MDJH is a very multicultural community. Students in our school represent more than 33 countries and speak more than 34 languages. We highlight and celebrate many cultural celebrations throughout our school year. We love to learn more about community and cultural celebrations and hope to see our school diversity represented on both student and parent council.
Our school has two programs for Newcomer students. Although these students do not speak English, many are multilingual and knowledgeable citizens of the world.
EAL (English as an Additional Language)
Some students who arrive from other countries do not speak English. Our EAL program is for those students who are learning the English language. Students in the EAL program will attend all regular classes with their grade-level peers but will be pulled out for English language instruction by the school EAL teacher.
LEARN (Literacy Enrichment and Academic Readiness for Newcomers)
LEARN is a specialized program for students who arrive in Canada with interrupted or limited formal schooling. Students who require the support of LEARN frequently arrive in Canada as refugees having fled war, persecution, and great personal trauma. This program is a bridging program that supports students’ social-emotional as well as academic needs. Students work on literacy and numeracy skills at an individualized pace and as they “catch up” they move back to grade-level curriculum with their homerooms.
Macdonald Drive Junior High 