You can find the date and time of your Intake & Assessment appointment on your Letter of Acceptance.
It is recommended that students arrive a minimum of 48 hours prior to their appointment. All appointments will take place at our Student Welcome Centre.
International Student Welcome Centre
Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School
171 Speers Road
Oakville, Ontario L6K 3W8
Phone +1 905-847-5113
Email welcomecentre@hcdsb.org
During the Intake, you will meet with International Student staff to confirm that all of your required documents have been provided and completed for registration purposes.
Any student who has a balance owing for their tuition fee must provide payment at this appointment. We will only accept a money-order purchased from within Canada. Cash, personal cheques or credit cards will not be accepted.
Following the Intake, an Assessment will occur for English and Math skills by a teacher in a one-on-one consultation. Placement in academic courses at the secondary level will be based on the results of this consultation and your most recent school report cards. The Assessment appointment will take approximately 3 – 5 hours. Students will be provided with opportunities for breaks as required.
What You Need To Bring
• All required registration documents
• Proof of immigration status
• Most current school report cards (translated)
• Scientific calculator
• Welcome Package Checklist
• Lunch, including beverages
Required Registration Documents
• Completed and signed registration package
• Valid Study Permit
• Notarized custodianship documents
• Medical Insurance
• Halton address (where student will be living)
• All Secondary School Report Cards
• Verification of age (Birth Certificate or Passport)
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to arrive before September, your approval may be deferred to Semester 2. Students cannot start school until they have completed their Intake & Assessment Appointment.
English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Placement
There are five ESL courses based on levels of literacy development and proficiency in English. Depending on a students’ previous educational experience, first-language literacy skills, and knowledge of English, students may be placed in ESL Level 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
The chart below shows how most English language learners progress through their ESL courses and into mainstream English courses. Not all students will follow this sequence exactly, and individual students may vary in the rate at which they progress through the levels. ESL teachers are available to provide English help to International Students throughout the duration of their stay in secondary school.
Visit isp.hcdsb.org/esl to learn more about ESL Level Placements.