From August 31 to September 2, Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre hosted the NOW (Newcomer Orientation Week) Program for the first time.
The Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program is an initiative funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and delivered in schools with the support of CultureLink Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS). The program is designed to help newcomer students feel welcomed and supported as they adjust to their new school and community. It provides students with important information about school life, community resources, available services, and opportunities to connect with other newcomer youth.
NOW is particularly important because it helps reduce some of the challenges newcomer students may experience when entering a new school system and community. It promotes a sense of belonging, builds confidence, encourages peer connections, and helps students access resources and supports that contribute to a successful transition and positive school experience.
Before the program began, Peer Leaders (PLs) and volunteers participated in two days of training delivered by CultureLink SWIS workers at the CultureLink main office. The training prepared them to welcome and support newcomer participants, facilitate activities, share information, and assist with the different components of the program.
During the three-day program at Father John Redmond, the activities were facilitated by the trained Peer Leaders and volunteers under the guidance and support of CultureLink SWIS Workers. This approach gave the newcomer students an opportunity to learn from and connect directly with their peers, while ensuring that the program was supported and guided by experienced SWIS staff.
The Peer Leaders, volunteers, and participants were newcomer students from different schools, with many participants from Father John Redmond. Students came from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and spoke a variety of languages in addition to English, including Ukrainian, Spanish, Mandarin, and others. This diversity helped create an inclusive and welcoming environment where newcomer students could connect with peers who shared similar experiences, while also learning from different cultures and perspectives.
Throughout the three-day program, students participated in a variety of fun and interactive activities. These activities helped students build confidence, develop practical skills, become familiar with their new school, and connect with their peers.
Overall, the NOW Program provided newcomer students with a welcoming and supportive introduction to their school environment. It was a great opportunity for students to learn, connect, have fun, and begin building a sense of belonging within their new school community.
