The Newcomers' Guide to Education in Ontario is a project of the Settlement Workers in Schools program (SWIS), a partnership between agencies in the settlement sector, school boards and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The text was written by stakeholders in the program and reviewed by the Ministry of Education.

You can find the latest information about the SWIS program in the News and Notes Newsletter.

Settlement.Org's Role

Settlement.Org is not the author of the Newcomers' Guides, the videos or tipsheets on this page. We are simply hosting them. We are unable to provide you with paper or hard copies of this publication. You may download and print/copy versions for your use.

For more information, click here.

Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW)

NOW orients students to the people and activities that can help them settle in their new school.

Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN)

WIN orients students in the middle grades - grades 7 and 8 - to the people and activities that can help them settle in their new school.

14 Things To Do in Your First Weeks in Canada
This checklist can help you in your first few weeks in Canada.

Newcomers' Guides to Education in Ontario

School is an important part of life in Ontario. The Newcomers' Guides to Education in Ontario try to help parents support their children in school. The guides include articles, videos and handouts on key school topics.

Guides to Ontario's School System Updated!

These guides provide information to help newcomer students and parents in Ontario's schools. They are available for both Public and Catholic school. The guides are available in 18 languages.

Elementary School: Public | Catholic
Secondary School: Public | Catholic

En Français

Videos

For Our Kids
Newcomer parents talk about getting involved in their child's school.
Parent-Teacher Interviews - Elementary
Meeting with your child's elementary school teacher.
Parent-Teacher Interviews - Secondary
How families, teachers and guidance counsellors can work together.
New Moves
An orientation video for newcomer high school students.
Your Library
Your local library is helpful and free!

Dressing for Winter in Ontario
How to dress children for winter.

Tip Sheets

Homework
You can help your children by supporting their homework.
Special Education
Some students need special help to succeed in school.

Elementary School

Starting School
Help your child have a good start in kindergarten and Grade 1.
Grades 3 and 6 EQAO Tests
What to expect from the EQAO test.

Parent-Teacher Interviews
The first meeting with your child's teacher.
Solving Problems at School
What to do if your child has a problem at school.
Dressing for Winter in Ontario
A handout to go with the Dressing for Winter video.
abc123 - Helping Your Child Learn
How to help your child with reading, writing and math.
Your Child's First Week in the Middle Grades
For parents with chilren in their first week of grades 7 and 8.
Your Child's First Months in the Middle Grades
Help your child have a successful year in grade 7 and 8.

Secondary School

High School Courses and Choices
How to choose the right courses.
8 Things You Should Know About Secondary School
Important things you need to know about high school.
9 Things To Do in Your First Weeks in Secondary School
This checklist is for students in their first 2 weeks of high school.
Your Child's First Week in High School
For parents with children in their first week of secondary school.
Your Child's First Months in High School
Help your child have a successful year in secondary school.