Inspiring Story: From Guarded to Growing

From Guarded to Growing

The Weight of Starting Over
In Calgary classrooms, newcomer children often carry more than backpacks. They carry new languages, new routines, and the weight of starting over, which can make school feel like a place to brace instead of belong. One Grade 3 student* arrived from Syria guarded and quick to flare up with emotional outbursts. Months of mental health referrals hadn’t built trust or changed his path. The principal asked CBFY to meet him where he learns, because in‑school support lowers barriers and builds up relationships.

Meeting Him Where He Learns
Selam, a CBFY counsellor, began with picture cards to help him name feelings. Some images spiked his anxiety, so she shifted to Arabic and slowed the pace. His shoulders eased. His gaze steadied. Words followed. He said school felt unsafe and lonely, and that when big feelings hit he didn’t know how to reset. In those moments he would yank off and snap his glasses. That
was the door, a small opening that turned a standoff into a conversation he could control. Together with his principal, teacher, and dad, they built a plan he could trust. Simple steps he could use right away. Calm‑first choices, like a quiet corner and a breathing card. Words to ask for help before it boils over. Regular check‑ins so the adults stayed in sync. CBFY kept the connection going at home and into summer, because skill‑building sticks when school and family pull the same way.

Small Wins, Big Shifts
The first shifts were small and real. He named a feeling before it exploded, chose a reset, and returned to class ready to try again. Instead of grabbing and breaking his glasses, he paused and stayed with the plan. Confidence followed. Reading time lasted longer. Transitions with peers were steadier. Each win was noticed and reinforced.

This is CBFY’s model. Meeting newcomer youth where they learn through SWIS in‑school support, then backing progress with Afterschool and Mentorship so gains continue beyond the bell. Partners help scale these moments across Calgary schools so more children move from guarded to growing, and more families feel the bridge to belonging is real.

*Privacy respected. Details adjusted to protect the student’s identity.