SWIS- Settlement Workers In Schools

SWIS FAQs

If I am a new immigrant family and I have school-aged children who do I contact?

If you are from another country or coming to Abbotsford from another Canadian province or school district, you must register at the School Board office located at:

Abbotsford School District
Phone: 604.859.4891
Fax: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street
Abbotsford, BC V2T-4M7

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Note: During summer and spring break, hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

What if I do not speak English?

We can provide a translator to assist you at registration. 

Will the translator help me with finding a school?

The translator will help you with the registration. They will take you to the assigned school and give you all the information that you will need. 

What if I need help with finding a place to stay or a doctor?

The SWIS (Settlement Worker in School) will help you with many things that You will need to know and do in order to enter the school system and for life and work in Canada. 

They will find out what you need and help you. They will also refer you to the people that can help you depending on your need. Our SWIS workers help clients with the following:

School related needs:

Confirm registration at assigned school
Orientation of location
Arrange school tour and meeting with Principal or Counsellor
General information about the school system & preparation

Lunch/healthy snacks
School time/ timetable
School supplies
Code of Conduct

Transportation
Elementary school related information
Middle and Secondary school related information

Early Childhood Programs in the School District

StrongStart
Pre School Hubs
Bright Sparks Programs

Information on Immediate Settlement Needs

Child Tax Benefit
Child Care Subsidy
Medical Card
Social Insurance Card
Driver's Licence

Information about other services

ELSA or other ELL classes
Housing 
Adult Education
Job Search/Employment/Resume
Sponsorship
Citizen
Banking
Health Care
Legal Services
Income Tax

Abbotsford Community Services have many varied services to help families. Visit their Website.