SWIS program helps families settle in nicely

The SWIS program is a school based outreach program, designed to help new immigrant or refugee students and their families settle into their community and school.

There are more than 900 students from 68 countries presently enrolled in Central Okanagan Public Schools. We have two Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) to cover our district.

Families arriving in Kelowna face many challenges as they adjust to life in Canada. In our role, we try to connect newly arrived families to the many services and resources available in both the school and the community. We often act as a liaison between school and home, as some parents are reluctant to contact schools directly.

For example, a family recently relocated to Kelowna arrived at The Welcome Centre, and the mother was very eager to get her son registered into a school. I did the intake information meeting and it was apparent that the student wanted to be socially connected. That afternoon, the family was able to get a visit at the school to meet the vice-principal and the Language Assistant Teacher. The student started school the next day.

At the end of the school tour, the mother gave me a hug. Like any parent, she wanted her child to be connected before she could begin to feel settled herself.

Our office can arrange for translators if it is required for school and parent meetings. We also provide a weekly conversation club for new parents and grandparents to connect with English speaking opportunities. Some of our families need help applying for various government services such as the child tax credit, SIN applications, obtaining a driver's license, and applying for BC medical. Many parents require English lessons, employment counselling, and assistance in finding accommodation.

Our new families are very impressed with our school system and the wonderful teachers who go above and beyond to welcome these students.