English as a Second Language

learning opportunities

Huron Local Immigration Partnership Spring 2016

With the recent influx of refugees and newcomers to Huron and Perth Counties, much attention has been drawn to the need for English as a Second Language (ESL) learning opportunities. If you are thinking about improving your English language skills, or know someone interested in ESL learning opportunities in the area, you won’t need to look too far to find assistance. There are many resources in Huron County to help.

THE CENTRES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNINGThe Centres for Employment and Learning (CEL) of the Avon Maitland District School Board offer English as a Second Language programs. The non-credit, adult ESL programs are conducted in a classroom setting and are specifically designed to offer assistance to adults in the community for whom English is not their first language but who would like to speak, read and write better English.

The ESL programs are conducted in 12 convenient locations in classroom settings by fully trained and certified CEL instructors. The free-of- charge classes are for those who would like to: Improve verbal and written English language skills Improve communication and employability skills Increase knowledge of Canada

Erin Jones, Site Coordinator and Lead for English as a Second Language says, “The Centres for Employment & Learning strive to make our ESL classes a welcoming and supportive place for newcomers to come learn and improve their English skills. The opportunity to improve English skills in their own community is an important factor in ensuring that newcomers are able to integrate into their new communities.”

The CELs have the ability to open new classes throughout the counties or increase existing class hours to accommodate student demand. The classes are continuous entry and learners can sign up at any time.

For more information contact: Rebecca Rathwell, Project Manager

519-524-8394, ext. 3, www.makehuronhome.cahome@huroncounty.ca,

ESL learning opportunities in HuronThe Centres for Employment & Learning have both Huron and Perth covered, providing free ESL instruction at 12 convenient locations. For ESL class locations, times, or for more information, please contact a Centre nearest you: Goderich, 41 West St., 519.524.2515 Wingham, 152 Josephine St., 2nd floor, 519.357.4995 Exeter, 349 Main St., Box 173, 519.235.0471 Seaforth, 138 Main St. S., Seaforth: 519.271.4896

Perth County ESL classes and locations: Stratford, 220 Oakdale Ave., 519.271.4896 Listowel, 280 Wallace Ave. S., 519.291.9453 Trinity United Church, 230 Barber Ave. N., 519.291.9453 Elma Public School, 5972 Perth County Line 72, Atwood: 519.291.9453 Perth East Public Library, 19 Mill St. E., Milverton: 519.291.9453 Poole Mennonite Church, County Rd 121, Poole: 519.291.9453 Education and Employment Resource Centre, 26 Wellington Street South, St. Marys: 519.271.4896 St. Marys Public Library, 15 Church St. N., 519.271.4896

AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDThe Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) is a full service, public, English school district in southwestern Ontario that covers the counties of Huron and Perth.

AMDSB offers supported English language immersion to all school-aged children who may need assistance. English Language Learners have access to adapted daily programming and assessment, individual or small group tutoring, and computer assisted language learning. The ESL Resource Centre website offers access to the tools used to assess, program for, and to support each student as theymove towards full Academic English proficiency.

For more information, contact the AMDSB. Telephone: 519-527- 0111. Toll Free: 1-800- 592-5437. Email:info@fc.amdsb.ca or visit http://yourschools.ca

LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS (LINC)LINC program is an English-language study program foradult immigrants who are permanent residents and have not yet received Canadian Citizenship. The program aims to help immigrants who know little or no English to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, based

on the Canadian Language Benchmarks. The course is free to eligible newcomers.

LINC Home Study allows you to improve your English language skills in your own home, either as a correspondence course (your course materials will be sent through the mail) or through your Internet connection. If you are interested in LINC program, contact the LINC Assessment Centre at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre located at 505 Dundas St., London, phone: 519.432.1133 or email cclc@lcclc.org.

HURON COUNTY LIBRARY ESL RESOURCESHuron County libraries offer ESL learning resources for people of all ages. To access the services, all that is required is a library card. Branches of the Huron County Library are located in Bayfield, Blyth, Brussels, Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Hensall, Howick, Kirkton, Seaforth, Wingham, and Zurich. Phone the main library office at 519.482.5457 or visit any branch of the Huron County Library in person or check out www.huroncounty.ca/library.

The Newcomer Settlement Collection is a collection of books and resources relating to the immigrant experience. The collection includes a variety of print books, audio books, and ESL resources. Mango Languages: Over 30 languages – basic to advanced levels – are available through this online learning tool. Little Pim: Children ages 0-6 are introduced to foreign languages in ways they can understand and enjoy. Courses combine animation, video and memory-building exercises.

PRIVATE ESL INSTRUCTION (for a fee)Lingen Lodge Language and Preparatory School located in Bayfield offers a unique program, in partnership with the Virtual High School (www.virtualhighschool.com), whereby a student can study for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma while learning to speak English. Students boarding at Lingen Lodge may receive a personalized ESL immersion program to further enhance their learning experience. For more information, contact Lingen Lodge Language and Preparatory School by phoning 519.565.4515 or visiting their website at www.lingenlodge.com.