I’m the mother of Georgy Soghomonyan, a Grade 11 student at Alexander Mackenzie High School. As newcomers to Canada, we were overwhelmed and unsure about the education system – especially how to complete 30 credits in just two years.
Thankfully, we met Kyrylo Belyayev, and I’m so grateful he is part of our school community! He patiently explained the system, helped us navigate the credit transfer process, and even supported discussions with the Guidance Counsellor using our Russian certificate. His help with translations and his willingness to go above and beyond made a big difference for our family.

I want to extend our deepest gratitude for the incredible partnership we’ve built together in support of our newcomer families during our Community Connections sessions. Your unwavering commitment to serving families in their first language has made a profound difference in their lives. We continue to witness the meaningful connections that have blossomed through your efforts, and the connections that foster belonging, resilience, and success.

We met Kyrylo Belyayev while enrolling our children in school, and from day one, he was incredibly supportive – explaining everything clearly and staying involved throughout the process.
When our 6-year-old son struggled to stay at school, Kyrylo truly went above and beyond. He accompanied us to school weekly, helped translate, offered thoughtful advice, and formed a meaningful bond with our son, helping him gradually adjust. His kindness and commitment made a difficult time much easier. We’re deeply grateful for his support, which has meant so much to us as newcomers to Canada.

I’m very grateful to Kyrylo Belyayev for the support he gave my daughter, Katerina Luchkina, during her time at Alexander Mackenzie High School. Grade 9 was a challenging year—she struggled with course choices, self-doubt, and school stress. Kyrylo spoke with her calmly, helping her reflect, adjust her courses, and regain confidence. His support made a real difference during a difficult time.

My name is Yelyzaveta Bilivska from Bayview Secondary School, and I needed volunteer hours to graduate but didn’t know where to start. Kyrylo Belyayev recommended the Newcomer Orientation Week event, helped me find the right information, and supported me through the process. Thanks to him, I signed up and got this great opportunity – something I wouldn’t have found on my own.

We, Svitlana and Ruslan Yatsushchak, parents of Grade 12 student Khrystyna Yatsushchak at Alexander Mackenzie High School, would like to sincerely thank Student Success Navigator Kyrylo Belyayev for his exceptional support this year. Kyryl went above and beyond – advocating for extra assignments to boost Khrystyna’s marks, helping her find a math tutor, and reaching out to staff and colleagues to clarify key questions. His efforts made a meaningful impact on her progress. We’re truly grateful for his dedication and care, and we encourage other students and families to connect with Kyryl for support.

My name is Diana Grabovenko, an 18-year-old Grade 12 student at Bayview Secondary School. I want to sincerely thank Kyrylo Belyayev – someone who became much more than a social worker to me and many other Ukrainian students. In a time of uncertainty, he offered genuine support, kindness, and understanding. Kyrylo helped me find my first volunteer opportunity in Canada and, more importantly, helped us Ukrainian youth connect and build a supportive community. Whether we needed emotional support or practical help with resources or documentation, he was always there.
His calm and caring presence made a lasting difference. I’m truly grateful for all he has done – his impact is beyond words.