Surrey Schools hosts weekly Newcomer Networking Nights this fall to help immigrant and refugee families connect and adjust to Canadian school life.
First Session Tonight at Guildford Park Secondary
Families new to Surrey and White Rock can attend Newcomer Networking Nights (NNN), beginning Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Guildford Park Secondary (10707 146 St.). The initiative is led by the Surrey Schools Welcome Centre and runs weekly through mid-October.
Six Schools to Host Weekly Gatherings
After the opening session, events continue on Sept. 18 at Princess Margaret Secondary, Sept. 25 at École Kwantlen Park Secondary, Oct. 2 at Grandview Heights Secondary, Oct. 9 at Johnston Heights Secondary, and Oct. 16 at Queen Elizabeth Secondary. Each evening begins with registration and networking at 5:30 p.m., followed by presentations and a Q&A from 6 to 8 p.m.
Helping New Families Adjust to School Life
The program is designed to help immigrants, refugees and new Canadian families adapt to school and community life. Sessions provide guidance on school routines, available services, and supports offered by the Welcome Centre. Event information is available in 17 languages on surreyschools.ca.
Topics Cover Daily Life and Connections
Presentations focus on key settlement themes: transitioning to life in Canada, digital literacy and online safety, personal hygiene and self-care, navigating friendships, volunteering, and pathways to employment. Parents and students are also encouraged to connect with peers and community members during the sessions.
Collaboration Across the District
Sessions are organized with the support of English Language Learner (ELL) teachers and delivered by multilingual Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) and Multicultural Workers (MCW). The Surrey Schools Welcome Centre, located in Newton’s City Square building (#120-7525 King George Blvd.), coordinates the program to ease transitions for newcomer and ELL students.
Accessing More Information
All families with children in early learning, elementary or secondary school are invited to attend. Since the content is the same at each event, families may choose whichever night suits them best. For further details, residents can email swis-office@surreyschools.ca or call 604-543-3060.
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