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Good schools know the importance of welcoming international students and helping them adapt to new environments and cultures. But great schools, like Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, go a step further. They create a nurturing space where students can immerse themselves in a new community while preserving their identities.
Just ask graduate Giselle Leung, who was once nervous to begin anew in Canada as a 10th grader. Thankfully, her first day at Rockway was everything she hoped it would be and more. “I was met with warm welcomes from every teacher and student. My peers were incredibly friendly, they invited me for lunch, included me in group projects, and even invited me to social events outside of school,” she says.
But what stood out most to Leung was Rockway’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly in how it celebrated cultural events. During Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, the school held special meals where Leung and her peers got to socialise and enjoy delicious dishes. “These events made me feel valued and connected to my culture while being embraced by a new community,” she says.
Nothing less is expected of a school with over 40 years of experience in creating a nurturing and supportive environment where international students can thrive. A cornerstone of its success in this area is Jill Sauer’s unique role. As the International Student Programme Coordinator, her tasks go far beyond planning the on-campus events that cure homesickness or coordinating trips beyond campus for students to discover the best of Ontario.
She’s focused solely on the well-being of international students, offering continuous support and personalised guidance throughout their Rockway journey. “I get to know each student personally, and I support them academically, socially, and emotionally during their time here,” says Sauer. “I ensure that they feel comfortable at school so that they can perform their best academically and are well-positioned to make friends with both domestic and international students.”
Rockway students have the opportunity to take part in both domestic and international trips. Above photo taken during Rockway’s annual Grade 10 trip to Quebec City, Quebec. Source: Rockway Mennonite Collegiate
Sauer also regularly communicates with families back home and personally selects homestay families. “This is a really important part of my job,” she says. “A homestay experience allows students to learn more about Canadian culture and further develop their English skills, and it means that they have a parent figure caring for them and looking after them. Many of our families and students develop long-lasting relationships, and our international students are well cared for by their host families who create a home away from home for them.”
Her motivation behind ensuring students get the most out of their Rockway education is so they can confidently take their next academic step. Sauer is instrumental in ensuring international students master the English speaking and writing skills required to join a North American university or college.
It helps that universities see a Rockway diploma as a sign of a well-educated, well-adjusted student who is more than ready for the rigours of post-secondary education, whether in Canada or abroad. The school’s track record of sending students to some of the best universities is a direct result of the well-rounded preparation and care provided to international students.
Image taken at the Palais Garnier in Paris when Giselle was participating in Rockway’s grade 11 trip to France and Germany. Source: Rockway Mennonite Collegiate
Leung certainly got all the help she needed. She has been accepted to McMaster University for a Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Science. “I am grateful for the many opportunities at Rockway that allowed me to grow both personally and academically,” she says.
The opportunities Leung speaks of are Rockway’s extracurricular activities, which cater to many interests. From Visual Arts and Athletics to Vocal and Orchestral Music, Robotics, Drama, and Leadership Development, students are encouraged to dive into their passions and get involved in what excites them.
They can participate in competitive sports, music festival performances, academic field trips, and grade-specific excursions. Travelling abroad is possible too. Over the years, Rockway’s exchange programmes have taken students to France, Germany, Jordan, Guatemala, and China. As universities seek more well-rounded applicants who excel beyond academics, such experience makes them stand out.
“We care about the whole person at Rockway, and we are dedicated to helping students develop into mature, conscientious global citizens,” says Sauer. “Welcoming international students to become part of our school community helps to broaden our perspectives on what it takes to live in a united and peaceful world.”
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