How settlement workers in schools (SWIS) help newcomers in Atlantic Canada

Overview of SWIS Support in Atlantic Canada

The video explains how Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) support newcomer students and their families in Atlantic Canada as they build their lives in Canada. Schools are described as often the first major point of connection for newcomers—where students learn language, form friendships, and discover new opportunities—and SWIS are presented as a key resource to help with that transition.

Key Forms of SWIS Support

• Helping students and families navigate the school system

  • Supporting registration and orientation
  • Explaining routines, schedules, and digital platforms
  • Improving communication between families and teachers/school staff

• Daily academic and community supports

  • Coordinating and running homework clubs
  • Hosting “lunch and learn” sessions
  • Organizing after-school activities
  • Providing individualized support for students

• Longer-term planning

  • Helping newcomer students prepare for post-secondary education

• Family adjustment support

  • Assisting families as they adapt to life in a new country

• Supporting schools and staff

  • Helping school staff manage cultural conflicts
  • Improving understanding of cultural differences
  • Working toward inclusive, welcoming schools

• Intercultural training

  • Many SWIS provide intercultural competency training to school and district staff
  • In some cases, training is also provided to the wider student community

Impact and Core Message

Overall, the video argues that SWIS create “spaces of understanding, connection, and belonging” not only for newcomer students, but also for families, schools, and broader communities. This support helps families and students feel loved, cared for, and supported, while improving integration in both education and community life.

Presenters or Contributors

No presenters or individual contributors are named in the provided subtitles.