Our first round of Welcome Buddy training happens at the end of May for students nominated to become a Welcome Buddy. The training consists of two 30-minute sessions over two weeks. A second round of Welcome Buddy training will take place during the first or second trimester for students who were interested but not nominated, not interested at the time of nomination but interested now, or still a new student at the end of the school year.
Here are some frequently asked questions by many participants in the program/FAQs
1. Will girls be paired with boys and boys paired with girls?
No, girls will be paired with girls while boys will be paired boys. We encourage all students boy or girl to be welcoming to all new students.
2. What if there aren't enough new students for all the Welcome Buddies?
This is a possibility but remember new students may come at any time during the school year. If you don't have a new student paired with you on the first day of school, there is still a possibility later in the year.
3. Who makes the decision on pairing a Welcome Buddy and a new student?
Mrs. Tara and/or Mr. Lettinga (Mr. L)
4. Will we know who we are paired with before the end of the school year?
It is possible, but you will most likely know over the summer if you paired with a student for the first week of school. Mrs. Tara or Mr. L will contact parents by email.
5. Can I trade a new student for another new student?
No, we-your homeroom teacher, Mr. L and Mrs. Tara will help support you if problems come about.
6. How many training sessions will we have?
We will have two training sessions. Your homeroom teacher will share the day and time of the sessions.
7. How are Welcome Buddies and new students paired?
Mrs. Tara and Mr. L strive to put together the best matches based on language, shared experiences and/or interests. In the second day of training, Mrs. Tara will collect information from Welcome Buddy trainees to aid in matching.
8. What if I no longer want to be a Welcome Buddy before the end of the school year (2011-2012)?
Please see Mrs. Tara
9. What if I no longer want to be a Welcome Buddy at the start of the school year (2012-2013)?
Please see Mr. L since Mrs. Tara will be away on maternity leave. She will return later in the first trimester.
