New immigrant parents: Understanding the Canadian education system and overcoming cultural challenges

Hosted by the Education Foundation of CPAC and sponsored by HSBC Bank Canada, CPAC Education Day is the largest education related event in GTA’s Chinese Community. The main purpose of this annual event is to provide newcomer families with information on the Canadian education system and related services, helping students and parents succeed in their new life in Canada. Since its inception 6 years ago, this event has provided over 10,000 student and parents with practical information about education in this country.

The 7th CPAC Education Day will be held on October 25th, 2014 at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel (600 Highway 7 East, Richmond Hill ON L4B 1B2). About forty schools and education related service providers are expected to attend this year’s event to let you have a face-to-face communication chance to the school representatives. A keynote presentation shared by a Harvard student plus eight breakout session workshops and a full day drop-in student forum hosted by post-secondary student’s associations are all tailored to the needs of parents and students. Catering to the increasing interest in adult education, this year’s Education Day will also provide related information and workshop to mature students seeking a second career or look to upgrading their skills to reach their goals.

As a new immigrant parents, are you facing with cultural challenges regarding kids’ education?

Come join us at this workshop on 2014 CPAC Education Day:

New immigrant parents: Understanding the Canadian education system and overcoming cultural challenges

One of the major reasons for many Chinese families to immigrate to Canada is in hope of providing a better education for their children. However, with major differences in the Chinese and Canadian education systems, new immigrant parents are faced with challenges in raising their children in this new environment. Concerns that arise may include: where to live (choosing the right school zones) , deciding whether public and private school is more suitable, and simply facing the conflict of Canadian education direction and the difference of values between Chinese parents and Canadian teachers(school’s lack of homework and discipline), and ensuring that Chinese children keep their ethnic identity.  All these concerns complicate the adjustment and adaptation of Chinese immigrant children in Canada.

This workshop will explore:

1) Common education issues faced by new immigrant parents;

2) Canadian education system in Canadian socio-cultural context;

3) Ways of addressing immigrant parent concerns and raising a healthy and happy Canadian.

Dr. Sophia Shi, PhD is a former research professor in the field of comparative institutional analysis who has been an academic visitor to many universities in Europe and North America before immigrating to Canada in 2012. Since moving to Canada, Dr. Shi has worked for the Canadian third largest law firm, Norton Rose Fulbright but is currently working as an education columnist, and researcher focusing on comparing education system between China and Canada. Sophia has published her findings on immigrant children education in newspaper and magazines such as China Daily and her work also has recognized in major domestic and overseas Chinese online media.

(Note: Contents and details of breakout sessions are subject to change without notice.)

CPAC Education Day 2014 is open to the public. Admission is free. Online registration is available at:  http://cpac2014eday.eventbrite.com/.

Facts about the 7th CPAC Education Day:

Date:               Saturday, October 25, 2014

Time:               10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location:         Sheraton Parkway Toronto North

600 HWY-7 E Richmond Hill, Ontario

Get complimentary tickets at: http://cpac2014eday.eventbrite.com

Enquiries:       office@cpac-canada.ca; 416-298-7885 Ext. 101

More information on the workshops of 7th CPAC Education Day