Supporting Learning and Belonging for English Language Learners
The English Language Learning program at the Kenora Catholic District School Board has continued to grow and evolve in meaningful ways over the past school year. Last year marked a record number of new English language learners, with more than 20 students joining KCDSB schools. This growth brought the total number of English language learners across the district to just over 50 students. This increase encouraged us to look closely at one important question: How can we become an even more welcoming school community for newcomer students and families?
To support this, KCDSB has developed new welcome materials designed specifically for English language learners and their families. These include school information sheets, bus cards, and mental health resource guides that help families understand daily routines, expectations, and available supports. These tools help ease the transition for students who may be experiencing a great deal of change.
The program has also evolved with a change in title for the role that leads this work. The former ESL Tutor role is now ESL Coach. This better reflects the type of support offered to students and staff across the board.
“I am excited about the title of ESL Coach because it fits the way my work has grown,” said Ryan Larson, English as a Second Language Coach. “Like any coach, my goal is to teach skills, encourage students, and help them reach their full potential.”
With just over 50 English language learners across the district, the approach to instruction has also adapted. Instead of creating separate lessons, the coach collaborates closely with classroom teachers and support staff. This allows students to receive language help while working with the same materials and assignments as their classmates. For example, a recent mini lesson on where to use adjectives helped an elementary student strengthen their creative writing, and one of our secondary students received targeted support to understand English math vocabulary for an upcoming test.
New tools have also been introduced to support learning. Last spring, approximately 20 students took part in a trial of the Lexia English Language program. This year, an online program called Litguide is being piloted to help students prepare for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. The ESL Coach continues to explore how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to support learning, such as simplifying difficult texts or identifying grammar skills a student may need to practice.
Collaboration with schools remains a key strength of the program. Regular check ins with teachers help build a clear picture of how each student is progressing socially, emotionally, and academically. When possible, the coach joins classroom activities to help students with the same work their classmates are completing. This keeps learning connected and helps students feel included in the daily routines of their classroom.
Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive. Many families have shared how grateful they are for the warm and caring staff in our schools and the attention given to supporting their children. One family reflected on the significant journey their child had experienced before arriving in Kenora. After moving through multiple countries, the pandemic, and a transition within Canada, they shared that their child finally felt settled and safe.
In a message to the ESL Coach, the family wrote, “Moving to Kenora was a very good decision very much because of the people that surround our child at school. We went home with a very good mood after the meeting. It happened not often with us throughout our journey. We appreciate it a lot.”
Looking ahead, one of the main goals for the coming year is to equip both students and educators with more strategies, resources, and assistive technology to support language learning. By continuing to build strong relationships with families, collaborate closely with schools, and introduce helpful learning tools, KCDSB remains committed to helping every English language learner succeed.
This work reflects our promise to welcome all families with care, dignity, and compassion and to support each student as they grow in their learning.
