Embracing new experiences, WSD International students love autumn outdoors

On October 3, Winnipeg School Division’s International Program organized a team building and outdoor exploration day at Camp Manitou. The drizzly start to the day did not stop the 60 students from stepping out of their comfort zone. 

As soon as the sun came out, students were thrilled to take part in new outdoor activities in a picturesque environment. 

“Students were able to try many new activities, including rock climbing, low rope games, zip lining, making bannock and more!” said Heather Schellenberg, Student Advisor, Academics and Engagement, WSD International Program. 

“They spent the day together with other students from various schools and continued to build relationships and experience the outdoors.”

Gabriel Caselli, a Grade 12 student at Grant Park High School, brings a unique perspective from Italy. 

Caselli reflects on the differences in teaching styles, “The teachers in Grant Park High School are friendly with the students. I have more opportunities to resolve my problems here. The teachers in Italy are relatively strict, and we have to stay in the same classroom from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Here, we get to move between different classrooms, and teachers engage with students on a more personal level.” 

Caselli looks forward to completing his diploma in Canada and plans to study psychology in university. He adds, “I will be returning home with lots of new experiences and new friends from all over the world.”

Caselli enjoys skiing and is excited to try it out while here in Canada. 

Quynh Vinh, a Grade 12 student at Kelvin High School who arrived here last month, said, “My high school in Vietnam starts at 7:00 a.m., here it starts at 9:00 a.m. and finishes at 3:30 p.m. Everything here is so wonderful and different. I love to hang out after school to participate in various extracurricular activities and have fun social interactions with everyone there.”

Vinh stays with a host family and cherishes the warmth and care she has received from them. Within her first month, she has already visited several iconic places in Winnipeg, like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park and Forest, and Polo Park. She loves making new friends and experiencing the new culture here in Canada. 

The students departed from Camp Manitou feeling connected and with a sense of pride for trying something new.