BSSC students are famous for their willingness to be open to new connections and include new people into friend groups.
Last term BSSC ran a series of articles about the great work done by the staff in our EAL (English as an Additional Language) program.
This focus on our EAL program is a reminder that newcomers in our midst might need locals to make the first move—just as anyone in a new country appreciates.
“A simple smile and a hello as you walk by can make a massive difference,” says Mardi Holland. “You can’t tell if a person was born in Australia and has great English, or if they have only recently arrived and are at the start of their language-learning journey, so a smile can go a long way.”
If you try to engage in a conversation but don’t get a lot in return, remember it’s not the student being rude. Maybe they don’t understand you? Maybe they are nervous speaking English? Be patient, kind and encouraging and keep trying.
BSSC has a long and proud history of supporting students new to Australia who need to learn English—or improve the English language skills they already have. So, say ‘hello’ today.
