Thunder Bay Multicultural Association LINC School Program Report
For the period April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006.

The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association LINC School opened its doors to students on October 3, 2005.  Two teachers were hired to teach approximately 40 students in two classes – LINC 1/2 and LINC 3/4/5. An additional staff member was hired as the LINC Child-minding liaison.

With the granting of the contract by CIC in late August, preparations began immediately to transform our Main Hall into two classrooms for LINC students. Workmen installed a folding wall which divided the hall into two attractive classroom spaces, updated handicap access, and made other changes to accommodate student needs. Computer equipment, some furnishings and teaching materials from the former LINC classes at Balmoral Centre for Adult Studies were transferred to the TBMA site.

We set up a computer-assisted language learning lab which provides students with access to ELLIS, Explore Canada, and Tense Buster. The lab also provides Internet access to meet the requirements of computer media communications training for LINC students.

New student desks and chairs were purchased, as well as new ESL teaching materials (student texts, readers, teachers’ manuals, and picture dictionaries).

The TBMA LINC School was set up in the ARS, and the LINC Program Coordinator was trained to perform the Training Provider functions.

A partnership with the City of Thunder Bay Day Care has allowed us to place children in Algoma Day Care Centre, very close to our LINC School. Children under 18 months are placed in City-approved Home Care spaces.

Co-Operation with ISAP and Host

A major success of TBMA LINC School is the ease with which ISAP and HOST activities can be coordinated with the LINC program.  Since the School opened at the TBMA site, our Settlement Workers have arranged or provided a variety of settlement-related presentations and workshops.

The Host Program Co-ordinator has arranged matches for LINC students who need assistance adjusting to life in Canada or additional help learning English.

Students meet regularly with Settlement Workers during lunch breaks and after school for help with settlement and immigration issues.

Outreach Activities

The Grand Opening of the TBMA LINC School was extensively publicized on local television and on regional CBC Radio (interview with Executive Director and a LINC student), as well as in the local newspaper. This publicity generated much interested in the LINC program from the community at large.

Ongoing promotion of the TBMA LINC School is conducted through posters, advertisements, and personal contacts with local agencies.

We run an advertisement in The Key, a City publication dedicated to Community Programs and Services, which is published four times a year. Posters have been placed at the CIC office, YES Employment and HRDC.

The Lakehead Adult Education Centre, Thunder Bay Literacy, and Confederation College have information on our school and refer inquiries to us.

The TBMA website which promotes the LINC Program (as well as all our CIC-funded programs) reaches newcomers in the community, as well as newcomers planning to relocate in Thunder Bay or applying to become Landed Immigrants.

Professional Development Activities

Teachers attended a Professional Development Day in November at the Lakehead Adult Education Centre. They discussed ESL innovations and issues, and were informed of potential changes to the Adult Education programs. These programs are of great importance to higher level LINC students who plan to earn high school credits and, eventually, a high school diploma.

In January, teachers used a Professional Development Day to review and prepare to implement the new Canadian Language Benchmarks Summative Assessment Manuals, recently developed for student testing in Levels 1 through 4.

Curriculum and Hours of Instruction

Teachers follow the LINC 1-5 Curriculum Guidelines to prepare their lessons.

Students received English language instruction based on the following LINC themes:

• Canadian Culture (Celebrations, Customs & Social Behaviour, Cultural Diversity)
• Canada (Geography; Weather, History, Canadian Electoral System)
• Education (A Child’s Education; Education System in Ontario)
• Banking
• Employment
• Community and Government Services
• Health and Safety
• Family & Relationships (Family Relationships; Roles and Responsibilities)
• Travel and Transportation (Public Transit)
• Food and Nutrition

Computer activities:

• Ellis Program
• Tense Buster
• Internet Research
• Basic Computer Skills (Microsoft Word)
• Typing Master

 Field Trips, Classroom Presentations and Multicultural Activities

• Public Library
• Kingfisher Outdoor Education Facility
• Remembrance Day Ceremony
• Lunch at Italian Cultural Centre (no charge to students)
• Grand Opening Celebration (Cultural Program)
• War Veteran Visit to Classroom
• Confederation College representative discussed programs and admission requirements
• Kennel Club Visit to Classroom
• Family Services Credit Counsellor discussed budgeting for a family
• Visit to local supermarket
• Multicultural Celebrations: Diwali; Ramadan; Christmas, Chinese New Year

ISAP Co-ordinated Presentations

• Parenting
• Income Tax preparation
• Information Session – PRO Kids Recreation Program
• Interviews with Students from Confederation College International Business Program
• Computer Classes for Beginners