From the Smoky Lake Signal, Wednesday, September 25, 2002. Volume 25, Number 20.

Board Votes yes to Foreign Students

Aspen View School Board, September 18, voted to allow two Korean students to attend Athabasca School. The board's policy on foreign students was designed to deal with senior high students who have a good command of English before they come. But this request was from the children's uncle, an Athabasca resident, who asked that the 5 and 13 year old relatives attend school while their parents in Korea apply for immigration status. The children would live with the uncle.
The school board members were concerned that the children did not have a command of the English language, and could be a burden for the teachers.
The board voted to allow the children to attend the school so long as the proper student visas, rather than visitor's visas were acquired and the full cost of approximately $8,500 per student were paid for by the family.

Athabasca Trustee Wayne Kowalchuk expressed his concern that the students did not fall under the normal policy. This would open the door for others to come.
Superintendent Rudi Grab replied that other school jurisdictions are looking for foreign students to increase enrollments.

Then there are six more Korean students who might also want to come at a later date. 

Trustee Laurie Genert wanted the visas to be clarified before allowing the students into the school. Why are the children here with the uncle and why are there six more waiting? Is it a way of getting them here to get landed immigrant status, using the school as a foot in the door? asked the trustee, who said she was not against it, but wanted more information.

Trustee Joe Gerlach from Athabasca wanted assurance that not only the student's share of instructional cost is paid, but maintenance and operational costs as well.
Athabasca Trustee Rita Sequeira said it is not uncommon for foreign students to want to come to Canada to learn English and it would be a shame to deny them the opportunity.

The board agreed to allow the two students to attend and would make the decision on whether six more students, the ones who are not family members, would be allowed to attend at a later date.

Two councillors, Kowalchuk and Koehler, voted against the motion. They want to see a policy in place first.

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