3 minute read
LCC’s International Community:
Integration Through Social Connections
BY LINDSEY WHITELAW, COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER
Every year, LCC welcomes students from across the globe, hailing from more than 35 countries. International students bring diverse perspectives to the classroom, and their parents share diverse ideas with our school, enriching the experience for all. However, moving to a new school, city and country can be challenging. Learning French, developing English skills, adapting to a different culture, integrating into a new school system, making friends and connections, or even navigating winter in Montreal can be daunting. To make this transition as smooth as possible, LCC implements a host of support systems for new international families.
THE PARENT MENTOR PROGRAM: WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY
All new international parents are paired with current parent ambassadors who know the ins and outs of LCC and, oftentimes, were new to Montreal at one point or experienced living abroad. Mentors welcome them into the community and answer any questions they may have, providing them with the support they need as they acclimate to their new environment.
THE LCC PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION AND INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES
International parent representatives are part of the LCCPA executive and serve as the voice and advocates for the international families in our school community. They provide valuable feedback that allows us to offer better support.
The international parent representatives also work with the community liaison and advancement officers to organize outings and initiatives for international families, helping them to develop a sense of belonging. For example, at the beginning of the academic year, a group of new international families was introduced to the neighbourhood through an organized walk along Monkland Avenue, stopping for delicious treats generously donated by local merchants, and building a social network. In April 2023 new and returning international families attended an outing to a cabane à sucre. This activity introduced them to a Quebec tradition and gave them the opportunity to connect with one another. Walks in Angrignon Park, on Mount-Royal, or at the Christmas market in downtown Montreal allowed smaller groups to explore the city and bond with new friends.
Additionally, a WhatsApp group created by the LCCPA for international families gives them a forum to provide mutual support, and families newer to Montreal and LCC can learn from families with more experience here.
INTERNATIONAL PARENT HANDBOOK: LEARNING THE NITTY GRITTY
Even before they arrive, we provide our international families with a handbook containing an extensive community activity and resource list, information on health care in Quebec and tips for thriving in winter and living in Montreal.
STUDENT SUPPORT: INTEGRATING INTO LCC
New international students in grades 4–6 and grades 8–11 are paired with one or two student mentors who connect with them in the spring and over the summer to provide a warm welcome and answer questions. At the start of the school year, the mentors attend new student orientations to get to know the new students and give them a tour of the school. The mentors also help them navigate the first few days of school.
Additionally, the LCC counsellors do regular checkins with new international students to ensure their integration and well-being. They help new students make friends, adapt to a new school system, and identify resources and support networks.
