Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
Starting school in a new country can feel overwhelming. The Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Program helps newcomer students and families feel welcomed, informed, connected and supported as they adjust to their new school and community.
SWIS is delivered through a partnership between the school board and local settlement service organizations. Services are free, confidential, culturally responsive and available in multiple languages.
How SWIS Can Help
- Settlement Workers can support newcomer students and families with:
- Understanding the Ontario education system
- School registration, routines, policies and expectations
- Course selection, graduation requirements and education pathways
- Communicating and connecting with teachers and school staff
- Identifying settlement needs and developing an individual support plan
- Accessing language classes, health care, housing, employment and community services
- Completing forms and understanding important school information
- Connecting students with extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities and youth programs
- Parent information sessions and workshops
- Referrals to specialized school and community supports
- Building confidence, independence and a sense of belonging
Settlement Workers also collaborate with school staff to strengthen culturally responsive support for newcomer students and families.
Connect With a Settlement Worker
Families may connect with SWIS by:
- Asking their school office for the assigned Settlement Worker
- Speaking with a teacher, guidance counsellor or school administrator
- Contacting the local SWIS service provider
- Using the school board’s SWIS contact director
Contact
Omnya Mahdi, Manager of Community Connections & SWIS
Omnya.mahdi@lusocentre.org 226-378-2899
Languages available: Arabic, Spanish, French, Bosnian, Italian
LUSO SWIS Staff Assigned Schools (2026-2027)
Arnela Colic-Barker – arnela.colic-barker@lusocentre.org 519-701-0732
- Montcalm Secondary School
- Sir John A. Macdonald Public School
- Tweedsmuir Public School
Questyn Rodriguez – questyn@lusocentre.org 519-701-0768
- A.B. Lucas Secondary School
- East Carling Public School
- Northridge Public School
- Prince Charles Public School
- Clarke Road Secondary School (Itinerant)
Beatrice Cuda – beatrice@lusocentre.org 519-701-0758
- Stoney Creek Public School
- Forest City Public School
- J.P Robarts Public School (Itinerant)
- Cedar Hollow Public School (Itinerant)
Nadine Renno – nadine@lusocentre.org 519-701-0755
- Chippewa Public School
- Knollwood Park Public School
- Louise Arbour French Immersion Public School (Itinerant)
- Princess Anne French Immersion Public School (itinerant)
- Hillcrest Public School (Itinerant)
Hasanati Alexander – hasanati@lusocentre.org 226-374-6589
- Prince Charles Public School
- A.B Lucas Secondary School
- Montcalm Secondary School
- Stoney Creek Public School
- Evelyn Harrison Public School (Itinerant)
- Bonaventure Meadows Public School (Itinerant)
Basma Aldirawi – basma@lusocentre.org 519-701-0486
- Northbrae Public School
- Lord Elgin Public School
- East Carling Public School
- Lord Nelson Public School (Itinerant)