Supporting Multilingual Learners

Roughly one in five of our students identify as English language learners, bringing invaluable skills, knowledge, and experiences from around the world. Understanding their home languages and countries of origin helps us provide culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction while ensuring every student—regardless of language background—feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

This work is rooted in our core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism, and by building the capacity of all teachers, clinicians, and support staff, we foster classrooms where multilingual learners belong fully alongside their peers. Annual publications—including the Annual Report to the Community and From Many Backgrounds, One Community—share these insights with our community.

Our Approach

Our Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets a clear priority: supporting multilingual learners in becoming proficient in English (and French in Immersion settings) while valuing and developing their first language.

We prepare our staff to:

  • See strengths, not deficits: Recognize the assets multilingual learners bring to our schools
  • Practice the Ethic of Hospitality: Create welcoming, inclusive classroom environments
  • Avoid assumptions: Understand that students arrive with varied educational backgrounds and experiences
  • Embed culturally sustaining practices: Ensure teaching reflects and respects students' cultural identities
  • Maintain high expectations: Hold multilingual learners to the same standards as all our students

Every multilingual learner who needs support receives a clear plan, with consistent monitoring to ensure they're progressing.

Intensive Language and Academic Support

For newcomer students who have experienced disrupted schooling—due to war, poverty, natural disasters, or limited educational access—we offer Literacy, Academics & Language (LAL) Programming.

These students often arrive significantly behind age-level expectations in academic language, literacy, and numeracy. LAL Programming provides intensive, targeted instruction to help them build foundational skills while learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Where LAL Programming is Offered:

  • Senior Years: Dakota Collegiate, Glenlawn Collegiate, and Windsor Park Collegiate
  • Middle Years: Available at home schools throughout the division
  • Early Years: Literacy and academic foundations are integrated into the regular curriculum

Student Outcomes

LAL students follow individualized pathways tailored to their strengths and goals. Some transition into conventional classes, others pursue vocational or technical programs, and some continue with community partners. Our goal: help students stay in school, acquire foundational skills, graduate with a diploma, and move confidently toward post-secondary education or employment.

Beyond academics, LAL Programs prioritize student well-being. Students attend a safe, supportive classroom daily where staff monitor their physical and mental health, provide individual and group support, and help them build a sense of belonging. For many newcomers, connecting with peers who share similar experiences reduces isolation and creates genuine community.

Breaking Down Language Barriers

We partner with professional interpreter and translation services* through community non-profit organizations. These trained, accredited professionals provide support in languages from around the world.

This service removes barriers and helps families access the same opportunities as all families in our community.

*Note: interpreters work with spoken language in real-time conversations, while translators work with written documents and text.

René Deleurme Centre: Welcoming Families

Our René Deleurme Centre (RDC) is a community learning centre that brings together newcomer settlement services, family outreach, a daycare, and adult Literacy and EAL programs—all designed to meet families where they are.

Our Settlement Team—speaking Amharic, Arabic, Bulgarian, French, Lingala, Afaan Oromo, Russian, Sango, Somali, Swahili, and more—runs programs that go beyond traditional academics:

  • English Conversation Circles (offered throughout the year)
  • Computer and technology classes
  • Sewing classes and practical skills
  • Library tours
  • Parenting workshops
  • Youth mentorship programs

These programs are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and are free to participants.

Reconciliation and Welcoming Newcomers

As part of our commitment to allyship, we ensure that newcomers and multilingual learners learn the accurate history of Canada—including the history of Indigenous peoples, Treaties, and residential schools. This aligns with Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 93 and 94. This is a foundational part of helping newcomers become informed Canadian citizens.

The Bottom Line

Supporting multilingual learners is central to our mission. Every initiative we've described reflects our belief that all students deserve to see themselves in our schools, to hear their languages valued, and to know they have a place here.