Settlement Workers in Schools program to connect newcomers with resources, supports within school communities
A new program in Guelph-Wellington will help newcomer families access resources and overcome barriers within local schools.
The Upper Grand District School Board, Wellington Catholic District School Board and Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington announced today the launch of a new Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program. The SWIS program places settlement
workers from Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington in elementary and secondary schools that have high numbers of newcomer students.
Learning about the Canadian education system is part of the settlement process, and SWIS workers help families to better understand what is happening in their schools and the community at large. SWIS workers facilitate access to services and resources where there are barriers due to language, gender, age, culture, and race. They also promote cultural diversity and make the bridge between school staff and newcomer families.
According to a 2016 Guelph-Wellington Immigrant Survey, conducted by the Local Immigration Partnership, newcomers represent 22% of Guelph’s population and 11% in Wellington County. The SWIS program will start at three schools in the UGDSB and two
schools in the WCDSB. The program is expected to expand to additional schools as newcomer populations continue to grow. Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington is eager to support both school boards to assist newcomer students and their families.
SWIS programs are active in regions across Ontario, with approximately 250 settlement workers from 22 settlement agencies working in schools across 22 school boards. SWIS is funded by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada.
About Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington
Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington offers settlement services to help immigrants participate fully in Canadian life. Staff keep up-to-date with the latest information relevant to immigrant settlement and their personal knowledge of issues facing new immigrants is an added value. Services are offered in a manner that is inclusive and respectful of the diversity within our communities.
About the Upper Grand District School Board
The Upper Grand District School Board serves approximately 34,000 students through 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of Dufferin. Student success is the goal of over 3,000 dedicated teaching and support staff who are aided by the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners.
About the Wellington Catholic District School Board
The Wellington Catholic District School Board is committed to supporting student success in all of our 22 schools. Grounded in faith based teaching, academic and extracurricular programs give 7,800 students the opportunity to learn, lead and serve.
Media contact:
Sandra Cocco
Executive Director
Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington
SCocco@is-gw.ca
519 836 – 2222 ext.224
