About the program
Norfolk Community Help Centre
- P: 519-875-4601 WhatsApp: 519-983-2313
- www.norfolkhelpcentre.com
- https://www.facebook.com/Norfolkhelpcentre
Support/Programs:
- Low German Language and Cultural Interpretation services
- Family Support wrap-around services available for pre- and post-natal care and medical appointments
- Navigating the Health care system support for Low German Mennonites
- Monthly dental/immunization clinic in partnership with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
- Advocacy and Referrals to other agencies and organizations
- Assistance with settlement, education, and employment
- Partnership with Fanshawe College to provide training & upgrading skills and courses
- Non-perishable foodbank to address food insecurity issues
- Assistance with federal and provincial government applications, such as Canada Pension, Child Tax Benefit, Employment Insurance, driver’s licence and marriage/birth Certificates
- Moms and Tots program located at Valley Heights Secondary School (runs October – March) in partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board
- Instructing English as a Second Language, literacy and numeracy development
- Providing free lunch and on-site childcare in order to eliminate barriers women face when pursuing education
- Promoting peer support and community connections to reduce isolation
- MPLAR process – we can grant up to sixteen grade 9 and 10 credits to mature students for previous life experience and/or assessments to help them move towards their diploma more quickly
Women can work towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma by completing high school credits through the program or they can work on developing their English language skills in a non-credit program
Working with Low German Mennonite Students: A Resource Guide for Educators
A Resource Guide for Educators
Information
- The second week of September is Mennonite Heritage Week
- On May 29, 2019, the Government of Canada adopted a motion to officially declare the second week of September as Mennonite Heritage Week. This week is an opportunity to learn more about Mennonite Canadians, their unique history, their vibrant culture, and their contributions that have helped shape our country.
Tu Puente
Tu Puente is a learning space in Nuevo Ideal, Durango, Mexico, that is open to all Grand Erie students (K-12). At the Tu Puente site, students have access to a caring adult support, technology, and internet to continue their education while they are in Mexico. Families should speak to their child’s teachers and/or school administrators if they are travelling to Mexico for any amount of time during the school year so they can continue their learning, with the support of three facilitators. You can also contact Susan Noort, Tu Puente Regional Program Director, at 519-758-4350 or susan.noort@granderie.ca for more detailed information about the program and the Durango learning space.
Houghton Public School
While we are a community school like many others in Ontario, well over 90% of our families share Low German Mennonite heritage. We have a number of accommodations that are specific to our Low German Mennonite population that are valued and appreciated by our families. Many of our students are in different stages of English language learning. Many of our learners spend significant time in Mexico every year. We work hard with the students that come to school. We provide programming and instruction to meet the specific needs of each learner. Staff are in tune with the subtleties of Mennonite culture and programs are reflective of the values and beliefs of our families. We have a significant partnership with The Norfolk Community Help Centre who share our space and facility. They provide a wide range of services to residents trying to navigate life and expectations of South-West Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada. Historically, this organization was founded to assist Low German Mennonites migrating from Mexico to work in the fields of Norfolk County and find success. Interpretation services are a huge asset as all members of the organization speak Plautdietsch.
We have a vibrant community school full of children who come from large families. Our students are polite, respectful, and kind as these traits are reinforced in their homes. Many non-Mennonite families enjoy the positive effects that come about from this strong family support structure. Staff, students, parents all embrace and enjoy the responsibility of loving and teaching our children.
Valley Heights Secondary School
One of the unique qualities of VHSS is our ability to provide students with flexible course planning. When done in advance, students can plan a hybrid model that fits their learning needs. Our Main Campus guidance collaborates with our on-site Turning Point department, allowing students to access programming from both structures: face to face classes, eLearning courses, and even potential co-op placements. The flexibility provided between the various forms of programming allows students to create a timetable that meets their individual needs and goals.
Turning Point 9/10 (Formerly Pathfinder)
In our Turning Point 9/10 (formerly Pathfinder) program, students can earn credits in four terms. This structure builds in the opportunity for students to work in the spring and earn co-op credits. This two-year program can lead students to senior courses on main campus or in our senior Turning Point program.
- TERM 1 (September to mid-November): Students may work or attend classes at Valley Heights to earn elective credits (art, physical education, business)
- TERMS 2 AND 3 (mid-November to mid-April): These two terms focus on completing compulsory credits in face-to-face classes at Valley Heights (English, math, history, geography)
- TERM 4 (mid-April to end of June): Students can earn co-op credits through work or volunteer placements
Turning Point 11/12Turning Point is an innovative program that combines academics with co-operative education and offers a flexible timetable with classes offered at main campus and/or through e-learning.
Students can achieve secondary school co-op credits for their work placements/employment. Successful completion of all assignments plus 110 hours of work earns a student one co-op credit.
Students must also complete 16 to 18 academic credits to meet graduation requirements through in class or online classes. Support is available to students in a teacher supervised drop in classroom that is open daily from 9am through 3pm. Homework Help support runs after school two nights per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9pm) as well.
We can also support students in achieving PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition) credits to move mature students towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma more quickly. Our cooperative education and guidance staff can assist students to register in OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program), SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) Program, and can help with any post-secondary school applications.
Multi-lingual Language Learner Supports
Through Turning Point e-learning, Valley Heights offers English Language Development (ELD) courses at all levels. We have Educational Assistants that support the Turning Point 9/10 and Turning Point 11/12 Programs and can help with all aspects of learning, including our English language learners.
Grand Erie Learning Alternatives (GELA) is currently offering a night school English Language (ESL) course at VHSS. The Norfolk Community Help Centre is helping to facilitate registration.
We have also created videos that cover a variety of topics with audio in Plautdietsch (Low German). They can be viewed on YouTube.
Creating a Parent Portal account
