ESL: English as a Second Language

Every language is a strength. Every student belongs here.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

Language is the Gateway to Learning.

At the District School Board of Niagara, we welcome the languages, cultures, and experiences that students and families bring to our schools. We are committed to creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and connected. We work alongside students and families to support multilingual learners as they build confidence, develop their English skills, make friendships, and experience success at school. Through caring relationships, language support, and meeting students where they are, we strive to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging. We believe that speaking more than one language is a strength, and we are proud to celebrate the diversity of our school communities.

Elementary Secondary

SETTLEMENT WORKERS IN SCHOOLS

Your Language Is Welcome Here.

DSBN’s Settlement Workers in Schools are available in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Pashto, Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, and more. They are federally funded support workers who speak your language and help your family navigate school life.

Contact our Welcome Centre

Welcome Centre sign displaying "Welcome" in multiple languages, including Arabic, Vietnamese, Spanish, Chinese, Turkish, and Dari.

NEWCOMER FAMILIES

DSBN Welcome Centre

Whether you are registering for school, learning about the education system, or looking for support and resources, our team is here to help make the transition to school feel welcoming and smooth for your family.

Learn More

YOU BELONG HERE

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

SWIS stands for Settlement Workers in Schools. This free program is available to all newcomer families in Niagara and provides support as you settle into your new community and school system.

To learn more about the program and contact a settlement worker, click here. (link to settlement workers on welcome centre hub)

Programs and Pathways

ESL Programming
Supports students who have strong first-language literacy as they continue developing English skills and accessing the Ontario curriculum.

ELD Programming
Focuses on building foundational literacy and learning skills while students develop English proficiency.

Pathways
Students progress through ESL and/or ELD courses before transitioning into mainstream English classes. Each pathway is individualized, and the pace of progress varies based on student needs.

Reference: The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12: ESL and ELD (see page 14)

Supports for Students and Families

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
SWIS workers help families connect with school and community resources, providing guidance and support as they settle into the Niagara Region.

Multilanguage Resource Coaches
Multilanguage Resource Coaches support students’ language development and work alongside teachers to adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs.

Student Success
Student Success teams support students in navigating school life and help connect them with available supports.

Guidance
Guidance staff assist with course selection, post-secondary planning, and connecting students and families with school and community resources.

Welcome Centre

The DSBN Welcome Centre provides information, registration support, and guidance for families who are new or returning to the school system.