A group of immigrant and refugee students from countries as far away as Bolivia, Bhutan and Afghanistan made a successful transition to school this fall thanks to a summer program that helped them with their math and English.

The program funded by a Settlement Workers in Schools grant enrolled 26 students who spent most of the summer in the camp at Miller Park upgrading their academic skills, improving their English vocabulary, playing sports and going on field trips.

Program director Naomi Staddon told school board officials in a briefing Tuesday that students gained confidence in the camp, which helped them make the transition to school. "They were pretty happy with the situation in the classroom they were in," Staddon, said reporting on a reunion that occurred at the end of September.

The students also painted a mural which they will present as a gift to the school board later this year.

Chris Friesen, director of settlement services for the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., said the summer camp is unique in Canada and could be funded again next year after having received a positive report from a UBC doctoral student, who researched the program.

"We all had a great experience and the learners said they did, too," Friesen said.

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Swine flu seems to have peaked at local schools and absenteeism rates are returning to normal. School Superintendent Tom Grant said additional cleaning may have helped slow the H1N1 virus. Still the school district plans on holding flu shot clinics for staff and is looking at the possibility of offering school sites for public clinic in off hours.

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With provincial revenues on a downward slide, school officials aren't expecting any new funds for capital projects. Planning is still proceeding for five school projects approved earlier this year, and community meetings are being held to see how these schools might become neighbourhoods of learning.

But SD43 isn't making any changes to its five-year capital plan and trustees approved the current plan, which calls for some new schools and seismic renovations.

Topping the list is a new elementary school for Hyde Creek Village, as well as seismic upgrades to Dr. Charles Best secondary, structural seismic work at Maple Creek middle, and replacement schools for both Como Lake and Minnekhada middle schools. An addition for crowded Aspenwood elementary is also on the lengthy list of capital projects.

Trustees are also expected to approve a Long Range Facilities Plan which is now in draft form. It's supposed to help guide future planning for capital projects. To see the plan, watch for a public document expected on the district's website at www.sd43.bc.ca next week.

Meanwhile, the idea of neighbourhoods of learning is still being circulated to get community response. These neighbourhoods of learning are being touted by the provincial government to turn schools into hubs for social services, day care, health and other community services.

Pitt River middle, which is scheduled for replacement, is the latest school to be considered for the concept and residents and parents are invited to a meeting at the school Monday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

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Trustees and members of the public are being invited to the annual general meeting of the Children of the Street Society to learn more about how children and youth are lured into the sex trade and how to stop it.

The meeting will be held Dec. 1 at the Port Moody Inlet Theatre and will feature a film documentary called Playground, which recently premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival. It was directed by Libby Spears and executive produced by George Clooney and tells the story of sexual exploitation of children all over the world.

A reception will begin at 5:30, followed by the film at 6:30 and the the AGM at 8:30 p.m.

The society, headed up by trustee Diane Sowden, will also be unveiling a new brand during the meeting.

RSVP is required by Nov. 23 at 604-777-7510 or admin@childrenofthestreet.com