Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) Program

The NOW Program is a partnership between teachers, SWIS Program Workers and Peer Leaders – many were newcomer themselves at one time. For one week before the school year begins, Peer Leaders provide a range of information, activities and sharing experiences for newly arrived youth with the support of SWIS staff and teachers. In this fun and engaging environment, the NOW activities prepare newcomer youth for a smooth entry into school in Canada, and reduces student stress about the settlement transition and encourages their full participation in the life of their new school and community. Peer Leaders are trained by the SWIS team to enhance their leadership and team-building skills to run the NOW Program and demonstrate to those new students, their own potential to become school leaders.