Hi everyone! welcome to School Mental Health Ontario and the newcomer student working groups very first video blog series! We are a group of newcomer students across the province who are passionate about newcomer mental health. We have created a few amazing resources together to help support newcomer student mental health. We will be talking about what it is like being a newcomer student here in Ontario. We will be covering things like how to support your mental health as a recent newcomer student, from other newcomer students. Remember, you are not alone. 

Hi, I’m Angie, a newcomer student working in a group of other fellow newcomer students. Out of personal experiences, I know how overwhelming it can be trying to adapt to a new environment, such as a new school. There’s a lot of different struggles you might face along your journey, such as language barriers, new learning material and learning styles, social cues, and even just maintaining a proper balance between everything going on in your life. You might feel alienated and not welcome, but know you are not alone. Our group wants to help you in your journey and maybe ease the stress a little bit for you. We want you to know you are not alone and we all have your back all across Ontario. On my journey I learned a lot of various ways to help me survive. Let me help you out a little bit. First off, I know you’re probably a lot stubborn and you want to try and navigate everything all on your own. But first off, swallow that pride. It doesn’t make you less of a human to admit that you need help. Secondly, get in touch with some trusted people around you, such as counselors, teachers and coaches. Ask them to help you in your process. Don’t be shy to ask questions. No question is a ever a dumb question. Another thing that helped me adapt was getting more involved in my school, such as joining clubs, getting involved in sports, and even volunteering in events. They all gave me a sense of belonging and I gained a lot of experiences and even friends along the way. We all have our own little crutches to help us on our own journeys. That’s what makes us unique. Go explore your community, learn new traits, even pick up some new hobbies. Don’t be shy to push your comfort zone a just little bit, but if you don’t want to that’s fine. As long as you’re comfortable, that’s what matters. Just remember, you’ve started a new chapter in your life. So grab the pen and write your own future. I just want to help you to welcome you to Ontario and to your own future. And I hope you love it here as much as I do. Always give everything you do your best effort and never stop dreaming. When you feel lost, just know everything happens the way it’s supposed to happen. Welcome to your new home, your new school, and your new life in Ontario. We’re so glad you’re here, and we’re all so excited to see the wonderful things you’ll bring to our community. Let’s make this journey unforgettable together. 

Hi everyone! welcome to School Mental Health Ontario and the newcomer student working groups very first video blog series! We are a group of newcomer students across the province who are passionate about newcomer mental health. We have created a few amazing resources together to help support newcomer student mental health. We will be talking about what it is like being a newcomer student here in Ontario. We will be covering things like how to support your mental health as a recent newcomer student, from other newcomer students. Remember, you are not alone.

My name is Cloris, and I’m part of the newcomer student working group. Being a newcomer student myself, I definitely know how hard it is at first. We have to work much harder than other students to achieve our goals. But sometimes things just don’t turn out the way that they should be. But don’t panic, because improving and exploring always come with challenges and difficulties. But that doesn’t mean you have to fight alone. Don’t forget you actually have a whole team who can back you up! The most helpful thing I learned so far is not to be afraid to ask for help and be confident about yourself. It is scary to try to talk to a person you are not familiar with, for example, your teachers or guidance workers. And I know it’s even worse to talk to them in another language that you just learned. But thinking this way, throughout the semester, you actually don’t get many chances to visit the guidance or have a private conversation with your teachers. So even though you mess up (but I believe you definitely won’t), it’s still going to be a while for you to talk to them again, and what you get back is valuable information that is so helpful for you and sometimes even some new opportunities that you have never heard about before. Also, please please be confident in yourself! I know it’s surprising, but just coming here and having the bravery to even try to integrate into this whole new environment means you are already so awesome, and you are better than so many people because of what you just did is to jump out of your comfort zone and make your own way here inOntario, with a language that you are not used to. I believe all of you can promote yourselves to the best person you can be in this diverse and exciting community with the help of our backup team, for example, mental health workers, guidance counsellors, students, teachers, and even more. And finally, please remember that everyone has the potential to bloom their talent, and everyone can be the person to help others. So welcome to your new home, your new school, and your new life in Ontario. We are so glad to meet you here, and we are excited to see all the wonderful things you will bring to our community. Let’s make this journey unforgettable together.

Hi everyone! welcome to School Mental Health Ontario and the newcomer student working groups very first video blog series! We are a group of newcomer students across the province who are passionate about newcomer mental health. We have created a few amazing resources together to help support newcomer student mental health. We will be talking about what it is like being a newcomer student here in Ontario. We will be covering things like how to support your mental health as a recent newcomer student, from other newcomer students. Remember, you are not alone.

Being a newcomer can seem scary at first, but it is a matter of putting yourself out there and finding community through the process! If you are experiencing stress or isolation due to the language barrier, academics, relationships, mental health, financial situation, etc., just know that you are not alone. Starting at a new school in a new country can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, which is totally understandable. Here in Ontario, we have a diverse and welcoming community. Teachers and students are here to help you every step of the way. You will meet students from all over the world, just like you. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and learn about different cultures. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your teachers understand that adjusting to a new school system takes time, and they’re here to support you. There are also many resources available, like language support and counselling services, to help you succeed. There are also teachers, guidance counsellors, student success teacher, child and youth worker, social worker, psychologist, mental health support worker, or chaplain for extra support. Moreover, getting involved in extracurricular activities is an amazing way to meet new people and find your place in the community. And remember, it’s okay to feel homesick and confused at times. Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s all part of the experience. Being a newcomer student in Ontario is a journey of growth and discovery, Embrace the opportunities, and soon this place will feel like home. Welcome to Ontario. We’re so glad you’re here!

Hi everyone! welcome to School Mental Health Ontario and the newcomer student working groups very first video blog series! We are a group of newcomer students across the province who are passionate about newcomer mental health. We have created a few amazing resources together to help support newcomer student mental health. We will be talking about what it is like being a newcomer student here in Ontario. We will be covering things like how to support your mental health as a recent newcomer student, from other newcomer students. Remember, you are not alone.

My name is Mariana. And I know starting at a new school can feel a bit overwhelming. And that’s totally normal. It’s like stepping into a whole new world with different faces, languages, and cultures. But don’t worry, we are here for you. Ontario is known for its amazing cultural diversity. You’ll meet people from all around the world, and you’ll hear their own stories and traditions. Please embrace this mix of cultures, and feel free to share your own experiences. It’s what makes our community so exciting. Making new friends is also a big part of starting at a new school. You might feel a little shy at first, but remember, everyone enjoys meeting someone new. Try things like joining clubs, participating in school activities, or just saying hello to the person next to you in class. As you adjust to your new environment, don’t forget to take care of your mental health. Moving can be stressful, so make sure to find time for activities that help you relax, like reading, walking, or journaling. It’s okay to take breaks and ask for help if you need it. Your well-being is important, and there are resources available to support you. For example, Ontario schools offer many resources to help you succeed. Whether you need tutoring, language support, or advice from guidance counselors, there are plenty of options. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers and staff. They’re here to help and want to see you do well. Even though we are filming in my room today, remember there’s a lot to explore outside of school. Local parks, museums, and community centres are great places to learn more about the area and feel more at home. There are also community programs specifically for newcomers to help you feel like you belong. You are starting a new chapter in your life, so enjoy every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Welcome to your new home, your new school, and your new life in Ontario. We are so glad you’re here, and we are excited to see all the wonderful things you will bring to our community. Let’s make this journey unforgettable together.