The School Year as a Fresh Start for Newcomers

“I feel no trepidation about anything,” declared the 15-year-old, speaking in Somali and interpreted for clarity. Khadra recently immigrated to Canada with her family in July, a decade after escaping an enduring civil conflict in Somalia. Her ambition is clear: she longs to excel academically, master the English language, and ultimately pursue higher education—steps she believes will lead her to realize her dream of becoming a physician. “I desire to gain knowledge and then contribute positively to my community,” she expressed earnestly.

At the Hill Park Learning Centre, once a conventional school, a rich tapestry of languages fills the air, creating a vibrant ambiance that welcomes visitors. “It’s like a symphony,” remarked Sandra Valeri, the assistant principal overseeing ESL and international programs. In recent weeks, her team has greeted hundreds of students, marking this as the most hectic period of the academic calendar. Their commitment to assist families adapting to life in Hamilton continues until late June. The center operates from mid-August through the academic year, serving as a crucial “launching pad” for students and their families. Here, educators assess students’ academic skills and language proficiency while exploring their interests to tailor support effectively.

“It’s a partnership with families. We want to ensure their child is set up for triumph,” Valeri emphasized. “They truly strive for a smooth transition into the school environment.”

Newcomer Khadra Ibrahim Edow, who arrived in Hamilton in July after a stay in an Ethiopian refugee camp, patiently awaits her literacy evaluation at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s Welcome Centre. Since mid-August, a dedicated team of eleven educators has thoroughly assessed over 300 students’ literacy and numeracy capabilities. This evaluation aims to place them into suitable classrooms where they can receive adequate support. Understanding each student’s aspirations, interests, and hobbies paints a broader picture of their educational journey, Valeri noted, highlighting that subjects like math and reading are merely facets of a more comprehensive student experience.

For some, the first day at school is a comforting return: reconnecting with old companions, exchanging waves with last year’s teachers, or sharpening pencils that have been idle since June. Yet for others, uncertainty looms large.

Ayser and Amy Mohamed recently moved to Hamilton from Fredericton, New Brunswick, where they had settled for a year after relocating from Dubai. “It’s exciting, though we must forge new friendships again,” stated Amy, 13, who is gearing up for Grade 8 at Winona Elementary School in Stoney Creek. The social aspect is equally vital for 15-year-old Ayser, whose friendships make navigating the school day much more enjoyable. Fortunately, forging connections comes easily to this aspiring engineer, who will enter Grade 11 at Orchard Park Secondary School soon.

Their mother, Halam Zaidi, described relocating as a “challenging choice” for a parent eager to secure a bright future for her children. Shifting schools can burden parents with stress, given that each educational system possesses unique requirements. There’s paperwork to complete, high school credits to sort through, and evaluations to confirm her children’s readiness.

Zaidi expressed gratitude for the seamless experience at the Welcome Centre. “I’m fully aware of everything that needs to be accomplished,” she remarked. Once classes commence, the centre retains one full-time and one part-time assessor for families joining during the academic year. They collaborate with community partners, such as YMCA settlement specialists, to assist students and their families in learning English, securing housing, and finding employment, among other services.

Last year, nearly 1,500 students passed through the centre’s bustling doors, marking one of the busiest periods in recent history. Traditionally, families from Syria, Afghanistan, and Mexico dominate the demographics, but the centre has recently noticed an influx from Spain, France, Nigeria, and Brazil, according to Valeri.

The past two years have seen heightened activity, but the flow often comes in waves. “Whenever a global crisis unfolds, we begin preparing for a potential surge of students from specific regions,” she noted. “Our centre is a precise reflection of global happenings,” said Valeri, encapsulating the essence of their mission.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s Welcome Centre supplies diverse materials for students across grade levels, catering to multiple languages and backgrounds.