On November 9, senior members of the provincial government gathered in Vaughan to announce new one-time funding for the York Catholic District School Board’s (YCDSB) International Language Extended Day Program.
On hand from the government were Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora Dawn Gallagher Murphy and MPP for Richmond Hill Daisy Wai.
The International Language Extended Day Program shares the beauty of the Italian language and culture with another generation.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Education for supporting the International Language Extended Day Program that is treasured by so many students, staff and families in York Region,” said Chair of the Board Frank Alexander. “This additional language instruction is just one of the ways that the York Catholic District School Board provides our students with an excellent education.”
On hand for this exciting announcement from the Board of Trustees were Chair Alexander, Vice Chair Maria Iafrate, Chair of the International Language Extended Day Committee Angela Saggese, Trustee Michaela Barbieri and Trustee Joseph DiMeo.
“We are proud to offer the International Language Extended Day Program because when students are introduced to another culture, it builds bridges of understanding and empathy,” said Director of Education Domenic Scuglia. “The YCDSB is happy to support extended day Italian language learning, as well as the learning of many more languages outside of school hours, as part of our commitment to multiculturalism.”
Through this program, which has operated since the early 1980s, about 6,000 students in 21 schools receive an extra 100 minutes of Italian language instruction per week.
Also in attendance was the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto Luca Zeliol, President of the Maple Pioneer Italian Seniors Club Maria Eva Crisante and Domenico Servello from Centro Scuola.
“Studies have demonstrated that studying another language greatly enhances learning across the curriculum,” said Anthony Arcadi, Superintendent of Education. “Students from all backgrounds will benefit from exposure to a third language and another culture as part of their usual school day.”
To learn more about the International Language Extended Day Program, please click here.