Six Surrey Students Shine at 2025 Dhahan Youth Awards

Recognition for Young Writers

Six Surrey secondary students were honoured on November 13 at the 2025 Dhahan Youth Awards, a national showcase celebrating creative writing in both Punjabi and English. The annual event, hosted as part of the 11th Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature ceremonies, highlights the voices of young writers and promotes storytelling rooted in Punjabi culture.

Event’s Cultural Purpose

Surrey Schools says the awards continue to serve as a platform for Punjabi youth to embrace their cultural identity through literature. The program encourages students to explore heritage, language, and lived experiences through storytelling. Organizers emphasize that the awards help preserve and expand Punjabi literary traditions among Canada’s next generation.

History Behind the Awards

Founded in 2017 in partnership with L.A. Matheson Secondary and the Coast Capital Foundation, the Dhahan Youth Awards have consistently featured Surrey students. The initiative has grown into a prominent youth literary showcase, offering students exposure, mentorship, and publication opportunities.

Local Students Among Top Winners

Eight students received awards this year, including six from Surrey representing L.A. Matheson, Princess Margaret, and Queen Elizabeth secondary schools. The Surrey honourees are:

• Arshdeep Kaur Sidhu – L.A. Matheson Secondary
• Navdeep Kaur Gill – L.A. Matheson Secondary
• Simran Kaur Choongh – L.A. Matheson Secondary
• Jasmeen Rai – Princess Margaret Secondary
• Jasmeet Kaur Bassi – Princess Margaret Secondary
• Ramneet Sidhu – Queen Elizabeth Secondary

Other recipients included Mandeep Kaur Sandhu and Inderdeep Kaur from Dasmesh Punjabi School in Abbotsford.

Awards and Publication

Each winner received a framed certificate, prize funds, and the opportunity to have their work published in Lofty Heights, an anthology showcasing standout submissions. This year’s collection is published in Gurmukhi, Shahmukhi, English, and French, reflecting Canada’s linguistic diversity and the award’s commitment to cross-cultural accessibility.

Future Opportunities for Students

Organizers say submissions for the 2026 Dhahan Youth Award will open soon, continuing the mission to empower young storytellers across British Columbia and beyond. Additional details will be available on the dhahanprize.co.

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Schools reopen amid government-mandated action

In Alberta, thousands of teachers and hundreds of thousands of students are returning to classrooms on Wednesday after the provincial government passed legislation to end a three-week strike. The new law — referred to as the Back to School Act (Bill 2) — was approved early Tuesday, compelling educators back to work.

Negotiations faltered as strike entered third week

The strike began on October 6 following a breakdown in contract talks between the provincial government and the teachers’ union. Two tentative agreements were rejected, which prompted educators to withhold their labour across public, Catholic and francophone systems.

Province enacts legislation to resume schooling

The government invoked Bill 2 and the notwithstanding clause, barring Charter legal challenges and forcing a return to classroom instruction. Under the legislation’s terms, teachers must resume their regular duties immediately.

Impact spans entire province’s school system

More than 51,000 teachers were on strike, affecting about 750,000 students in Alberta’s public, Catholic and francophone school systems. School boards, including the Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board, issued notices to parents that classes will resume, as did the boards in Calgary and the Rocky View Schools region.

Catch-up challenge looms for students and teachers

Education experts warn the disruption may have long-term consequences for student learning. Professor Sarah Hamilton of Mount Royal University said many students received uneven engagement during the strike and rebuilding routine and structure will take time. Teachers are facing the pressure of returning immediately without preparation time. One teacher, Vanessa Amyotte, described the government’s approach as “like the government brought a nuclear bomb to a crayon fight,” noting there is “a large amount of anger” among staff.

What the next phase will look like

As classes resume, educators such as teacher and program co-ordinator Jason Smith in Grande Prairie say the focus will be on reconnecting with students, assessing gaps and re-establishing classroom routines. Despite personal frustration over how the dispute was handled, they emphasise prioritising students’ needs. Parent and education assistant Lisa Paradis from Leduc plans to send her children back wearing red to show support for the teachers, while acknowledging the anxiety and disruption the strike caused.

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Digital Safety Takes Centre Stage

As Ontario students head back to classrooms this September, cybersecurity experts are warning families to treat digital safety with the same urgency as physical safety. With thousands of students carrying laptops and smartphones daily, schools are becoming key targets for online threats.

Why Experts Are Sounding the Alarm

Charles Finlay, executive director of the Rogers Cybersecurity Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, said the increasing reliance on digital platforms in classrooms has created a larger “attack surface” for hackers. “Technology is deeply embedded in education, and with that comes greater risks. The issue is serious, but there are proven ways to protect students,” Finlay explained.

How Criminals Exploit New Tools

The rise of generative AI has made it easier for cybercriminals to create convincing emails, fake images, and even realistic videos. Finlay cautioned that children should avoid sharing personal details with people they do not know offline and should be vigilant before clicking on links. Strong, regularly updated passwords and two-factor authentication are key defences.

Cloud Technology and Student Exposure

Claudiu Popa, co-founder of the KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation, noted that cloud systems, now widely used by schools after the pandemic, add new vulnerabilities. “Phones and laptops can be like unlocked doors if not properly secured,” Popa said. Alongside risks of hacking, students also face cyberbullying and privacy breaches.

The Role of Parents and Schools

Popa emphasized that cyber safety is a shared responsibility. Parents are urged to set device boundaries, secure privacy settings, and avoid oversharing photos that could expose a child’s school or location. Meanwhile, schools are expected to adapt lessons to help digital-native students navigate online spaces responsibly.

Prevention Through Teamwork

Experts agree that creating a culture of safety depends on collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. Encouraging open conversations is essential. “Scammers count on fear and silence,” Popa said. “Children must feel comfortable reporting anything suspicious without worrying about getting into trouble.”

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Back-to-School Rush Begins

The first day of school brought busy roads and full classrooms Wednesday as thousands of elementary and high school students across London, Ont., returned after summer break. Both the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the London District Catholic School Board welcomed students back, while Francophone schools began one day earlier.

Behind-the-Scenes Preparations

Teachers, support staff, and bus drivers worked for weeks to ensure a smooth start. The launch was especially significant at London’s new Northwest Public School, where more than 700 elementary students were greeted in freshly prepared classrooms.

Transportation Challenges Addressed

Despite a province-wide bus driver shortage, local officials say all routes are covered for now. Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services, which oversees 1,100 routes, reports minimal cancellations compared to last year. Parents can monitor route changes and access safety resources online.

Provincial Oversight at TVDSB

This school year begins under unusual circumstances for TVDSB families. The Ontario government assumed control of the board in April, citing financial mismanagement and a growing deficit. Lawyer Paul Boniferro was appointed supervisor, replacing trustees. Education Minister Paul Calandra has suggested eliminating trustees altogether, sparking pushback from unions, parents, and community leaders who argue underfunding is the real issue.

Community Steps Up

Local organizations are collecting backpacks, supplies, and donations to support families adjusting to the return of school routines. The initiatives highlight growing community involvement as debates over funding and governance continue at the provincial level.

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Rising Stress Among International Students

International students in Surrey are increasingly reporting mental health challenges, as they balance academic pressures, cultural adjustment, and social isolation. Universities and community organizations have observed higher levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among this group in recent years.

Pressures of Academic Life

Many students arrive in Canada with high expectations and face rigorous academic workloads. Long hours of study, language barriers, and the pressure to maintain scholarships often intensify stress. Educational institutions are striving to provide counseling services, but demand continues to outpace availability.

Cultural and Social Adjustments

Moving to a new country often brings culture shock. International students may experience homesickness, difficulty forming friendships, and challenges adapting to Canadian social norms. These factors can contribute to feelings of isolation and exacerbate mental health struggles.

Support Systems in Surrey

Several Surrey-based organizations, including local counseling centers and student associations, are working to provide mental health support. Initiatives include peer mentorship programs, cultural events, and workshops on stress management to help students feel connected and supported.

Why Awareness Matters

Mental health issues among international students can affect academic performance, physical health, and overall well-being. Raising awareness and reducing stigma are critical for encouraging students to seek help early. Community engagement and institutional support play key roles in addressing these challenges.

Steps Forward

Experts recommend universities strengthen mental health services, offer culturally sensitive counseling, and create spaces for students to share experiences. Students are also encouraged to engage in social activities, utilize support services, and maintain open communication with peers and faculty.

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A Talent Exodus in Progress

Economic Pressures and Career Gaps
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Canada lost approximately 27,086 citizens and permanent residents—a 3 % increase year-over-year—and saw a 54 % surge in departures of non-permanent residents, including international graduates. This “brain drain” reflects a deeper issue: highly educated individuals are uncertain about their long-term prospects in Canada.

When Policy Meets Frustration

Temporary Status and Complex Residency Pathways
International graduates face bureaucratic hurdles when transitioning from post-graduation work permits (PGWP) to permanent residency. These include employer hesitancy over LMIA requirements and the temporariness of their status. Additionally, recent caps on study permits and tighter eligibility for PGWPs and spousal work permits further complicate long-term stay decisions

Employment Barriers & Wage Gaps

Underemployment and Credential Struggles
International graduates often struggle to find roles that align with their education. By 2023, only 36.6 % of bachelor’s degree earners held degree-required positions, compared to 58.8 % among Canadian graduates. Wage gaps persist—international grads earn approximately 20 % less initially and 9 % less after five years

Isolation and Discrimination

Networks, Culture, and Workplace Bias
Many international graduates cite lack of professional networks, cultural disconnect, and experiences of discrimination as key factors in their decision to leave.. As one student shared:

“If I’m getting a really good job I wouldn’t have any problem staying… If not, I’ll go back.”

Global Opportunities Outshine

More Attractive Paths Abroad
Canada’s brightest—especially tech and research talent—are often lured by higher salaries, robust funding, and broader career prospects elsewhere. U.S. tech roles, for example, can offer salaries up to 46 % higher, alongside richer research support and stable career trajectories

Bottom Line

Canada’s post-graduation exodus stems from intertwined issues: bureaucratic immigration pathways, labor-market mismatches, insufficient integration and support, and stronger opportunities overseas. To retain talent, Canada must streamline residency processes, improve employment alignment, and ensure that graduates—both domestic and international—feel supported and competitive at home.

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Students Take Stand in Downtown Toronto

On Monday, dozens of students at Heydon Park Secondary School staged a walkout in downtown Toronto, protesting the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) decision to halt Grade 9 enrolment for the 2025–2026 academic year. The school, which primarily serves girls, transgender, and non-binary students with special needs, is facing declining application numbers, prompting the board to redirect new students to other locations.

A Unique Learning Environment Under Threat

Heydon Park Secondary is known as a safe and inclusive learning space tailored for students requiring additional support. For many, it’s more than a school—it’s a lifeline. Students held signs and chanted “Save our school!” expressing fears that halting Grade 9 enrolment could mark the beginning of a gradual closure.

Jessica Rotolo, a graduate with Down syndrome, attended the protest, saying, “This school helped me become the person I am today.” Her mother, Dorlean Rotolo, echoed the sentiment, calling the institution “a magical place that deserves recognition, not downsizing.”

TDSB Cites Declining Enrolment and Inclusion Progress

According to a TDSB statement released Friday, only nine students applied for Grade 9 admission this fall. The board attributes the drop to improvements in inclusive education practices across other local schools, leading to fewer referrals to Heydon Park.

“Neighbourhood schools are getting better at supporting a wider range of student needs,” the board noted. While confirming the halt in Grade 9 admissions, the TDSB clarified that no final decision has been made about the long-term future of the school.

Parents and Students Demand Transparency and Support

Parents voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of transparency in the board’s decision-making process. Many argue that Heydon Park offers a level of care and attention unavailable in mainstream schools. An online petition has already gathered nearly 2,000 signatures, calling on both the TDSB and Ontario government to reverse the decision and provide sustainable funding for specialized education programs.

Grade 10 student Phoebe Ross emphasized the impact the school has made on her life. “I have a learning disability, and this school helps me learn. I love this school,” she said.

Future of Heydon Park Still Unclear

Despite the current halt on Grade 9 enrolment, the TDSB has not announced any plans to close Heydon Park. The board said it will continue to monitor enrolment and consider a formal study under its long-term accommodation strategy. However, any decision regarding closure remains suspended due to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s ongoing moratorium on school closures.

For students, parents, and alumni, the protest wasn’t just about enrolment—it was about preserving a school that has made a transformative impact on lives often overlooked in mainstream education.

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