Welcoming Families New to Canada into Public Education
Our Family Reception Centre welcomes all newcomers and their families into the educational community in an inviting, respectful, and inclusive manner. Through our intake and assessment service, we advocate for each new student to meet their diverse academic and settlement needs. The Family Reception Centre provides a positive beginning for newcomer students and their families to begin their journey on the road to personal excellence in learning and successful integration into Canadian society.
Who Comes to the Family Reception Centre?
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New students from junior kindergarten to grade 12 whose first or primary language is not English |
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New students who have not previously attended school in English |
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Junior and senior kindergarten students who have been in Canada less than one year (other junior and senior kindergarten students register directly at school) |
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Some international fee-paying students |
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Canadian Citizens who have been studying abroad in a language other than English or in a private school |
What We Do
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Welcome families new to Canada |
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Assess new students for placement within our school system |
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Maintain a lending library of teaching and professional teacher resources |
Make an Appointment With Us
Parents or school staff should call as soon as possible to book an appointment for a student’s assessment by calling 613 239-2416. We often cannot accommodate drop-ins due to the sheer volume of bookings. During peak time periods from July to October and January, there may be a waiting period to book an appointment. At least one parent/ legal guardian must be present with the student at the time of the appointment.
IMPORTANT: Appointments can only be made once children have arrived in Canada.
What You Need to Bring
You must bring the following documentation with you to the appointment:
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Immigration papers |
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Immunization records |
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School records |
The Assessment
All students are assessed to determine their level of English language proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking, in addition to their proficiency in mathematics. The assessments usually last about two hours for elementary students and from three to five hours for secondary students. The assessor will interview the parents and the student to gather information about the student’s:
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Academic strengths and weaknesses |
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Level of education |
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Educational history |
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Exceptionalities (for example, does the child have a learning disability?) |
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Interests and goals |
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Family issues that could affect schooling |
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Level of English language proficiency |
Please read our English as a Second Language and Literacy Development 
Fact Sheet
Orientation Classes for Students 18 – 20 years of Age
We also offer an Orientation Class which is designed for newly-arrived students who are between the ages of 18 and 20 years of age and require English literacy development. Orientation Class can last one or two semesters and provides both English language and math support. The class is meant to prepare students for entry into the Adult High School or other programs offered in the school district, as well as entry into the work force. Pleae call the Family Reception Centre for more information.
Useful Web Links
Download our Family Reception Centre Fact Sheet
Understanding English as a Second Language from Kindergarten to Grade 8