About Us

Overview:
NL Schools offers direct English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs and services to newcomers from grades K - 12.  The District also offers the LEARN programs for newcomer students in grades 7-12 who have significant gaps in their formal education.  Classroom teachers are supported by EAL and LEARN teachers.   We welcome and celebrate all cultures in our schools and communities.    

Our Objective:
To support students in developing their English language and literacy skills as they learn with their peers. These services are available for a period of time until the student is able to be successful with the NL Schools curriculum.  

Supports/Programming:

• NL Schools offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to student newcomers born outside Canada from a non-English speaking country as well as students born in Canada who speak a second language or dialect.

• EAL teaching service is available in all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador for students Grades K - 12 who qualify.  

• EAL support is based on each student’s needs.  The EAL itinerant teacher and other school staff decide the service for each student.

• Itinerant EAL teachers meet students on scheduled days either in person or virtually. They work with classroom teachers.

• In 2023-2024,  four high schools located in the Avalon region offer a selection of high school EAL courses providing credit hours towards graduation for  students in grades 10-12. The courses can be completed at Holy Heart of Mary High School, Prince of Wales Collegiate, Gonzaga High School or Waterford Valley. 

• Students in grades 7-12 can avail of the Literacy Enrichment and Academic Readiness for Newcomers Program (LEARN) if offered in their region. This program is primarily offered to students who arrive with the Government Assisted Refugees program who have significant gaps in their formal education.  In the 2023-2024 school year,  Beaconsfield Junior High and St. Peter's Junior High have been added to the list of schools offering LEARN. 

The Role of the EAL Itinerant:

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Itinerant teacher will assess/test for the English language skills of newcomers in grades 1-12. An Itinerant teacher travels between a number of schools or meets students virtually.

The EAL Itinerant:

• Supports and teaches the student with their English language skills and assists with language learning strategies until the student can experience success with the regular curriculum.

• The EAL Itinerant provides direct language skills instruction, in-class support, small group instruction, monitoring the English skills of the student, completing language assessments and assisting teachers with the cultural differences represented by their students.

• The EAL teacher will use a variety of strategies, depending on the student’s needs, and will report on student progress at reporting times.

• The EAL Itinerant may teach the DEECD high school EAL curriculum

• The EAL Itinerant is a member of the support team for the student and will work closely with other members of the school team, including parents, classroom teachers, administration, and guidance counsellor in reaching outcomes and developing goals for the student.