When you hear about families moving to Canada, it’s easy to imagine how challenging it is for adults—finding work, housing, and navigating new systems. But what about the children? Their routines, friends, and sense of home are suddenly disrupted, and for teenagers, this transition coincides with another important change: starting high school.

Newcomer youth often say the hardest part of high school is the language barrier—struggling to understand lessons or fully express themselves. Imagine sitting in class, unable to join a group project, or standing in the cafeteria, wanting to joke with a new friend but not knowing how to say it. English skills affect not only their academic performance, but also their ability to make friends. And in adolescence, friendships aren’t just nice to have—they’re central to well-being. They give teenagers a sense of identity, confidence, and belonging. For newcomer youth, however, forming those connections can be especially daunting when language and cultural differences get in the way—making the transition to high school feel even more overwhelming.

That’s where our Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program makes a difference. It provides a welcoming space before the school year begins, where newcomer students can meet peers and learn the ins and outs of high school—how the schedule works, where to find support, and what to expect in their new environment.

Peer Leaders—students who were once newcomers themselves—play a big role in welcoming the next wave of students. Trained to guide activities and share their own experiences, they show how far you can go when you feel supported and included.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“The NOW program helped me show more of my inner self. I became more secure and confident, and that carried into class presentations and real-world interactions.”

“At first, language made everything difficult—lessons, group work, even making friends. Through NOW and the Peer Leader training, I improved my communication skills and learned how to support others.”

“Confidence was my biggest challenge. NOW gave me leadership skills and the courage to speak to large groups without fear. I also made friends from many different backgrounds.”

“When I arrived, I spoke no English and felt nervous about everything—from the weather to the classroom. NOW helped me build confidence, improve my communication, and make multicultural friendships.”

These stories remind us that starting high school isn’t just about finding classrooms or finishing assignments—it’s about finding your place. Programs like NOW give newcomer youth more than guidance through the high school experience. They create opportunities to build friendships that carry them through the year: a familiar face in the hallway, someone to sit with at lunch, a peer to study alongside.

These small connections make a big difference. They ease the stress of starting high school in a new country and lay the foundation for a sense of belonging that supports both learning and well-being. For newcomer teenagers, high school is more than a new chapter in education—it’s a chance to feel part of a community. With the right support, they don’t just adapt. They thrive!