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SCDSB partners with YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka to support newcomer and immigrant families
Published on Feb 14, 2022 09:27
SCDSB partners with YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka to support newcomer and immigrant families
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka (YMCA) have committed to work together to support newcomer and immigrant students and their families through the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program.
The MOU serves as a commitment by the SCDSB and YMCA staff to promote cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions. The SWIS program will provide newcomer and immigrant students and their families with culturally sensitive and inclusive services to assist with settlement, integration and full participation within SCDSB schools and communities.
“It is important that newcomers to the SCDSB and to Canada feel welcome, included and supported as they join our communities,” says SCDSB Director of Education John Dance. “Formalizing our partnership with the YMCA demonstrates our commitment to provide inclusive environments. We want to support all of our SCDSB families with integrating and fully participating in our school communities. The SWIS program will be a key part of ensuring that newcomer students and their families receive that support.”
“Inclusiveness is one of the core values of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. We believe that our communities are healthier when everyone feels welcome and belongs. As such, we are very excited to partner with the SCDSB on the SWIS program. The program will allow us to support newcomer students and their families as they integrate into their new school, and foster a sense of belonging as they settle into the Simcoe County community,” says Jill Tettmann, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “Moving to a new country can be a stressful transition. We want newcomers to know that there is a whole community behind them, that is willing to help out in any way we can.”
This initiative links directly to the SCDSB’s Strategic Priorities in the areas of community and equity, diversity and inclusion.
Information:
Charlene Scime, Superintendent of Leadership Development and Educational Partnerships
[email protected]
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