Newcomer students, parents welcomed to York Region

Orientation day Saturday offered in Richmond Hill

 

yorkregion.com
Sept. 22, 2014
By Lyrel Robinson

Many students come to York Region schools from other countries and need help navigating the Ontario education system.

To provide a helpful, fun orientation for such students, the Settlement & Education Partnership in York Region, part of Catholic Community Services of York Region, presents its annual workshop called Welcome to Canada orientation day.

The aim is to assist with the many adjustments that come with immigration and the event takes place this Saturday at Jean Vanier Catholic High School in Richmond Hill from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Not just geared to newcomer students, activities are presented for parents, too.

There will be seven workshop groups for elementary and high school aged children and parents will have a choice between workshops offered in English, Korean, Farsi and Chinese. They will receive useful information about the Ontario education system, as well as other services available in York Region that will further help with their adjustment to Canadian life.

There will be skits, role-playing and discussions for students about adjusting to a new school and they will have the opportunity to meet and become friends with students from their home countries and also those from their new high schools.

Parents will learn how they can engage in the school community and meet other families who are sharing their experiences and together, help ease the stress of adjustment.

There will be many non-profit agencies participating and prepared to offer their support, display and distribute materials that will help with the settlement process. The York Region District School Board is a partner organization and funds come from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Child care will be provided and snacks will be served.

For more information on Welcome to Canada orientation day, call 905-731-8281 ext. 30 or visit the website ccsyr.org.