SWIS- Settlement Workers in Schools

If I am a new immigrant family and I have school-aged children who do I contact?
If you are from another country and would like assistance with school registration you may contact the Settlement Workers in School (SWIS) program at Archway Community Services. SWIS is a free service for newcomers to Canada. You can reach them at inder.singh@archway.ca or 604-217-4584

What if I do not speak English?
We can provide a translator to assist you at registration.

SWIS workers can provide services in the following languages:  Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Spanish, Swahili, English, Tagalog, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Ukrainian, Albanian, Bosnian, Serbo-Croatian, Macedonian, Turkish, Russian, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Dinka, Fari, Dari, Pashto, French, Serbo-Croatian, and Bosnian.

Will the translator help me with finding a school?
The translator will help you with the registration. They will take you to the assigned school and give you all the information that you will need. 

What if I need help with finding a place to stay or a doctor?
The SWIS (Settlement Worker in School) will help you with many things that You will need to know and do in order to enter the school system and for life and work in Canada. They will find out what you need and help you. They will also refer you to the people that can help you depending on your need. Our SWIS workers help clients with the following:

School related needs:

  • Confirm registration at the assigned school
  • Orientation of location
  • Arrange school tours and meetings with the Principal or Counsellor
  • General information about the school system & preparation
  • Lunch/healthy snacks
  • School time/ timetable
  • School supplies
  • Code of Conduct
  • Transportation
  • Elementary school related information
  • Middle and Secondary school related information

Early Childhood Programs in the School District

  • StrongStart
  • Pre School Hubs
  • Bright Sparks Programs

Information on Immediate Settlement Needs

  • Child Tax Benefit
  • Child Care Subsidy
  • Medical Card
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Driver's Licence

Information about other services

  • English classes
  • Housing 
  • Adult Education
  • Job Search/Employment/Resume
  • Sponsorship
  • Citizen
  • Banking
  • Health Care
  • Legal Services
  • Income Tax

Archway Community Services have many varied services to help families. Visit their Website.