace winter games and sports, dosomething silly, be child-like, find sunshine, look for a sunny win-dow and sit in it for as long as possible each day, manage yourworkload to allow for the unexpected. Reduce the stress ofhaving too much work and too little time. Find a creative outlet.Keep a journal - describe your experiences and tell how you feelabout it all - sketch, paint, dance, sing

IIDDEEAASS FFOORR SSTTRREESSSS MMAANNAAGGEEMMEENNTT• find a balance between work and play • stay physically active, preferably out of doors • laugh • make friends • exercise your creativity • check out the resources of your

school and community.

... stay warm and have fun!

LEARNING TO LOVE WINTER

Japanese Beef Teriyaki with StickyRice Recipe (Makes 4 servings)

For Marinade:1 tablespoon finely minced ginger2 garlic cloves1 scallion, finely sliced1 tablespoon light brown sugar1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper1/2 cup soy sauce2 tablespoons sake or dry sherry

For Steaks:4 filet mignon steaks, about 6 ounces each

For Rice:2 cups short-grain white rice2 cups water

TO PREPARE MARINADE: Combine all the marinadeingredients in a shallow dish or bowl. Add the steaksand massage with the marinade. Let sit at room tem-perature for 1 or 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight.Turn the steaks occasionally.

TO PREPARE RICE: Rinse the rice under cold running

water until the water no longer looks milky. Soak in abowl of water for 1 hour. Drain the rice and place in asaucepan with 2 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil,turn the heat to low, and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until thewater has been absorbed and the rice is sticky andsoft. Keep warm.

TO PREPARE STEAKS: Remove the steaks from themarinade. Grill for about 4 minutes per side for medi-um-rare or about 5 minutes per side for medium.Thinly slice across the grain and serve with the rice.

Teriyaki is a Japanese technique of marinating meat (usu-ally beef, pork, or chicken) in a soy sauce-based seasonedmarinade before frying, grilling, or broiling it at high tem-perature. Teriyaki is also the name given to condimentsauces likely to be found on supermarket shelves contain-ing similar ingredients. The sugar in this marinade givesthe steak a sweet and glossy glaze, but take care whengrilling that the flame does not burn it and make it bitter-tasting. You can double the marinade recipe and reservehalf as a dipping sauce for the beef. Of course, in Japanyou might find teriyaki made with Kobe beef, an exclusive,full-flavored, and very tender variety that is fed liberalamounts of beer and massaged with sake (sounds likequite a life, doesn't it!). However, you may need to takeout a mortgage to try it, since this life of luxury makesKobe beef extremely expensive at upwards of $100 perpound

RECIPE CORNER

Feedback "Beefs and Bouquets"

International Services www.rdpsd.ab.ca/internationalservices

Red Deer Public School Board 4747 53th Street

Red Deer, Alberta, CanadaT4N 5E6

Central Services: 403 343-1405 Central Office Fax 403 347-8190

Feedback, both positive and constructively critical, is an important aspect of operating agood International Student Program. This sheet will be included with each InternationalNewsletter in order to open another channel of communication. Please use it, if possible, andsend it back to us. (It can be dropped off at our office, faxed to 347 8190 or e-mailed tointernationalservices@rdpsd.ab.ca) It may be signed or anonymous, it's up to you.

Bouquets: Things that I like about the International Student Program:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Beefs: Things that I would change or add to the International Student Program:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________