[URBAN NOTE] "'Newcomer high' under fire in Toronto board review"

[rfmcdonald]

Kristin Rushowy at the Toronto Star writes about the tensions in Toronto education, with shortages.

Even though its enrolment remains strong, Toronto’s one-of-a-kind high school for new immigrants could be forced to move into Danforth Collegiate and the building sold, under an option now being considered by a review committee.

The potential plans for 10 high schools in the Toronto-Danforth/East York area were unveiled Monday night at a public meeting — on the eve of the federal government’s announcement of plans to settle a wave of Syrian refugees in Canada, which had some questioning such a move for the city’s unique “newcomer high.”

“We are like family, and I think if we move to Danforth, I’m wondering if we will have the programs at Danforth?” said Greenwood student Zahra Afshar, who is 17 and a member of the accommodation review committee.

She came to Canada almost a year ago from Afghanistan, knowing only a few sentences in English. Now, in her second semester at Greenwood, she can carry on a conversation and is taking academic math and other subjects. She said many extracurricular activities — including the “conversation club” which she attended Tuesday after school — are a highlight, and extra help is always available.

“What I like at Greenwood? I like everything,” she said, from the way the teachers talk to students to “how they respect us… if I have a problem with my lessons or homework, the teachers are saying ‘you can do that,’ and they help me with my homework and everything.”