Settlement Workers in School

Feb 11

Our Settlement Workers in School program supports the needs of newcomer families, children, and youth between the ages of 3 to 25. Our services address their academic, social, and emotional needs as they transition into Canadian society.

School Assistance (Pre-school to Post-secondary)

Assist in school registration and provide school orientation
Provide information and guidance on the education system to students and parents
Facilitate communication between parents and school personnel
Provide practical, culturally sensitive guidance, referrals, and intervention
Increase understanding of the rights and responsibilities of students and their families
Refer students and their families to available programs and services in their community
Increase parents’ involvement in the education of their children and increase the families’ participation in the community

Youth Empowerment (All Ages)

Summer camps, out-of-school camps, activities, orientations, and field trips
Connect to community resources and programs while providing opportunities to make and meet new friends
Promote self-advocacy to encourage independence through resource sharing and support

Out-of-School Programs (All Ages)

Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) Program

We assist newcomer students and their families so they are prepared for their first weeks in Canadian schools. This can include rapport building, peer connections, school readiness assessment, bussing orientation, and school tours.

Newcomer Girls Club

Our Girls Group program aims to help prepare newcomer girls, aged 10–18 years old, to be active members of their communities and society as a whole by:

Connecting with their peers (other newcomer youth)
Building communication skills
Expressing themselves through arts and crafts
Engaging in a variety of fun and educational field trips
Receiving assistance with basic needs and supplies

In spaces where they feel safe, nurtured, and mentored, our free program for newcomer girls runs every Friday afternoon.

Friendship Group

Social and emotional groups that support friendships between newcomer children and their peers.

Community Connection

Referrals to community partners and collaborating service providers.

Employment Referrals

We help youth gain Canadian work experience by connecting young job seekers with community organizations that specialize in employment support to youth.

Our SWIS Team

Featured

Vic Rizal

Manager, Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Program

tribikram.rizal@LFSfamily.ca

Sarah Ahlgren