Surrey Schools Welcome Centre

This past week, the Surrey Schools Welcome Centre hosted multilingual, informative, and engaging community safety workshops at Guildford and Kwantlen Park Secondary Schools. The sessions were presented in partnership with the Surrey Police Services. Families had the opportunity to learn about personal safety, crime prevention, gangs, and how to support their children in making positive choices. Thank you to the Surrey Police Service for sharing their expertise and helping strengthen the partnership between families, schools, and the community. Together, we continue to build safer, more informed, and connected communities.

This week, the Surrey Schools Welcome Centre hosted a special visit from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) representatives. Tracey Maulfair and Darcy Knoll toured the centre and learned about the supports provided to newcomer families and students as they transition school and life in Canada. They had the opportunity to speak to recently arrived refugee students who shared about their journeys, challenges, and hopes for the future. Thank you Tracey and Darcy for your roles in supporting refugees around the world and for the visit to the Surrey School District to learn about newcomer student journeys after arrival in Canada.

Last week, we wrapped up the Our Journeys, Our Stories program at Princess Margaret Secondary. Each week, newcomer youth came together to share and reflect on themes of migration, belonging, family, identity, and hopes for the future.

Through meaningful conversations and activities, facilitators and guest speakers helped create a supportive space for empowerment, peer connection, and growth.

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of surprising our Coordinators, Digital Literacy Specialist, SWIS, and Multicultural Workers in celebration of Student Support Appreciation Day.

It was a meaningful opportunity to recognize and thank these dedicated Welcome Centre team members for the incredible work they do every day in supporting and welcoming our newcomer students and families. Their commitment strengthens inclusion and helps build meaningful connections across our school communities.

We are deeply grateful for your dedication, compassion, and ongoing support!

This past week, our team came together to acknowledge Nowruz, Eid, and Vaisakhi, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the newcomers we serve. These celebrations offered a meaningful opportunity to learn from one another and strengthen our shared commitment to building an inclusive community. We extend our warmest wishes and greetings to all families and communities who are celebrating as they mark these important occasions. 🎉

Last week, we proudly hosted our first-ever Surrey Schools Welcome Centre - Youth Pathways Fair.

In collaboration with community partners, this event supported newcomer students and families as they navigate educational and career pathways in Canada.

A highly successful and meaningful event that facilitated creating connections, opening doors, and empowering futures.

The last week before spring break, we wrapped up our first-ever Connect Through Volleyball and Soccer Combo at Frank Hurt Secondary!

Huge shoutout to Volleyball BC and BC Soccer for their support, and to the amazing coaches who showed up week after week to motivate and challenge students. This was one of our most energetic and exciting programs yet!

A special thank you to the staff and admin at Frank Hurt for their support and collaboration in this program, and to the Welcome Centre team for helping make this such a meaningful transition into school life in Canada.

We are proud to share that Maple Green hosted our first Welcoming Spaces activity. This activity was run by our Youth Facilitators who explored the theme of creating a welcoming space for newcomer students in our schools and classes! This group of enthusiastic Grade 6 and 7’s were highly engaged and demonstrated a strong understanding of how we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all! Thank you Mr. Speak for hosting us for this meaningful activity!

Happy International Women’s Day! 🌸
Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in our community and around the world. At the Welcome Centre, we are proud to support newcomer women and families as they build new beginnings and brighter futures.

🎊✨ Lunar New Year Celebration ✨🎊
Our staff came together to celebrate Lunar New Year and honour the cultures and traditions that enrich our community every day.
Wishing everyone a year filled with happiness, prosperity, and good health. 🧧🐉