Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN) at Dixon Grove Junior Middle School

Over fifty students and their families attended the Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN) program in the gymnasium at Dixon Grove Junior Middle School in Etobicoke in November.  The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded program gives newcomer middle school students and their families the opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of school in Canada.

At the end of the event which included presentations from Peer Leaders, school staff, and community partners, the students and their families left feeling more prepared for the academic and social situations they may encounter during the school year. The presentations covered a range of topics, from bullying to how to dress for winter in Canada. Bharti, School Settlement Worker at North York Community House (NYCH), hosted the event.

“The WIN program is not about math, science, or geography; it’s about knowing what to expect in a typical school day and a school routine here.” – Bharti

She explains that the students and their families had some unique challenges this year, as most of them are refugees and refugee claimants, many of whom are from Afghanistan and Syria. The program also had participants from Turkey, Nigeria, Mexico, Peru, and more.

Since many of the students and their families are currently residing in hotels while they secure a more permanent address, they will only be at Dixon Grove temporarily. Bharti hopes the program will help make their experience at Dixon Grove a positive one and hopes they will take what they learn to their new schools and communities.

“Many students left their country in distress to settle here. They know their parents are dealing with the stress of finding a job and financial instability, and of course, they are dealing with the new school system and so much more.” — Bharti

The WIN program presentations and skits answered questions students and their families may have had about the students’ education, extracurricular activities, and more. Bharti explains that many parents worry about their child’s level of English so a presentation on ESL classes at Dixon Grove helps lessen anxiety.

“There was a wonderful presentation about financial literacy and employment for the parents. It was popular because all the newcomers want to have information regarding banking, taxes, government benefits, and finding jobs as per their expertise,” Bharti says.

The program started with lunch and ended with the students receiving gift bags of school supplies. Bharti also included bracelets with motivational messages. Peer Leaders were recognized for their support with certificates and gifts.

The WIN program knows that starting at a new school, in a new school system, in a new country can be challenging for students and their families. To help bridge this gap, the WIN program offers reliable information about Canadian schools and life in Canada, brings people together, offers a sense of community and belonging, and is a welcoming space for learning and questions. Programs like these enrich the school, the families and students who participate, and the larger community.