Welcome Centre

​​​​Welcoming newcomer st​udents and their families to our schools​

Who comes to the Welcom​​​e Centre?

Students from Grade 1 to age 21 must register through the Welcome Centre if any of the following apply:

• entering the Ontario school system for the first time and whose first language is not English (or is a variety of English different from the variety used for instruction in Ontario Schools)
  
• entering HDSB with an International Student Visa (or any visa including Visitor Visas)
• entering HDSB with a work permit or a study permit - student and/or parent /guardian holds the permit
• entering HDSB with their Permanent Residence Status application in progress
  
• entering HDSB from a French language school from a French language school board
  
• re-entering Ontario after an absence of a year or more  (for students whose first language is not English)

What shoul​​​d you bring?

• Proof of child’s age
• Proof of address (two documents required)
• Proof of child’s citizenship or immigration status
• Immunization records
• Education records
• If you are not the child’s parent, or if you have sole custody, please bring proof of custody (court order)

What happens at the Welco​​​me Centre?

• Family interview to discuss your child’s school history, interests and goals
• Meeting with our settlement team to assist with a smooth transition to school and life in Halton
• Initial assessments of students’ English proficiency and mathematics skills
• Credit equivalency recommendations (new to Ontario with Secondary School credits)
• Registration of students to the appropriate school
• Orientation to education in Ontario
• Meeting to discuss results of assessments
• Appointment arranged with the elementary and/or secondary school

How lo​ng is the appoin​​​tment?

• Elementary students: 2-3 hours
• Secondary students: 3-4 hours
  

Conta​ct Us

• 905-335-3665 ext: 3440 or ext: 3435 for fee-paying International Visa Students
• Welcome Centre is inside Gary Allan High School in Milton, 215 Ontario Street South, Milton, L9T 4N5. Via Milton Transit, take bus #5 or #8.
  
• email:  welcomecentre@hdsb.ca​