Admissions

ESL/ELD Placements for Secondary Newcomers

ESL Place for NewcomersABOUT OUR SECONDARY NEWCOMER RECEPTION CENTRE

We are located on the main floor of the Catholic Education Centre at 320 Bloomington Road West in Aurora. We welcome Newcomer families and assess students for the purpose of placement in high school.

 

OUR GOAL

  • Welcome the student and family in a Christian environment, providing a smooth transition for students into our schools, while lessening the anxiety level of those new or returning to Canada
  • Provide effective reception, assessment and placement of Newcomer students at the secondary level
  • Support schools in the placement and monitoring of students

OUR SERVICES

  • Family/student orientation to the Ontario education system and to York Catholic Schools
  • Review of student's documentation
  • English and mathematics assessment
  • Recommendation for school & program placement
  • Recommendation for equivalent high school credits
  • Referral to additional programs and services, if required (e.g. multilingual services, settlement services, Adult & Continuing Education, etc. )
  • Placement follow-up

    WHO SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE RECEPTION CENTRE

Students who may need support in becoming proficient in English. This includes:

  • Students entering Canada for the first time, or re-entering.
  • Students recently arrived in Canada who have attended another English school system within the last 4 years, but who are originally from a non-English speaking country.
  • Students from French language schools in Canada.


NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

The following ORIGINAL documents must be presented:

  • Passport
  • Proof of Canadian Citizenship or CIC documentation of status in Canada (i.e. Permanent Resident card or confirmation, Refugee documents, Citizenship card/Birth Certificate, Work permit)
  • Proof of address - 2 pieces required (e.g. lease/rental agreement, mortgage papers, tax or utility bill)
  • Official translations of Report Cards/Transcripts:
  • Students entering Gr. 9 - last 2 years of school
  • Students entering Gr. 10-12: entire history of secondary school (Grade 9 to the present)

Other documents that may be required

  • Study permit & letter of acceptance from Admissions Dept. (VISA students only)

Please note that at least one parent/guardian (with identification) must accompany the student to the assessment

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Students are required to complete an initial assessment in English proficiency (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and Mathematics. This may take 3-4 hours. No preparation is required.

The results are used to help with the student's English and Math placement at the receiving school. Also, the assessment provides the school with valuable background information.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT

The assessment teacher will:

  • provide feedback to the student and family regarding assessment results, recommended equivalencies and placement recommendations
  • Provide the family with a referral package to bring to the receiving school
  • Provide the receiving schol with a detailed report regarding the placement


Students who require ESL/ELD programs will be referred to the ESL/ELD Centre schools. Where necessary, transportation will be arranged for students referred to an ESL/ELD Centre school outside of the home area.

ESL/ELD CENTRE SCHOOLS

Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy

Jean Vanier Catholic High School

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

St. Elizabeth Catholic High School

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School

St. ROBERT Catholic High School

For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact the Admissions/Reception Centre Secretary or the Assessment Teacher.

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