Welcomed with open arms

North End

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/04/2023 (1135 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s a place in Winnipeg that has been working hard to ensure that Ukrainian newcomers have a space to learn, grow and find comfort in the familiar.

Whether it’s having the students make pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) and paska (Easter bread), or helping them advance in English and adapt to life on the Canadian prairies, the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Winnipeg’s North End has formed a strong bond with newcomer Ukrainian families. Rooted in Ukrainian Catholic faith and culture, IHMS is a kindergarten to Grade 8 school celebrating its 117th anniversary this year.

Nataliia Yarosh and her son Andrii arrived in Canada from the city of Lubny in the Poltava region of Ukraine in May of 2022. Andrii is in Grade 8 at IHMS and was one of the leads in a recent Ukrainian Heritage Week play.

“This is not just a school,” Nataliia said. “We have become members of this family. I often hear from parents that their children do not want to go to school. Not my son – he is happy to go to IHMS. He has a lot of friends there, not only among kids but also out of teachers and school staff. To feel their support means a lot to us.”

Andrii appreciates the many events and activities at the school.

“Back in Ukraine I don’t remember so many activities like here,” Andrii said. “Also, our principal is so involved in everyday school routine that makes our study even better.”

Principal Rod Picklyk says the IHMS parent community has been tremendously welcoming to the new families. Picklyk has hosted information and orientation sessions to help them understand how the Canadian school system works, and how to navigate expectations, supports and resources.

“IHMS is fortunate to have many staff and students who speak Ukrainian fluently, so that has helped soften the landing for new families.

“The school made the decision that tuition would be waived for all newcomer students, as well as any related costs, like those for uniforms, school supplies and child-care fees,” Picklyk said.

Over a short time, almost $100K was raised by IHMS alumni and their families, individuals, organizations, churches, and the broader community to support the newcomer families.

There are several resources for students including English as Additional Language programming, group activities and one-on-one support. Families also have free access to the before- and after-school programs.

“Families and students have jumped right in,” Picklyk said, adding that a number of the newcomer students are playing leadership roles in the school already. “They are active in performing arts, sports and athletics, as well as the school’s academic and other programming.

“Since the war began in Ukraine, over 60 children of all ages have been welcomed into the IHMS community,” said Picklyk. “They come from across Ukraine, and have experienced enormous change, being torn from their homes and seeking a new life in Canada. While they may understandably experience challenges as they settle into a place they may not have planned to move to, they are also adjusting remarkably well.”