Christina Gordon Public School Leads the Way as Alberta's First Language Friendly School

(Fort McMurray, AB - August 23rd, 2024) Christina Gordon Public School has reached a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Language Friendly School in Alberta, joining the global movement led by the Rutu Foundation. This prestigious designation underscores the school's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students of diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The Language Friendly School initiative, spearheaded by the Rutu Foundation, is a global movement aimed at creating educational spaces where every child feels welcome and can thrive, regardless of their native language. These schools adopt policies and practices that promote multilingualism and respect for linguistic diversity, recognizing each student's valuable cultural and cognitive contributions.

In today's interconnected world, multilingualism is not just an asset but a necessity. By becoming a Language Friendly School, Christina Gordon Public School is paving the way for Alberta's more inclusive education system.

According to data from 2016, more than 80 languages are spoken within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), making the region more diverse than the city of Toronto. “We see this diversity reflected in the student population at our school,” says Emilie Giroux, Vice Principal of Christina Gordon School, “and it is important that we are taking steps to meet the unique needs of multilingual students. Joining Language Friendly Schools is an important part of formalizing the initiatives that we have already undertaken and collaborating with other schools to improve our practices.”

For Christina Gordon Public School students, this achievement means a learning environment where their linguistic and cultural identities are recognized and celebrated. It means having access to resources and support that enable them to excel academically and socially. Most importantly, it means being part of a community that values and respects their unique contributions.

As a Language-Friendly School, Christina Gordon School pledges to foster an inclusive environment that honours and supports its students' diverse linguistic backgrounds. This includes refraining from limiting the use of home languages within the school premises. Additionally, Christina Gordon is developing a tailored language plan that aligns with its school community's specific needs and priorities.

“At CG, we have taken steps to bring our commitment to life,” says Christina Gordon School Principal Rick Thorne. “We understand the importance of effective communication, so we have translated school newsletters and essential documents into multiple languages. We also proudly display flags representing students’ home countries throughout the school as a reminder of the rich cultural mosaic that makes our school community unique. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not buzzwords for us; they are the pillars of our school culture. By embedding these values into our daily practices, we aim to create an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and has the best opportunities to achieve their educational goals.”

Christina Gordon Public School's designation as a Language-Friendly School is not just a milestone but a beginning. It sets a precedent for other schools in Alberta and across Canada to follow suit. By championing linguistic diversity, Christina Gordon Public School enriches its students' lives and sets them up for success in a globalized world.

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