Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) has been informed that the Surrey School District would try to offer Punjabi language education in Grade 5 in 10 elementary schools beginning in September, 2016 if there is enough interest.
These schools are: Cedar Hills, Chimney Hill, Creekside, Dr. F. D. Sinclair, Georges Vanier, Henry Bose, M.B. Sanford, Senator Reid, T.E. Scott and W.E. Kinvig.
A survey form in English and Punjabi has been sent home with Grade 4 students in these schools. Parents are requested to sign the form and return it to their child’s school before May 26.
This is a very encouraging development for PLEA and well-wishers of Punjabi language. On behalf of PLEA I would like to thank the Surrey Board of Education trustees, and district staff and administration for this initiative.
In order for a class to get underway, at least 25 students are required. This is the first and most important part of this process. If any of the parents didn’t get the survey form they should contact their child’s school.
Once enough parents make a commitment for their children to enrol in Grade 5 Punjabi in September, the school has to line up space for classrooms, as well as find a suitable teacher of Punjabi.
Finally, the school will need the board’s permission to begin the class in September.
On behalf of PLEA, I would like to urge parents of Grade 4 students at all of these schools to fill in the survey form, sign it and return the same to their child’s school as soon as possible before May 26. Thank you.
Balwant Sanghera
President
Punjabi Language Education Association
