Birmingham welcomes international students

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith and Bridget Vallence presenting an Australian flag to teachers from Angevine Middle School. PICTURE: JED LANYON

By Jed Lanyon

Birmingham Primary School hosted a welcome assembly to celebrate the arrival of a group of students from Angevine Middle School on Friday 22 March.

Ten students, two teachers and their principal have travelled from Colorado, USA to live with host families from the school.

Birmingham Primary School is a member of the International Student to Student Exchange (ISSE) program along with other schools internationally.

Last year ten Birmingham students visited Angevine Middle School, and now they have returned the favour to temporarily live with Australian host families.

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith and State Member for Evelyn Bridget Vallence were on hand to present an Australian flag to the teachers from Angevine Middle School.

The students were presented with a welcome gift bag featuring all the Australian necessities like thongs and a footy scarf.

Birmingham Primary School said they want to immerse the students in the culture and hope they learn about the rights and responsibilities that come with being a member of the global community.

The American students will participate in a range of activities such as attending an AFL game and they’ll be sure to try some Vegemite.

Birmingham Primary School has participated in the ISSE program on multiple occasions, having hosted students from Peru, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, China and Mexico.