BlackburnNews.com File Photo of the Thames Valley District School Board office. BlackburnNews.com File Photo of the Thames Valley District School Board office.
London

Centre To Support Syrian Refugee Learning Needs

Syrian refugees resettling in London will have a special new learning centre come the new year, thanks to the Thames Valley District School Board.

The GENTLE (Guided Entry to New Teaching and Learning Experiences) Family Reception Centre, located at White Oaks Public School, opens its doors January 4. It will be open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm.

The school board selected the south end school as the home of the new learning centre because there are a range of existing social services accessible at nearby South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre.

Staff at the centre will conduct assessments for literacy, math and language skills, as well as provide an orientation to the Thames Valley classroom experience.

“Our goal is to welcome the whole family – from young children and teens to adults – and support their learning needs in one place,” says Laura Elliott, director of education. “We are very excited to welcome refugee families and showcase our commitment to student learning and building each student’s tomorrow, every day.”

The centre will see Syrian refugee families transitioning their children to their new schools within a few days or weeks, depending on individual needs. Adults who need additional English language skills will be given the option to attend programming at G.A. Wheable Centre for Adult Education in London or other locations throughout Thames Valley.

London is expecting to take in roughly 200 Syrian refugees by the end of December, most will be privately sponsored.

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