Our Family Reception Centre welcomes families new to Canada, to the OCDSB, and families returning to the OCDSB. We do so in an inviting, respectful, and inclusive manner. Through our intake and assessment service, we advocate for each student so that their diverse educational and academic needs could be met. In addition, our multicultural liaison officer(s) provide relevant settlement information.
The Family Reception Centre provides a supportive beginning for students and their families so that they could commence their educational journey on a positive note and eventually to personal excellence in learning.
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 students;
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Some Canadian Citizens or permanent residents who have been studying abroad for more than one year.
What We Do
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Welcome and assess new and returning families
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Recommend placement in schools based on assessment results
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Complete re-assessments after placement, as needed
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Maintain a lending library of teaching and professional teacher resources
Make an Appointment With Us
Once students have arrived in Ottawa, their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should call as soon as possible to book an appointment for an assessment at 613 239-2416. At least one parent/ legal guardian must be present with the student(s) 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:
The Assessment
All students are assessed to determine their level of English language proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking. In addition, their proficiency in mathematics is assessed. The assessor will interview the parent(s) and the student(s) to gather information about their student’s past educational experiences. The entire assessment process usually lasts about two hours for elementary students and from three to five hours for secondary students. The assessment process highlights:
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Academic strengths and weaknesses
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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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Issues that could affect schooling
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Level of English language proficiency
For more information please refer to the resources listed to the right.