A large map on the wall of a center that welcomes students new to Canada to local schools is punctured with colorful push pins.
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Each one represents the home country of children who are now attending a Grand Erie District School Board school.
Since the Grand Welcome Centre, located in the Joseph Brant Learning Center on Erie Avenue in Brantford opened in July, 174 newcomer students from 32 countries have been guided through the registration process, which can be wildering to those new to Canada.
“This is an opportunity to streamline the process and increase efficiency,” said Ryan Strang, manager of communications and community relations for the Grand Erie school board. “Instead of 72 schools offering 72 experiences to newcomers looking to register, this is an access point for families to come in and do the process in one shot.
“The center isn’t a big space but it’s a powerful space. There’s a welcoming environment. It’s a springboard into our system.”
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The center, which has a wall decorated with “welcome” in many languages and a play area for children, can provide language and cultural interpreters, assess students’ level of English to make appropriate program recommendations, set up appointments to register at schools, and connect families with a settlement officer from the YMCA’s Immigration Settlement Services and other local agencies. Center staff can draw from a database of resources from across the province to assist families.
“Registering for elementary schools is kind of straight-forward,” said Strang. “But sometimes, depending on the country, a student’s grade level might be different. The center sets up appointments at high schools for course selection. They also provide general information about what a school day looks like.”
Andrea Smith, principal leader of curriculum and student achievement, oversees the center.
“The staff does a good job making people feel welcome,” she said. “For a lot of families, their first experience is getting their child registered for school. They’re so grateful for the support.”
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