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Thursday, January 7, 2016 - The IFP - H alton H ills - w w w .theifp.ca Page 9 Tired of Changing Batteries? Try Rechargeable! Purchase a set of rechargeable hearing aids and you could win* your purchase. *Contest runs until January 25, 2016. Not valid with any other offer. 905-873-6642 99 Sinclair Avenue, Suite 210 The GEORGETOWN HEARING CLINIC your pur Cory Soal, r.H .a.D. Hearing Instrume nt Practitioner • on-Site audiologist • repairs • Hearing Tests • Batteries • Home Service available • affordable Pricing • Custom Made Musician, Industrial & Swim Plugs • Hearing aid Prescriptions and Fittings • aDP, WSIB, DVa authorised Dispensary NEWS Refugees find new life, solace in the hands of HDSB "We are grateful for the opportu- nity to support our Federal and Provincial governments in this hu- manitarian cause." The following actions are be- ing taken by the Halton District School Board to ensure a suc- cessful transition for Syrian refu- gees: • With support from, and in consultation with, the Ministry of Education and the Federal government, the Halton District School Board will help settle Syr- ian refugees and integrate them into our communities, through our Welcome Centre, and into our elementary and secondary schools. • Halton District School Board representatives are coordinating efforts with Provincial and Mu- nicipal governments, as well as with numerous other stakehold- er groups (e.g., Region of Halton, Halton Multicultural Council, etc.) • All students who are new to the Halton District School Board and who speak a language other than English as their first lan- guage visit the Welcome Centre as their point of entry to receive settlement supports and aca- demic assessments. • The Halton District School Board's School Programs depart- ment is developing English Lit- eracy Development (ELD) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programming and instruc- tional supports and resources for teachers. • ESL instructional program leaders, in coordination with the Welcome Centre and schools, will support classroom learning and co-curricular experiences in aca- demically appropriate and cul- turally responsive and relevant approaches. Examples of some resources developed include Q&A scenario-based documents, lesson plans appropriate to Eng- lish Proficiency Assessment lev- els and entry points within the grade and subject curriculum, Arabic specific teaching tools and lessons to include all students in literacy learn- ing through Arabic/Eng- lish transla- tion. • A cen- tral resource teacher will be assigned to assist with the process of coordinating support for schools for ESL and ELD students. Based on volume and levels of language proficiency, schools may need assistance in integrating refugee students. • School administrators will attend professional learning ses- sions with their ESL/ELD teach- ers to learn about targeted and focused supports for welcoming students and families, engaging newcomer families into school life, and developing a support network to enhance and enrich the learning experiences and inclu- sion of all newcomers in their com- munities. • Ongoing support for all newcom- ers to the Halton Dis- trict School Board in- cludes orientation programs about the Ontario educational system and requirements. New- comers are also provided in- formation about the processes and programs specific to the Halton District School Board, the provision of interpretation services, as well as the transla- tion of Board and school docu- ments. Furthermore, informa- tion about parent and student engagement through Commu- nity Connects programming is available to promote academic success and social and emo- tional health. • The Halton District School Board welcomes donations through its 'Fill A Backpack' campaign and/or other dona- tions of school supplies and clothing (e.g., winter jackets) through the Welcome Centre. In- formation about the 'Fill A Back- pack' campaign can be found on the board website at www.hdsb. ca by searching 'Fill A Backpack' or 'Welcome Centre'. • Many schools are engaged in initiatives to support Syrian refu- gees as they arrive and continue to grow and learn and become members of our Halton commu- nities. For example, Oodenawi Public School in Oakville has developed 'play kits' to provide to students when they arrive at the Welcome Centre. The Halton Learning Foundation provides donations to students in need, including Syrian refugees. Continued from page 1