As I made the often-difficult transition to high school this year, there were so many ways that being a graduate of the Kitchener-Waterloo Bilingual School helped me to thrive in my new environment. My experiences at the Bilingual School prepared me in multiple ways for secondary school. Throughout my 8 years spent there I was taught how to communicate efficiently and fluently in another language, how to be an open-minded and respectful student and most importantly, I received the assistance I needed to develop a strong and perseverant work ethic. These are just some of the many ways that the Kitchener-Waterloo Bilingual School has given me the confidence to succeed at the Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

Attending the Kitchener-Waterloo Bilingual School helped me to gain so many useful skills that I will be able to use not only in the classrooms of KCI, but throughout my entire life. The French Program delivered at the Bilingual School is, in my opinion, spectacular. Not only did I learn how to write fluently in French, but throughout years of practice with the language in subjects like math, science, etc. I can also communicate in in French clearly and easily. This wonderful gift of bilingualism has helped me to flourish in all of my French classes at KCI, and will provide me with so many opportunities in the future. The Bilingual School also helped me to develop a strong work ethic and a responsible, positive attitude in class. The years I spent working with talented and student-oriented teachers continue to drive me to achieve success in school. I am confident in saying that the KWBS modeled for my peers and me a strong and professional work ethic.

Had I not attended the Kitchener-Waterloo Bilingual School, I would have missed out on so many amazing opportunities. I know that because of all the positive experiences and important skills I obtained from my eight years spent at the school, I will not only be able to accomplish great things in high school, but will go on to accomplish great things for the rest of my life. The Kitchener-Waterloo Bilingual School not only provided me with an excellent foundation as a student but it also gave me the tools to become a successful and respectable citizen with the potential to do absolutely anything.

Beneath every tree, there are roots and behind every successful individual, there is a foundation. That foundation is laid, nurtured, and cultivated at KWBS, both in a professional and personal capacity. Surrounded by passionate teachers who instill a desire to learn in their students, I felt empowered from a young age to be who I want, pursue what I want, and have corresponding success. I received attention from teachers who made me feel like they actually cared about my personal growth and the curriculum at KWBS put me far ahead of my peers as I entered high school. KWBS’s French program offers what French immersion programs don’t — a comprehensive curriculum in the French language and teachers whose native tongue is French. With a grasp of Canada’s two official languages, job opportunities are limitless. The connections I forged at KWBS will also last a lifetime. The alumni network of this school is vast, wide-ranging, and incredibly impressive; it is a testament to the quality of education received at KWBS. My friends are my network and growing up with the same individuals from K-8 have laid a personal foundation and bond in each of us that we will never lose. I can say confidently, more than any other part of my life, that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the KW Bilingual School.