More than a month into the new school year, A&L Royal Academy held its official grand opening by offering a Thanksgiving luncheon that was a mix of Canadian and Chinese cuisine.
About 30 people — including staff, students, parents, dignitaries and business owners — gathered in the former RBC branch at 52 High Street West on Oct. 10 to celebrate the new private language school, which caters to international students and is focused on teaching English as a second language (ESL).
Five youths aged 19 to 23 — mostly from China — are in the first class at the private institution; the goal is to have 175 students attend the academy in three years. This year the ESL school opens, followed by an international high school next year, with other programming to follow in three years.
The academy offers four three-month semesters a year; there are no summers off. Students study 25 hours a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and can stay at the academy for as long as they need.
Patty Mohe, 19, is from Beijing and has enjoyed the school so far. She has already learned much during her first six weeks at the academy, such as learning how to read, write and speak in English.
“This is my first time come to Canada and I really like the life here,” she said.
The small class has participated in several activities so far, including playing paintball, taking part in the Terry Fox Run, and later, going to a Halloween party.
“(Paintball was) very exciting and very funny,” Mohe said, adding that she was shot many times and lost the game. Meanwhile, the Terry Fox Run was meaningful and she learned much about the great Canadian.
Once Mohe completes her high school education at the academy, she might go to college or university to study math or English, she said. Learning English at the academy has made her feel confident about achieving her future goals. She learned the language in China starting in Grade 3, but wasn’t able to speak it well.
Mohe’s parents flew in from China to attend the grand opening. She was thrilled to see them, especially since she came to Canada alone.
Hanna Gao, 23, was also excited to attend the academy. She came to the institution so she could study for a particular test and later attend college, where she might take finance. Being at the academy has made her more confident in achieving her goals.
“I can practise a lot speaking English and I can talk to people, make friends with them,” she said.
Also coming from a country of 1.2 billion people, Gao thought Moose Jaw as a small but quiet place in which to live. She thought most Moose Javians were friendly since they had given her help in her first six weeks here.
Gao attended university in China, where the schools and classes are different. She pointed out all students do there is study, study, study. But at the academy, she can participate in more social activities in Moose Jaw, an aspect she enjoys.
“Our school is beginning but we have the best teachers — (the) best experienced and kind teachers here,” she added.
Jeff Mathieson, school principal, explained that the school wants to become part of Moose Jaw. He believes the homestay experience will help immigrant students learn more about Canadian culture and the families with whom they stay. They will also be able to practise their English skills in a more informal setting.
Although some students were shy, Mathieson added most were excited to open the private institution’s doors to the public.
