Explore ISP – International Student Program

School Spotlight: Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School

Located in Burlington, Ontario, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School (CSS) provides its students with countless opportunities for learning, exploring, and having fun! International Student applications are currently open for all grades, apply now! STEAM Club: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math The innovative STEAM club at Notre Dame CSS is run by 8 knowledgeable staff members, whose original goal was to increase cross-curricular connections and engage students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Follow the STEAM club on Twitter! @nd_steam ALWAYS LEARNING The STEAM club constantly strives to expand their knowledge, and one way they accomplish this is by visiting reputable universities. STEAM club members have visited McMaster University’s (located in Hamilton, 30 minutes from Halton) Engineering Program’s “Factory of the Future” – where they learnt about the cutting edge technology being taught there. They have also visited the University of Waterloo’s (located in Waterloo, 40 minutes from […more]

Apply Now for September 2018!

We are now accepting applications for the 2018/2019 school year! The deadline for applications is May 31, 2018. Share this page …

International Payments to the HCDSB Just Got Easier!

The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) is now offering our International Students (paying from outside of Canada) an easier way to pay their application and tuition fees! Western Union GlobalPay for Students is now the recommended payment process for International Students to pay their fees from outside of Canada. This option allows you to pay your fees in the currency of your home country, in both an efficient and inexpensive manner. Learn more. Advantages to Paying With GlobalPay for Students You can easily obtain a foreign currency quote You can pay your tuition and fees in the currency of your choice, which will then be converted to Canadian Dollars There are NO additional transaction charges from Western Union or HCDSB, though you may be charged a transaction fee by your bank The exchange rate is valid for 72 hours after the transaction is initiated, taking the uncertainty out of the […more]

New Students: Intake & Assessment Appointment

An Intake & Assessment Appointment will be scheduled for all new students starting school in September 2017. Students should plan to arrive in Canada a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the start of school. You will be emailed a date and time for your Intake & Assessment Appointment. This appointment will take place at our Thomas Merton Centre located at 171 Speers Road, Oakville, Ontario. During the Intake, you will meet with International Student staff to confirm that all your required documents have been provided for registration purposes. Any student who has a balance owing for their tuition fee must provide payment at this time. We will only accept a moneyorder purchased from within Canada and made payable to: Halton Catholic District School Board (Cash, personal cheques or credit cards will not be accepted.) Following the Intake is the Assessment, where your English and Math skills will be assessed by […more]

New Students: Arrival Checklist

International Students who are starting September 2017, can best prepare for their arrival by completing this Arrival checklist. PERSONAL DOCUMENTS It is recommended that you provide as many of the below listed documents as possible before your arrival in Canada. These documents must be provided before you are able to start school: Valid Study Permit Verification of age (Birth Certificate/Passport) Immunization Record Proof of Health Insurance Halton address where the student will be living Notarized custodianship documents Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate (elementary only) SCHOOL SUPPLIES Depending on the courses you choose, this list may be different. Textbooks are provided Computer, laptop or other technology Stationary: 3-ring binders, folders, lined paper Writing Utensils: Pencils, pens, highlighters, correction tape Math Kits: Scientific calculator, protractor, ruler SEASONAL CLOTHING If you are well-prepared, winter can be fun! The snow and ice make Ontario beautiful and you will find a variety of winter sports to enjoy. […more]

Student Interview: Sam Wen From St. Thomas Aquinas CSS

At the end of the 2015-2016 school year, International Student Program Staff spoke with Sam Wen about his experiences at the Halton Catholic District School Board. WHO ARE YOU? “Hi, I am Sam Wen. I’m currently in Grade 12 at St. Thomas Aquinas.” WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE WITH TEACHERS? “In terms of the teachers, they are really helpful, especially to International Students, because they know that those students will have some difficulty with language and such, so they will usually take more care with them. They are really patient, I have to say.” DID YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CLASS OR TEACHER? “In terms of teachers, as I mentioned, they are really helpful. Especially my Physics teacher Mr. Moore. He is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. Because my Physics course is my last course of the school day, I could spend some time after school with my teacher. Usually, […more]

ISP Welcome Orientation Day!

On Wednesday, August 31, 2016, students new to the International Student Program were invited to the HCDSB Welcome Centre at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School in Oakville for Welcome Orientation Day. Students from around the world came together for a fun and informative day, which included a catered outdoor barbecue lunch. The day began with students being welcomed to Canada, Halton Region, and to the Halton Catholic District School Board. Students also learned about the Canadian Educational System. Presentations were interpreted in Mandarin, Spanish and Korean. Students had the opportunity to socialize with one another during an ice breaker activity called, “Getting to Know Each Other BINGO”. A Scavenger Hunt activity followed, where students were able to tour the school. The afternoon session included a safety presentation by Halton Regional Police. Students were then able to tour community information booths, including: Halton Multicultural Council/HCDSB Youth Settlement Program YMCA Burlington Emergency Medical Services Halton Region – […more]

In Review: 2015-2016 School Year

Check out some awesome videos that document what the past school year at the Halton Catholic District School Board was like! CLICK HERE to share your awesome HCDSB experiences! Share this page …

International Students Visit Crawford Lake Conservation Area

On Friday, April 22, 2016, students from our Board’s International Student Program, along with students who are new residents of Canada, visited the Crawford Lake Conservation Area on their P.A. Day. Located in Milton, Ontario, Crawford Lake has been referred to as a “time capsule of natural and cultural history”. The students started off their tour with taste sampling of homemade cornbread and freshly made pure maple syrup. After eating their treats, students were led around the expansive conservation area by informative and engaging tour guides. Students toured the historic 15th Century Iroquoian village. The village is a reconstruction of where pre-contact First Nations clans actually lived. It features three longhouses that have been reconstructed on the exact footprints of the original 15th Century longhouses. While students explored the Turtle Clan Longhouse, they were taught about the lives of the people who lived there 600 years ago. They were also […more]

Student Submission: Scenic Photos

Edward L., a first year International Program Student (and talented photographer!) was kind enough to share some photos he’s taken during his various day trips around Halton and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These locations include Casa Loma, the Toronto CN Tower, the Distillery Historic District, Square One Shopping Centre, and Queen’s Park. When asked what his favourite place he’s visited so far was, Edward replied, “Casa Loma was the most impressive place to me. I really enjoyed walking inside the castle, really amazing really beautiful. I love the CN Tower as well, the amazing views up there, really impressive.” Edward plans to continue touring the area and taking photos. Share this page …