(Cornwall) – The grades 5/6 French Immersion class at Central Public School welcomed six Mexican exchange students to their school on April 2-12.

For two weeks, the grade 6 students from Mexico have had the opportunity, through the Canada Homestay Network, to make friends with Central students, experience school, recess, and homework, as well as learn all they can about Canada.

“Though the board hosts international students throughout the year, we don’t often have them at the elementary level,” said Principal Anne-Marie Bulbeck.

On Tuesday, groups of students were working together to create their very own board game based on the book Jumanji. Students were required to design and create a board game from a variety of materials, as well as create the rules and purpose of the game. Exchange student Alejandro Hernandez was working with Central students Justin Lamoureux-Lalonde, Alexia Bourget, and Emilie Cryderman.

“I like it here,” Hernandez said. “It’s different than in Mexico. In Mexico it’s too hot and here it’s too cold. And, it’s not so busy here.”

Hernandez said that school in Canada is not that much different than school in Mexico, except for French instruction.

“I learned a little bit of the language,” he laughed.

Lamoureux-Lalonde and Bourget said they and their classmates have really enjoyed meeting new friends from Mexico.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Lamoureux-Lalonde. “I like new company. I find it better with them here. I love making new friends.”

“It’s been interesting,” said Bourget. “I am a quarter Spanish so I was really excited to learn more.”

“It has been a great opportunity for our Cornwall students to get to know kids from another country,” said teacher Ingrid Snydal. “The students are all learning a little about each other’s culture.”