The ESL Program found their knight in shining armour on Feb. 27.
“We meet every Tuesday, we have guest speakers and we work on developing language skills,” said Anita Price, the program coordinator.
Swiss-born Tristan Feissli and his son, Thibault, was the guest speaker for Feb. 27’s conversation circle, teaching the class about the Medieval era and life as a knight, giving it an interesting shine.
“He gave a presentation to the elementary school, my husband is a teacher at the school and he saw the presentation and said Tristan would be great to come and talk to my group,” said Price. “So when we get guest speakers in they introduce new vocabulary and they introduce new concepts.”
Part of the ESL program’s mandate is helping resident’s with English as their second language with settlement services, so guest speakers help teach the class information about the community and its services, allowing them to know and find their way around the community.
Price has roughly 65 students in her class but because of work commitments, only 15 people showed up to Feissli’s presentation.
In the past, guest speakers have been lawyers, teachers, and others around the community.
“I think if they bring in enthusiasm for their field that enthusiasm shines through and it makes learning easier,” said Price.