ELLs in our Schools In the 2009-2010 school year, nearly 200 ESL students are registered in the schools of the ESDNL.  These students contribute enormously to their schools by bringing diversity, multiculturalism and a global perspective, along with their own unique skills and personalities, to the school population.  Although some schools enjoy higher populations of English as a second language (ESL) students than others, ESL students are spread throughout the District.  ESL students are registered in 22 schools of the ESDNL this year. The purpose of this website is to provide information for the teachers of these students.  Here, teachers can learn more about welcoming ESL students into their classrooms, making content accessible to ESL learners, and supporting ESL students in the school.    Teaching ELLs has become a major focus in schools across North America, and the amount of information available on the Internet can be overwhelming.  This website sifts through the available information to provide you with direct access to the best.  Links are usually to one– or two-page articles or other short resources, like videos, that are informative, concise and relevant to the ESDNL context. Those wanting further information can try the links under the Want More? headings found at the bottom of each page or the Other resources section of the website. Important note: Most of the information available on teaching ELLs was developed in areas with higher immigrant and international populations, which include the United States and the more populous provinces in Canada.  People from other countries settle all across North America and ELLs face similar challenges in school no matter where they are.  So do not be put off by resources prepared outside the Newfoundland or Canadian context; the information they provide applies equally to ELLs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Who are ESL students? Like elsewhere in Canada, ESL students and their families come to Newfoundland and Labrador for a wide variety of reasons, including work, studies, to join family or escape war or other persecution.  They may be in Canada temporarily or have made Canada a permanent new home.  Like all students, they have different backgrounds and past experiences, including educational experiences, depending on their personal histories. Where are ESL students? ESL students are spread throughout the District, but the following schools are receiving ESL service in 2009-2010: Baltimore Elementary Macdonald Drive Junior High Bishop Field Elementary Macpherson Elementary Bishop Abraham Elementary Mary Queen of Peace Elementary Brother Rice Junior High Morris Academy Cowan Heights Elementary Rennie’s River Elementary Hazelwood Elementary St. Andrew’s Elementary Holy Cross Elementary St. George’s Elementary Holy Heart High School St. Mary’s Elementary Larkhall Elementary St. Matthew’s Elementary Macdonald Drive Elementary St. Teresa’s Elementary Virginia Park Elementary Want more? Click here for more information on: • ELLs in Canadian schools • Immigration to Canada © 2010 Eastern School District Information and content by Martha Trahey