Newcomers to
Canada who wish to register their children for school in the Greater
Fredericton area will benefit from the opening of Anglophone West School
District’s Newcomer Support Centre.
The centre’s grand
opening was celebrated November 22 at its location at 575 George Street.
“It can be
exciting, rewarding and challenging at the same time settling in a new
country,” said David McTimoney, superintendent, Anglophone West School
District. “The Newcomer Support Centre is a welcoming place for newcomers and
we support all families. Those who have immigrated with permanent status, those
who are here as fee payers, those who are here on parent study or work permits
and those who are here for a cultural exchange.”
Staff at the Newcomer
Support Centre provide one-on-one support with the registration process and assist
families in their transition to the school system; support learners of English
as an Additional Language; and promote cultural diversity initiatives across ASD-W’s
69 schools.
Since beginning
to provide service this past summer, the Newcomer Support Centre has registred
258 students from 30 countries.
From left: David McTimoney, superintendent, ASD-W; David Coon,MLA Fredericton South; Pierre Plourde, principal, GSMS; Ebenezer Ussher;
Ebenezer Ussher junior; Shawna Allen-Vander Toorn, ASD-W; Deputy Premier
Stephen Horsman.