Online resources and links for parents with school-age kids

Reading to Kids at Roland Michener PS  by US Embassy Canada.  CC BY

Parents need all the help they can get when it comes to supporting their children. For newcomer parents, helping their kids adjust to their new environment will be a priority. The following are suggested websites to help you do just that. These free and easy-to-access resources will help you get information about the things your kids are learning in school, equip you with proper tools to support them in their academics, find free and high-quality after school activities to encourage a well-rounded development, and other related websites to support your children’s needs.

Manitoba government-suggested websites for parents, educators, and community members:

• My Child in School – A user-friendly website that provides an overview of curriculum content to help parents support their children’s success in school.
• My Learning at Home – Students in grades 5 to 8 can find videos, animations and interactive websites here to help them understand or deepen their understanding of many concepts in mathematics and science.
• Safe and Caring Schools – Provides Manitoba’s educators, students, parents and community members with valuable information and resources to support safe, caring and inclusive schools.
• Restoring Safe Schools – Outlines the Manitoba Government’s plan to keep in-school learning safe in the face of the ongoing pandemic.

Library links:

• Winnipeg Public Libraries – Information on location, hours and services available at libraries in Winnipeg.

Regional libraries:

• Manitoba Public Library System
• Western Manitoba Regional Library – Includes Brandon Public Library, Carberry/North Cypress Library, Neepawa Public Library,Glenboro/South Cypress Library, Hartney/Cameron Public Library.
• South Central Regional Library– Services Morden, Winkler, Altona, Miami.
• South Interlake Regional Library – Covers the Town of Stonewall, Town of Teulon, R.M. of Rosser, R.M. of Rockwood.
• Lakeland Regional Library – Services Kilarney-Turtle Mountain & Cartwright-Roblin
• Lac du Bonnet Library– For the Town of Lac du Bonnet, R.M. of Lac du Bonnet, and R.M. of Alexander (Bird River Area).
• Evergreen Regional Library – Includes Gimli, Arborg, Riverton
• Allard Library (Bibliothèque Allard Regional Library)– services Pine Falls – Powerview, R.M. of Alexander, R.M. of Victoria Beach and surrounding areas

Community based programming and support for newcomer youth (and families):

• City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide, Swimming for all Ages, and Priceless Fun – Contains downloadable pamphlets containing listings of recreational programs in community centres and libraries in various areas of Winnipeg.
• General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres (GCWCC) – This is where you will find information on Winnipeg’s 63 community centres. Find out your nearest community centre, its upcoming events, programs offered, rental facilities, and others.
• Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg – Operates 10 community-based clubs for young people ages 10-18. They offer drop-in and enhanced programs that include sports, recreation and physical activity; arts and cultural appreciation; and education and career exploration. Some activities require pre-registration.
• Art City – Offers free, high-quality art programs. Special programs include digital photography, ceramics, drawing club and digital art, and other activities that facilitate creative expression.
• NEEDS Youth After-school Program – For newcomer youth from age 12. It offers educational activities, skills development, recreational activities and field trips to help them successfully integrate into Canadian society.
• NEEDS Introduction to Canadian Education – A school-preparedness and orientation program for newly arrived refugee youth, 6-17 years old, who are awaiting placement in a Winnipeg School. It consists of orientation sessions about Winnipeg and school preparedness, English language skill development, recreational activities, and computer skills development.
• Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) – ISSA holds various youth programs including an After School Summer program and other recreation and learning events.
• Ka Ni Kanichihk – Offers various mentorship programs for Aboriginal youth. They provide academic, cultural and leadership activities geared to develop skills, self-esteem, self-respect, and resilience.
• IRCOM Children’s Programs – These include activities for children 6-12 years old, five days a week (4-6 pm). These range from recreational and sports programs to literacy and art-related activities.
• Evermore(formerly known as West Broadway Youth Outreach)- Provides recreational and life skills programming for youth ages in the West Central community. Activities are all year-round, focusing on mentorship and various fun educational and recreational activities.
• Elmwood Community Resource Centre, Elmwood has various programs for children and the youth.
– Represents and supports LGTBTTQ individuals, communities and families. Its youth programs (for ages 13-21) focus on skill development, capacity building, and creative expression such as creative writing workshops, movie nights, self defence, and bowling.
• Seven Oaks School Division – Provides services to newcomers, often in collaboration with schools:
• Maples Youth Activity Centre – Offers leisure activities to encourage active, healthy living to youth 9-17 years old. The program runs in two schools and includes recreation, art, music, cooking and others.
• Kildonan Youth Activity Centre – Offers recreation, art, music, cooking and other activities to youth 8-17 years old. Programs are offered in five schools.
• Extended Day Growth Education for middle years – A program that operates in nine schools.
• After school language classes (heritage languages and English as an Additional Language) – Offered to students who attend school in the division. Languages include Punjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Filipino, Cree, Ojibwe, Spanish, German, and EAL. Classes are from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.
• Wayfinders – An after school tutoring and mentoring program for high school students living in the Elwick community and Watson Drive. It provides opportunities for community service and financial support.
• Teen Stop Jeunesse – Has various programs and supports for youth ages 8-18. They offer a Life Skills program (cooking), arts and crafts, computer lab, homework assistance, School of Rock mentorship, recording studio, leadership programs, a Youth Coop program (entrepreneurship), food bank, light counselling and referral services.

 
Article updated July 31, 2020.
 
Sources: Manitoba News Media Services, MIRSSA Recreation Resources for School-Aged Newcomer Children and Youth (Jan. 2016)