First photo is of newcomer students eating smoked sausages and marshmallows around a campfire together at the Teen Ranch event. Second photo is of TCDSB staff in aprons serving food at the Newcomer Conference. Third photo is of TCDSB students providing information and brochures about TCDSB registration at the Newcomer Welcome Reception event.

Newcomers/Refugee Settlement Initiatives

Newcomer Video Competition

The 2026 TCDSB Newcomer Video Competition is now open to newcomer students in Grades 6-12. Newcomers are permanent residents, international students or refugees who arrived in Canada from 2023 to 2026.

To enter the competition, students have to submit a video of 2 to 2.5 minutes (maximum) in length about the theme: I Am A **Newcomer: What my Classmates and Teachers Should Know About My Culture.

Highlight a specific value, trait or practice in your culture that you are proud to share with your classmates and teachers in order for them to understand you. How does your culture uplift you or other people or shape you to become a better person?

Create a group or individual 2-2.5 minute (maximum) video submission. Submission examples include poem, songs, artwork, spoken word, song, skit, or monologue.

The deadline for entries is on October 1, 2026 (Thursday) at 5:00 PM.

Prizes include: Cash prizes, certificates and winning videos to be featured on the TCDSB website.

Contest Rules
Register for Competition
Newcomer Video Competition 2026 Poster

Winner of 2025 Newcomer Video Competition

Congratulations to Anastasiia D. from St. Michael Power/St. Joseph High School for winning the 2025 Newcomer Video Competition!

Second Place

Congratulations to the English Language Learners from St. Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School for coming second place in the 2025 Newcomer Video Competition!