Newcomers Welcoming Center opens at Robert Ogilvie School
Just before schools closed for the Christmas break, School District 60 celebrated the official opening of the Newcomer’s Welcoming Centre at Robert Ogilvie Elementary School.
A key initiative under the Settlement Workers in Schools program (SWIS), the Newcomers Welcoming Centre is designed to enhance settlement and integration into schools and the community for newly arrived students and families. SWIS program provides school-based settlement programming to support their integration while fostering inclusion and intercultural competence within the school system. Staff help newcomer students, and their families navigate the school system and get connected with the broader community.
In Fort St. John, that means connecting families with employment agencies, opportunities to learn English if needed, and connect with other vital resources and services to help ease their transition into the community.
Space at Robert Ogilvie became available when Anne Roberts Young Elementary opened, which allowed the repurposing of a former multipurpose room and storage area, into a warm and welcoming space for newcomer families, along with office space for SWIS and District staff.
Key features of the Newcomers Welcoming Centre include:
· Support: SWIS workers will be available to assist newcomers in navigating various aspects of settlement, such as school enrollment and community services;
· Resources: The center is equipped with a comprehensive resource hub which provides information on local amenities, cultural programs, and community events to help newcomers feel connected to their new surroundings;
· Orientation Workshops: Regular workshops will be held with SWIS and District partners to provide newcomers with valuable information on Canadian culture and education systems, to facilitate a smoother integration process;
· Community Engagement: The Centre will serve as a hub for community engagement, fostering connections between newcomers and established residents through events, activities, and partnerships.
Superintendent of Schools, Stephen Petrucci said he was delighted to open the Newcomers Welcoming Centre, and that the space reinforces “our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in our community.”