The pouring rain on Friday, April 12 did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 112 English language learner (ELL) parents as they packed the cafeteria of Lord Byng Secondary School. They were there to learn how to best support their children's learning needs.

At the workshop, ELL teacher Cathy Zhang shared a list of websites that she found useful in helping students with varying language ability levels improve their vocabulary, reading and writing skills.

According to William Wong, the VSB's District Principal of Student Placement and ELL Services, "Parents are very keen to learn how they can help their children improve their English skills. Our thanks go out to teachers like Cathy who are willing to share their expertise with parents."

Parents who attended the Byng ELL Online Resource Sharing Workshop came from schools across the district including Lord Byng, Kitsilano, University Hill, Hamber and Tupper secondary schools. In addition, parents from Lord Kitchener, Queen Elizabeth, Bayview, Gordon, Elsie Roy, Shaughnessy, Quichelna, Laurier and Carvel were also present at the workshop.

"The two ELL Online Resource Sharing Workshops previously offered at the District Reception and Placement Centre were also a huge success, attracting over 120 parent participants," said Jerry Wu, the Manager of the VSB SWIS Program.

The next ELL Online Resource Workshop is scheduled for May at the Old Barn Community Centre.

Learn more about ELL community resources by clicking here.