Helping Parents Feel Confident in Canadian Schools

Starting school in a new country can feel overwhelming, not just for students, but for parents too. Our Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) continue to play a vital role in helping newcomer parents and guardians understand the Canadian school system and feel confident supporting their children’s education.

SWIS supports parents through one-on-one follow-ups, outreach, and group information sessions that explain school policies, graduation requirements, how to communicate with teachers, and what supports are available in schools. These practical conversations help families better understand expectations and navigate school life with confidence.

SWIS also supports parents in actively engaging with schools and communities. Our team facilitated participation in over 85 school meetings, helping families build positive relationships with educators. Parents took part in school councils, Junior Kindergarten registration events, community BBQs, and Iftar evenings, creating meaningful connections and strengthening trust between schools and families.

At R.H. King Academy, SWIS delivered parent sessions alongside youth programming during Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) and Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN). Parents learned about academic pathways, daily school routines, and ways to support their children emotionally and academically at home.

By offering culturally responsive and accessible programming, SWIS empowers parents to become informed partners in their children’s education, building stronger family engagement and more supportive learning environments for newcomer students.

Together, these efforts help newcomer families feel welcomed, informed, and connected. By strengthening home, school relationships and linking parents to the supports they need, SWIS continues to build pathways for student success, ensuring families are not just navigating the school system but truly belonging within it.