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

Settlement Workers for Newcomers

Catholic schools in Toronto welcome newly arrived families to the city. Catholic education in Toronto is free and is publicly funded.

Settlement Workers are placed in Catholic schools to help newcomer families with:

  • Housing

  • Employment

  • Public transit

  • Health care

  • Language training

  • Community support and networking

  • Recreation

  • Educational resources

Newcomer Orientation Week

Offered by Catholic Crosscultural Services-Settlement Workers in Schools (CCS-SWIS) in partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) and Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Newcomer Orientation Week is a four-day fun and interactive high school readiness program for newcomer students (arrived in Canada from 2022 to 2025).

  • Location: St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy

  • Date: August 25, 26, 27 & 28, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

  • How to Register: Registration link

Newcomer students can:

  • Learn about Toronto's high school system (including graduation requirements, school resources and routines).

  • Explore community settlement and youth resources.

  • Learn strageties for self-care and wellness through your high school years.

  • Make friends, learn tips for success and have fun!

For questions, please email jestiaga@ccscan.ca or eremon@ccscan.ca.

Register for Newcomer Orientation Week
Newcomer Orientation Week Flyer

Contact Us

For more information, please contact your local Catholic school, or the TCDSB Community Relations Officer Jody Huang at jodelyn.huang@tcdsb.org​.

Helpful Resources​