ELL Teacher Newsletter
For Teachers of Multilingual Learners, March 2024
Exciting News!
With the new build at Victoria High School, the ministry has also funded a community space called a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC). The purpose of the NLC is a space for community organizations to support newcomer families alongside SD61. The NLC includes a large classroom space, an office, washrooms, and a storage closet.
Although located at Vic High, the NLC is there to support the entire SD61 community. Primary stakeholders will include the ICA, VICRS, VICCIR and UVic (Community Advisory Board).
Secondary ELL teachers will have an opportunity to visit the space in April and share in a discussion about possibilities. We will look for an opportunity to invite middle and elementary ELL teachers at a future date.
A reminder to secondary teachers, if you have not already done so, please RSVP to David if you are able to attend on April 11th.
Families from the Ukraine
We anticipate more families arriving from the Ukraine as we near the end of March. The last day to submit a CUAET application was July 15, 2023. The last day to obtain a CUAET-based work or study permit at a Canadian port of entry is March 31, 2024.
Welcome Centre – Upcoming Calendar of Events
The following events and activities are in development. More information will be sent out to you after the break. If you are interested in assisting with an of these events or activities, please contact David Hovis, dhovis@sd61.bc.ca or Multicultural Liaison Worker Yves Hebert, yhebert@sd61.bc.ca
Middle Eastern Mother Support Group
Through partnership with UVic’s Community Advisory Board and the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR), weekly sessions are taking place to develop meaningful connections with a small group of mothers from SD61. One of the requests coming from these conversations is the desire for the Middle Eastern community to learn more about the Physical Health & Education curriculum – specifically focused on sexual health. We are looking to host a Q&A session on this topic for Middle Eastern families in May.
Newcomer Welcome & Partner Fair
A dessert night and community partner fair is being planned for the evening of Tuesday, May 7th. This will be an informal gathering for all newcomer families to SD61.
Supporting High School Students with Summer Employment
In collaboration with the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre (VIRCS), a series of after school sessions supporting high school students with summer employment will be offered. Tentative location will be the new NLC located at Vic High.
Boxing Program
We are currently in discussions with 94Forward to continue with an after-school boxing program for high school students for the fall. This program is fully funded and takes place at Island Boxing at 831 Fisgard Street.
Girls Hockey Program
Youth 4 Hockey is looking to sponsor a hockey program for female high school students, with an emphasis on newcomers, in SD61. Currently we are exploring possible locations to host the program and ice time availability.
Ramadan
Multicultural Calendar
Free Or Low Cost Options For Families During Spring Break
Communicating Student Progress on Goals
ELL Planning Tool on the BC ELL Standards website
Upcoming ProD Opportunities
Decoda Literacy Solutions Conference (supporting newcomers)
SIOP Training
Use your ProD funds to take this self-paced course on how to support newcomer Immigrant and Refugee students in any classroom using the SIOP.
Strategies for Teaching Multilingual Students - Infographics...
Strategy for Teaching SLIFE
Trauma Informed Practice: Unspoken Tears -- National Film Board of Canada
Anti-Racism Resources
An important new resource, Anti-Racism: A Guide for Teachers, is now available. Developed by a team of B.C. IBPoC educators, this guide will give B.C. teachers additional tools and strategies for including anti-racism education in their teaching practices to help foster learning through an anti-racist lens to address discrimination and celebrate diversity.










