On October 20, 2016, the County of Simcoe held their annual Newcomer Recognition Awards at the Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Thornton.The evening was a celebration of Simcoe County residents, businesses and organizations that work to connect with immigrants and newcomers to the area. We are excited to announce that one of the winners was a group of students and staff from St. Angela Merici Catholic School in Bradford, who have started a Spanish Club for newcomers and Canadian-born students.

This small group of individuals made it their mission to help newcomers feel as welcome as possible to their school. The community has seen an increase in the amount of Spanish speaking families, and the club wanted to teach other students and staff some Spanish words and phrases to make their transition easier.

Staff members, Elizabeth Malone, Elizabeth Hernandez and Alba Aray, along with the help of an older newcomer student, organized activities, songs, and lessons to educate the club members about the different culture and to teach Spanish in a new and exciting way.

The Spanish Club was presented with their award at the Newcomer Recognition evening along with other individuals who have gone above and beyond to make newcomers to Canada feel welcome. We want to thank the St. Angela Merici Spanish Club, as well as the other award winners for helping newcomers in Canada by creating inclusive environments and opening new opportunities for them to find success.