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Hit reply and tell me what works for you.

School drop-off last week was a cacophony. Some kids were laughing and playing, others were screaming and crying, and the parents were exchanging words of encouragement with their kids, and with each other. If you were standing in a schoolyard anywhere in the country last week, you know the sound.

There are a lot of newcomer families at our kids' school, and questions come up as people work out how Canadian school actually runs. I ask questions too.

I left Canada when I was seven and missed most of my schooling here, so there are gaps I'm still filling in. Last week I had to ask my wife about split classes. It was a small thing, but I had no idea as we never had them in Malta where I grew up.

The truth is, even Canadians are still trying to figure things out as schooling continues to change so much. That is why we need community to help each other out.

Our oldest landed in a Grade 2/3 split this year. He has friends in the class and likes his teacher, and that turned out to matter more than the split did. Our youngest started SK with familiar faces and settled back in without much fuss. But the school year is long and lots can happen.

Labour Day weekend was quiet in our neighbourhood. A lot of families used the extra day to get out of the city for the last weekend of summer holidays. We stayed put, and it turned out there was plenty going on.

The air show. If you live anywhere along the Toronto lakeshore, you don't need a ticket to see it, and we were lucky as the planes came right over the park in front of our house. It runs Labour Day weekend every year, and this year was the last for the current Snowbirds fleet, which is being retired. The replacements aren't expected in the air until 2030. Worth knowing for next year to find a spot with an open view north of the lake and you'll see most of it for free.

Cars & Coffee at the Cheese Boutique. An annual exotic car show, free to attend, and a good way to spend a few hours with kids. Old cars, new cars, sun, and air show planes overhead. No tickets, no registration.

Hiking. I took the Monday off to get out on the Bruce Trail. If you need a reset, there are a lot of good day hikes within reach around Canada, and most cost nothing beyond getting there. Once this community grows a bit, I'd like to organize some group hikes. Reply if that's something you'd come to.

Free community events are one of the most useful things a newcomer can be told about, and they're weirdly hard to find out about unless someone tells you. I want to use this newsletter to share more of them. If something's happening in your neighbourhood, send it my way and I'll pass it on.

To help you get together, network and socialize.

Drop-In: Newcomer Settlement Services (with CCS) | A weekly drop-in where newcomers can connect with settlement staff, ask questions, and meet others going through the same transition. | Wednesdays, 9:30 AM (recurring) | Springboard, Toronto | Free | Details on Eventbrite

North Shore Newcomers Welcome Event | A mingling event for newcomers to connect with each other, learn about the local community, and enjoy refreshments — kid-friendly activities included. | Tuesday, Sept 22, 2:00–4:00 PM | Location shared on registration (North Shore) | Free | Join to connect with other newcomers, learn about the local community, and gain insights into Canadian culture over mingling and refreshments — Register here regfox

Newcomers Desk & English Conversation Groups | Drop in to get support from newcomer-serving organizations, meet with staff for needs assessment and referrals, and attend programs to practise English with other newcomers — a good low-pressure way to meet people while getting settled. | Ongoing, check branch hours | Calgary Public Library (multiple branches) | Free | Learn more

Mundo Lingo Montreal – Plateau Mont-Royal | Hundreds of people from around the world meet weekly to socialize, have a drink, and meet foreign or local people of all ages — chilled, fun, and free. Wear flag stickers to show your languages, then chat about anything you like. | Every Wednesday, 7:00 PM (reception from 6-7 PM for newcomers) | Bar Clébard, Plateau Mont-Royal | Free | Meetup page

Newcomer Social | A weekly Saturday morning drop-in for newcomers to practice English over coffee or tea and meet new people — everyone is welcome, no eligibility or registration required. | Every Saturday, 10:00–11:30 AM | Halifax North Memorial Public Library | Free | Library event page

To help you find your next role.

Warehouseperson | Full time | Langley, BC | $20 per hour | Full Description

Customer Service Adviser | Full time | Val-d'Or, QC | $34.62 per hour | Full Description

Food Service Supervisor | Full time | Spruce Grove, AB | $32–$36 per hour | Full Description

Partnerships Coordinator | Full time (Remote, Canada) | Remote | $50,000–$60,000 per year | Full Description

Philanthropy Coordinator | Full time, 6 month contract | $57,000-63,000 annually | Full Description

Procurement Clerk | Full time | Ponoka, AB | $60,000/year (~$28.85/hr, 40 hrs/week) | Full Description

*Every response to a poll or correct answer to a quiz gets premium members an automatic entry for our monthly prize draw.

The prize for September 2026 is a $25 gift card of your choice.

And we feel should be on yours too.

We are always looking for feedback and engagement from our community.

Let me know. I will reply to each email I receive.