Volume 3, Issue 2 Fall 2013

SETTLEMENT POST HELPING NEWCOMER STUDENTS “NOW”

BY: DAMA DIRIYE SETTLEMENT POST

ewcomer Orientation Week (NOW) N is an event organized by EISA’s In- School Settlement Services (ISSS) staff. It is meant to help newcomer high school students adapt to the challenging Canadian school life as they come to Canada. This occurs every mid-August before schools fully start and a number of and Fort McMurray public and Catholic Schools. In Edmonton this year, NOW was facilitated at 4 schools: Queen Elizabeth, M.E.LaZerte, J. Percy Page, and for the first time in Eastglen High Schools. It was also offered at Fort McMurray’s Composite High School. Training is followed by the The program starts with a three days actual three-day NOW “The Newcomer Orientation Week is a training for Peer Leaders (student program, where the Peer crucial piece in building a solid volunteers many of which were once Leaders assist newcomer foundation for newcomer students to newcomer students themselves) from the students in their respective high schools. Back in June, they schools. Throughout the have a successful school experience. submitted application forms and training and the actual Connecting with peers, learning about underwent a selective process through a NOW program, there are short interview. The Peer Leaders many media outlets that the many ways Canadian schools differ show up and take short from what they may have experienced Inside This Issue: Pg. clips as students practice at the training and as they do back home, becoming comfortable in the Helping Newcomer Students 1 the real NOW event in school -- all of these make the first days NOW their schools. This year, NOW was covered by City of school feel safe and welcoming.” NOW—the Student Perspective 2-3 TV Breakfast Television, --- Sherri Ritchie, English Language Learning CBC News, CBC Radio, and Meet the Teachers Night 4 Global Edmonton in Department Head at Queen Elizabeth High School How & Why to Be Involved In 5 Edmonton. In Fort Your Child’s Education McMurray, Snap Wood Buffalo came to The number of NOW participants this take photos for their October edition, year totaled to 33 Peer Leaders and 46 Program Initiatives 6 which also appears on the Fort McMurray newcomer students in all the schools. Public School District website. Fall in the City & Contact Info 7 Visit us online at www.islss.org or at www.facebook.com/islss.eisa Volume 3, Issue 2 SETTLEMENT POST Page 2

NOW—THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

BY: KASORERE KAURA decided to type to talk out a lot in front of a group of myself and in others. I also learned how I become a people, and this program helped me to be more understanding and patient Peer Leader, overcome my fears and to become a than I have ever been. And one of the because I wanted strong positive Peer Leader. most important things I learned is that a to become role simple smile goes a long way in the model to other Being a part of the NOW program was one person’s life. students. It was of my best experiences. I was happy to also a way of me meet all the new students, and we all The most important advice I would give to help other welcomed them with a smile and a warm to newcomer students is to always be new students in heart. We showed them around the themselves. Second, I would say that they the country, because I was once new, and school and made them all feel at home. should not be shy, and they should ask I know how it feels to be new. And the best part about it is knowing that questions and try and make more friends I made a difference in someone’s life. - also to get involved in any of the after Having the three-day training was a very school programs that they would love to good idea in helping me get all refreshed During the NOW program I learned a lot do just to make the school transition about school. During this three-day of helpful skills that come in handy in my easier for them. training I learned how to became a everyday life. I learned how to positive role model and it helped boost up communicate way better with people and Kasorere is currently a grade 12 student at my self-confidence; I am usually not the learned how to always have confidence in Eastglen High School. one was public speaking; I mastered that, BY: NAVRAJ SIDDARTH SATSANGI and I am now pretty confident in talking in am from advanced and fun. Studying in India is front of people. I India and I, fun but not that advanced. Though I love with my mom living in Canada, I also miss my country. If you had one piece of advice for new- and sister, comer students, what would it be? arrived in Navraj is currently a grade 11 student at C&M: My advice for newcomer students is: Eastglen High School. Canada on June be yourself, don't be shy, ask questions if 6, 2013. When Settlement Post also asked other NOW need to. Make friends and study hard. I first walked participants about their experience with HK: Enjoy the school life that you have. It into Eastglen, I the program. may seem difficult, but if you don't want to felt so shy and try to have fun, you won't. The only time a bit uncomfortable, because it was a What skills did you learn in your role as a you will actually enjoy it is if you get whole new system and country for me. NOW Peer Leader? involved within your community and school The NOW program was a perfect CARMELLA & MESERET @ Composite and learn the new aspects of the country program for a student like me, because it you’re living in. Make friends, be a team Team work, listening, leadership and player, be a kid for now, because in the helped me in interacting with new understanding others. future, you want to remember all the great people. I made new friends, and they memories that you've had in the past years! walked me through the school and it was HINA KHAN, Gr. 11 @ so much fun. In the NOW program, I M.E. LaZerte HA: Moving to a new country takes courage. It also creates exciting opportuni- learnt how to be one of all the Blue I learned how to be a leader ties and new beginnings. I will encourage all to all my other peers and the Devils [sports team], played new games new students to take the time to under- newcomers. I got to over- and met new people. The main thing I stand better what is expected of them and come my obstacles like public speaking, learnt from the leaders who lead the what to expect in a new country, and to ask because the environment was so NOW program was to help everyone questions as much as possible. Language is welcoming, and I learned a major concern for many new students. I who is in need. how to be a team player. will therefore encourage them not to panic Schooling in my country was a HAWA ABDULLE, Gr. 12 @ – everything takes time, and you will soon lot different from here. The way of Queen Elizabeth overcome it. You just need to push yourself and try to fit in to the new environment. teaching here is very much interacting, I have learnt a lot, but the most important (Cont’d on pg. 3) Volume 3, Issue 2 SETTLEMENT POST Page 3

NOW—THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE (CONT’D FROM PG. 2) BY: MARYAM OSMAN hen 15-year-old Ha Gyung from schools we don’t have lockers, so I didn’t know how to open W South Korea came to Canada for one.” Peer Leaders facilitated different activities including a the first time, she was nervous. tour of the schools, diploma requirements and how to open a combination lock. “I also learned about the library. This “I was completely homeschooled in middle program was very helpful to me.” school,” she says. “I went to elementary school with everyone else, but high school As a Peer Leader for the two years that the NOW program has is a lot more different. When I got the call been in J. Percy Page, I think the program is great. You initially to attend the Newcomer Orientation Week have these newcomer students who are shy, who don’t want to program, I really started to feel the anxiety talk to anyone, who are scared about life in Canada. When they of going to school in a different country”. hear our stories about when we first came to Page, they relax a little. All the activities - from the library tour to learning about

public transit - all help with the adjustment process. What I The NOW program seeks to help build a comfort level between really love is seeing these same students in the school as the the students and their new school, along with teaching them year goes on having new friends, being on sports teams and about different skills and community supports. even travelling around . It’s these kinds of risks that the newcomer students eventually take that make the program so “On the first day I was really scared! But I saw how nice the rewarding. Peer Leaders were. By the last day I thought it was really good!” shares Ha Gyung. Maryam Osman is currently a gr. 12 student in J. Percy Page High “I learned a lot of beneficial things,” Ha Gyung says. “In Korean School. That way you will be able to succeed unlike if you Isolate your- self. How did the NOW Peer Leaders help you?

F & B: The Peer Leaders really helped, because without them I What has surprised you so far about Canadian High School? wouldn't know a lot of things like how to open a locker, locate my class and, they told me what to expect from other students. They FATIMA & BARAA @ Composite [gave us] knowledge before starting school and helped in different Canadian high schools do four subjects a semester, but we do ways. nine subjects. AC: They provided us with information about the school and also ALIYANNA CASANOVA, Gr. 11 @ M.E. LaZerte showed us around the school. They were very kind and helpful; Here you can choose subjects as you want. Back they have actually continued to be our friends since school started. in my country, it was a requirement to do all of KSM: The NOW Peer Leaders helped me to communicate with oth- the nine subjects. In Canada, we have a semester er people, [to learn] not to look down on yourself and [to not be] system; in my country we had a quarter system. shy in the school, because you are ESL student. If you let your shy- Here you don't have to wear uniforms neither do ness ruin your opportunity then you won't learn anything in your I have to stand up when answering a question from the teacher. lifetime. KLATT SAT MOO, Gr. 11 @ Queen Elizabeth You learned about schools here, what else about Canada or What surprised me about Canadian high school is Edmonton/Fort Mac would you like to know? that the teachers are very nice; they will not yell F&B: One thing I would like to know about Canada is their culture at you when you didn't do your homework, and just what they believe in. because it is part of our job if we didn't do it, we're not going to learn anything. And the teachers are not AC: I'd like to know more about the Canadian history. complaining about how terrible you work at school,; they keep KSM: I wanted to know “how and what happen to those street on helping you, and they make sure that you understand every- people? How did they become homeless?” because I want to join thing. And also when you drop they still let you pass the other the programs that help [the] homeless. subject and let you continue your grade. Volume 3, Issue 2 SETTLEMENT POST Page 4

PROGRAM UPDATES

MEET THE TEACHERS NIGHT

ne of the goals of the In-School Settlement Services (ISSS) program is to help foster student achievement through parental O engagement. Settlement Practitioners encourage newcomer parents to be involved in their children’s education by attend- ing events like Meet the Teachers Night. In addition, Settlement Practitioners attend Meet the Teachers Nights to reach out to newcomer and immigrant families who they may not have already met to ensure that they are aware of and connect to pro- grams and services that are available for newcomers. This year, ISSS staff attended Meet the Teachers Nights in the following schools: A. Blair McPherson Elementary/Junior High; Crawford Plains Elementary; Grace Martin Elementary; St. Elizabeth Catho- lic Elementary; and Weinlos Elementary. Settlement Post chatted with a few immigrant parents throughout this month about their thoughts on schools in Canada as well as Meet the Teachers Night. Compared to your home country, have organized here. Over [in the Philippines], “We can discuss with the you noticed any similarities or differ- you have to wait. Here you can easily talk teachers if there is any ences to schools here in Canada? to someone.” --- Jeneth & Rhyan Silva, Issue regarding kids’ parents at St. Elizabeth studies, if we have any “When I have problems regarding kids, received that Teachers & other school staff are coopera- so this is the ideal way to page [of school tive with students as well as with parents. communicate to the supplies]. I School infrastructure is very good. teachers we have some cannot Children get a chance to interact, know & problems with the kids. And secondly, understand a learn from other students of different being new to this country, being new to few words. cultural background here in Canada. The this environment, communicating with When I read in the store at Walmart, there students in India are having an extra the teachers that the problems our kids was nothing around me. So the first thing: burden of studies, but here it's not like are overcoming – they can help us out and binder. Me - I’m used to ring folder. It’s that. The students here in Canada are sorting out what problems they have at very common over there. It has a ring, and taught on individual basis, but in India school. Because the kids face a lot of it’s a folder. I was looking for it, and I did there are mostly some common methods problems when they are in some different not find it [laughs]. I did not know binder, for almost all the students. --- Jasvir environment like the way I just talk to the so I asked someone, and they said, ‘It’s all Bhatia, parent at A. Blair McPherson teachers of my kids and they are saying around you. You can choose’ Then there What did you they are having a bit language barrier, so were duotangs. It’s a different name for think of Meet the they were discussing some ways in which me – I’m not getting any meaning from Teachers Night? we can overcome these problems.” --- that word. We call it paper covers. Back What did you Ghadia Zafar, parent at Grace Martin home, we call it sachels or school bags. learn? Here, they’re backpacks. Like minor differences, but for me, at that time, I feel “Good orientation. Why is it important for newcomer lost that I’m not getting what are duotangs Friendly staffs.” --- parents to be involved in their kid’s especially. For me it had several Ravi Manickam, education? meanings, but it was just a paper cover. I parent at Weinlos really wanted to laugh!” --- Aisha Khalid, “I would like to borrow “I talked about my kids. parent at Crawford the textbooks, so I can If he’s working good? Plains help my daughter side How’s the homework? by side with the school “It’s very easy here, I say, “Sometimes you subjects. It is very because they will not don’t give homework” important, because kids pressure the students and [the teachers] say, are very sensitive and not like in the “They’re doing in the new environment make Philippines. And staff class.” But I need when them shy and make them less talkative [to are all really good to [my child is] done with the school and talk to teachers]. So even if they have us.” --- Fatima Otayde, coming home, they’re eating, they’re re- knowledge, they would remain [behind], parent at Weinlos laxed, after that, they’re starting his home- because of communication problems.” work. Like homework he’s not doing to- “The school admin- day that they had in the class, [the --- Shama Imtiaz, parent at Crawford istration and teachers] can say, “Go today home, you Plains School teachers here were must do this homework and return it to- very accommodating morrow”. I want it to help my child even if and hospitable. We the homework is hard for him, but [the feel welcome and at teachers] said they’re doing well. --- home. They’re very Fatumo Ahmed, parent at Grace Martin Volume 3, Issue 2 SETTLEMENT POST Page 5

WHY & HOW TO BE INVOLVED WITH

YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

n Canada, schools encourage parents to get involved in their children’s education. This will give you a chance to learn about what your child is being taught. Parents who get involved in their I child’s lives find that their children are often successful in school and in life.

How do you get involved?

 Talk to your child’s teacher to understand what is going on at school. If you and your husband/wife do not speak English well, get interpreters that can help you talk to the teacher or ask a friend or family member to go with you to school meetings. You should not use your child as an interpreter for parent-teacher meetings.

 Volunteer in school activities such as taking part in field trips, working in the library and reading with children. Talk to your child’s teacher about how you can volunteer.

 Attend school events and meetings. Many schools organize events that explore important issues such as literacy, math and how you can help your child succeed. Meet-the-teacher night (or “open house”) is a good way to learn more about the school and get to know your child’s teacher.

 Parent-teacher interviews give you a chance to talk to your child’s teacher about how your child is doing in school and how he or she can improve. These are private meetings between the student’s parents and the teacher. Interviews are normally 10 to 15 minutes long and they are held twice a year: in the fall and in the spring.

 Be involved in your child’s education to help them learn/succeed; read with your child at home or you can take them to the library. You can also help them with homework if you are able to.

 Check the School Zone or Power School websites. These are school websites through Edmonton Public or Catholic Schools that have information about your child’s attendance, grades, school subjects, report cards, etc. You can go to the school office for your login and password.

 Recognize issues that are affecting your child’s good performance in school; talk to your child’s teacher if you recognize a problem. Advocate for your child’s needs.

 Encourage your children to do their best in school; don’t pressure them, and set realistic goals.

 Do your part to teach your children to be respectful. Don’t depend on teachers and the school only to teach your children proper behaviours and attitudes.

 If your child is sick, call the school office to let them know.

 To understand your child’s school better, ask specific questions such as:

How is my child doing in learning English or French, or other subjects? Is my child learning regular subjects according to their grade level? In what subjects is my child receiving extra support? What kind of support? How much time should my child spend on homework? Is my child making friends and doing well socially? What can I do at home to help my child succeed?

Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/after-education-involve.asp Volume 3, Issue 2 SETTLEMENT POST Page 6

PROGRAM INITIATIVES UPCOMING GROUP SESSIONS MICROSOFT WORD SESSION AT LIBRARY

BY: PETER MAGUIRE Building Safe Communities with am the Community Librarian for the Mill Woods branch of I the Edmonton Public Library (EPL). I began my position at Edmonton Police Service the Mill Woods branch in April 2013 and EISA’s In-Library Settlement Practitioners have been an essential part of Mill Woods Branch (2331-66 Street) orienting me to the community. One opportunity they provided October 21, 2013 me with was the chance to present about EPL at computer 7:00 p—8:30 p classes held at various schools, and I noticed something different from what I have seen at other similar programs – parents Would You Like to: brought their children to play while they learned how to use computers. A quick review of current courses aimed at  Learn about the day in newcomers also revealed a very small number of free courses the life of a Police teaching Microsoft Word, and almost none dealing with more advanced topics such as PowerPoint. Officer?  While this might “[My wife and I] attended the classes. It was Know the difference seem like a small very good. It would be nice if they offer a ses- between emergency change, I thought sion every month. The timing at 6:30pm is and non-emergency phone calls? Why it is important it was ground- good, too.” --- Indika Ranathunga, session to report crime and what happens when a report is breaking. Parents participant often are not able made? to arrange child-  Know how ethno-cultural communities can work care when com- “We had a wonderful time at Mill Woods Li- ing in to learn brary where we attended a session based on with Edmonton Police to build safer communities? new skills and how to format letters & resumes. We are so providing happy! We saw many things! Among of them Join our presenter from the Edmonton Police Service to something for are how to find a resume template, navigating kids to do while the ribbon (Important Tabs), copying and re- learn all this and more! parents work on moving formatting, saving a template, etc..., a computer seems so thank you again for what you did for us and Basic Computer Skills Class for like a great way for what you will continue to do for helping to give parents a many people especially immigrants.” --- Newcomer Parents chance to practice Innocent Nsabimana, Dieudonne Noisanze, and develop and Agnes Uwamariya, session participants Do you know how to: those skills. From there, I connected with EPL’s Digital Literacy Initiatives  Use email and search the Internet? department about the possibility of arranging for a visit from  Use SchoolZone or Power School to The Alberta Library’s (TAL) Mobile Laptop Kit so that I could provide a computer lab to students. It was possible to get ten know how your child is doing in school? laptop, and from there it became possible to run a similar  Use Microsoft Word? evening session in the Mill Woods branch on August 6. If not, join us for a 10-week basic The session provided an introduction Microsoft Word and how it could be used to create resumes or similar documents. EISA computer skills class at one of the following locations! recruited six people who attended the session, with four kids. Participants said they found the session valuable and that being Tuesdays, October 15-December 17 able to bring their kids was extremely helpful. They suggested including a broader range of topics, and building a more J. Percy Page High School (2707 Mill Woods Road) – 4:30- sustained, longer term program that included multiple sessions 6:30pm. To register, contact: Jianmin Chang @ (780) 462- and a greater variety of activities. 3322 ext. 2243 or (780) 442-4638 If you are interested in knowing more about the sessions or M.E. LaZerte High School (6804-144 Avenue) – 4-6pm / To suggesting future topics, please feel free to contact Peter Maguire at [email protected] register, contact Ruth Gitaka at (780) 408-9800 ext. 2128 or Dama Diriye at (780) 476-8671. Volume 3, Issue 2 SETTLEMENT POST Page 7

FALL IN THE CITY 2013

Sept. 26-Oct. 5: The 27th Edmonton November 1-10: River City Round Up (Main November 16: Christmas on the Square Holiday International Film Festival (Empire City Centre activities at Sir Winston Churchill Square, 100 St. Light Up (Sir Winston Churchill Square, 100 St. & rd 9, located on the 3 floor of City Centre Mall, & 102 Ave.). Free Admission. 102 Ave.). Free Admission 10200-102 Ave. www.edmontonfilmfest.com www.rivercityroundup.com / 780-471-7210 www.edmontondowntown.com / 780-424-4085 We strive to uncover cinematic gems and celebrate unique new voices in independent River City Round Up is a city-wide festival that Kick off the holiday season at the Christmas on filmmaking celebrates Edmonton’s agricultural heritage and the Square Holiday Light Up! The square comes rodeo. alive with live music and family entertainment, Oct. 19: Annual Interfaith & Multicultural all leading up to the arrival of Santa, the lighting Celebration Dinner; Ladies-only Event (Meridian November 3-10: Farmfair International of the giant Christmas tree, and a spectacular Banquet Hall (4820-76 Ave.) (Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515-118 Ave.) fireworks show! Presented by: Multicultural Women and Seniors Tickets: $5. www.farmfairinternational.com / Services Association (MWSSA) 780-471-7210 November 29-December 1: Prairie Bowl (Zeidler th Hall @ the Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A Ave.) Tickets: $20.00 each; after Oct.12 : $25.00 each. Canada’s premiere agricultural showcase with Ticket price: $12; advanced tix can be purchased For more info or tickets please contact Azra, top quality livestock shows, sales and at Tix on the Square (www.tixonthesquare.com) Atiya, Murshida or Sofia at (780) 465-2992 competitions. For more than 35 years, Farmfair October 19: Olde Time Fair on the Square (Sir International has held the reins as a top www.rapidfiretheatre.com / 780-443-6044 destination for the international livestock Winston Churchill Square, 100 St. & 102 Ave.) The dust-up of the century at the Citadel industry and a hub for agricultural business. Free Admission Theatre; the first annual Prairie Bowl October 17-27: LitFest: Edmonton's Nonfiction November 6-10: Canadian Finals Rodeo (Rexall Theatresports Tournament. Teams from Festival (Various locations throughout Place, 7424-118 Avenue). Tickets: $20 and up Winnipeg, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton – who is Downtown and all over the capital region) www.cfr.ca / 780-471-7210 funniest? Can anyone survive the brute strength of Rapid Fire Theatre. Ticket price: Varies from free to $50 / November 15-17: The Pure Speculation Festival www.litfestalberta.org / 780-498-2500 (Grant MacEwan University, Robbins Health Out of the City Attractions Centre, 11050-104 Ave.) Tickets: Varies. Children October 25-26: Spooktacular (Fort Edmonton under 12, accompanied by an adult, enter for Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm, Bon Accord, Park, corner of & ) free. www.purespec.org Alberta www.prairiegardens.org Tickets: $20/person (kids under age 2 are free) www.fortedmontonpark.ca/events/ Pure Spec is a celebration of science fiction, Sept. 28-29, Oct. 5-6, 12-14, 19-20, 26 & 27: spooktacular fantasy, comics, gaming, science and media. Haunted Pumpkin Fest & Sturgeon County Bounty Opens - A celebration of the 50 mile Our annual Spooktacular is back this year with Come meet the authors, the costumers, the diet, with real food, grown real local, right here chills, shudders and fears that will stimulate your speakers, and take part in the gaming, checkout imagination every step of the way. The Park will the merchants, and enjoy the programs in Sturgeon County. Come meet the producers, be transformed into a Halloween land of ghosts, available! Steampunk theme in 2013. chefs, and caterers to sample Sturgeon County’s goblins, ghouls and much more. Whether you are bounty. a child or child at heart there will be something for you this Spooktacular! For more information about In-School & Library Settlement Services, please contact: Oliver Kamau, Regional Program Coordinator

Tel: (780) 474-8445 or Email [email protected]

In School & Library Settlement Practitioners

Grazyna Pakos—[email protected] Ruth Gitaka—[email protected] Jianmin Chang—[email protected] Margarita Cameron—[email protected] Dama Diriye—[email protected] Gifty Nelson—[email protected]