Page 8 Program goals include: • Language acquisition • Bringing ELL parents in the school to foster the home to school connection • Creating friendships with other ELL families • Making community connections Some of the days are low-key and others feature special guests such as: Aboriginal Education Assistant Deb Logan, who led a Dream Catcher activity; Gord Nowicki, the school’s RCMP Liaison Officer; Trustee Tania Brzovic; and a representative from Community Kitchens to promote free Canadian Cuisine cooking lessons. A recent trip to the public library was a planned neighbourhood trip where the group learned about the excellent resources for ELL and many of the students received a library card and borrowed books. During the trip, families also discovered that the library offers free English Language conversation classes for adults. Another trip included a tour of the local Fire Hall-learning about procedures when there’s an emergency call. They learned about some of the equipment, witnessed the 100 foot bucket extended and even had a look inside one of the fire trucks. The firemen even took time to suit up a student – boots, jacket, hardhat and breathing apparatus. Captain Hyne was impressed and said that most children would fall over because of the heavy weight of the equipment. Upcoming outdoor trips include a beach walk and a tour of Oliver Woods Community Centre. “It has been such a pleasure to bring our Newcomer families together!” said Davie. Davie is hoping to expand the program to neighbouring McGirr Elementary and eventually other elementary schools. Judging by the attendance rates and the smiles on the faces during these events, the program has been a huge success!