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The following write-up was prepared by Alice (Shimiao) Zhang, an International Student from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School.

We congratulate Alice on this spectacular milestone and look forward to all that she will accomplish in the future!

I’m incredibly honoured to be awarded the University of Waterloo Faculty of Science International Student Scholarship, valued at $80,000.

Being an international student isn’t always easy. The hecticness of moving in, adapting to new education systems, and redefining your way of living are all part of the package. But it nurtured my resilience and adaptability like no other experience could. Having moved countries twice, I have learned to be fearlessly proactive in the communities I care about. I think this mindset is crucial to meaningful learning and growth.

By participating in various school activities and international programs since my move, I’ve come to realise the importance of community. Building deep connections with people, whether from FIRST Robotics or the CERN-Solvay Programme, has made me feel a sense of belonging and opened doors I never imagined possible. The support I received both as an international student and as a woman in STEM drives me to reciprocate. Whether it’s co-founding Holy Trinity’s Math Club with my friends, running book drives for the underserved, helping HCDSB with international student orientations, or distributing menstrual products at robotics competitions, I want to pay forward the cross-continent support that shaped my journey around the world.

As a first-generation university student, I’m ready for the road ahead. My goal is to pursue a PhD in physics and contribute to research at institutes like CERN. This summer, I will be gaining physics research experience at the University of Toronto to prepare for a great start at Waterloo. I look forward to joining new communities while exploring outreach opportunities on and off campus!

Alice Zhang Awarded $80k International Scholarship from University of Waterloo Read More »

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, we welcomed all the new International Students that are starting school at our school board beginning in semester two of the 2024-25 school year!

The Welcome Orientation event was held at the Halton Catholic District School Board’s (HCDSB) Welcome Centre in Oakville. The day began with an informative presentation led by International Student Program (ISP) staff.

Anthony Cordeiro, International Student Program Superintendent, was also in attendance. Anthony personally welcomed all of our new students to Canada, and to the HCDSB.

After the presentation, students were treated to a catered lunch, and had the opportunity to get to know the other International Students who have travelled from around the world to study at the HCDSB!

February 2025 Welcome Orientation Read More »

Our Board is incredibly proud to announce the recipients of our 2023-24 International Student Program Scholarship Awards!

Congratulations to all of our hard-working graduating students, we wish you continued success throughout your post-secondary and post-elementary career!

Please visit our Scholarships page for full descriptions of our Scholarship Awards.

Top International Student – University Pathway Award

Ngo Chun (Adrian) W. – Notre Dame CSS

Adrian demonstrates many of the Catholic Graduate Expectations; a collaborative contributor, a self-directed and responsible lifelong learner. His co-curricular activities include L2L tutoring, math contests, and he is a STEAM executive member.

Adrian has demonstrated strong leadership skills with the tutoring program where he has served as tutor and role model for other students. His leadership is evident through his kindness, hard work, and constant willingness to work with and assist others.

Adrian has immersed himself in the Canadian school culture, and has done so easily through the tutoring program and his involvement in the STEAM program. Adrian has used his strengths to get involved in things that he knows can help others and has made the most of every situation presented to him.

Ngo Chun (Adrian) W.

Top International Student – College Pathway Award

Yiran (Elena) L. – Holy Trinity CSS

Elena is a dedicated life-long learner and is following her dream and goal to attend post-secondary education within one year of arriving in Canada. She is very thorough with all work that she completes. She has made many friends with many students in her classes and often socializes with them.

Community Involvement Award

Lingrui (Olivia) Z. – Corpus Christi CSS

Olivia’s involvement with school and community-based initiatives include: Teaching assistant in the International Language Program, Mentors Intermediate Level Chinese Students in a Language and Culture Program, Member of the Planning Committee of the 2023-2024 Spring Festival and Annual Lunar New Year Celebrations in Burlington (through Redleaf Cultural Integration), Corpus Christi Dance Club Member, Corpus Christi Athletic Banquet Performer, Corpus Christi Trivia Night Participant, Corpus Christi Peer Tutor, and working with Student Success Teacher.

Lingrui (Olivia) Z.

Most Well-Rounded Student Award

Shiyuan (Sonya) Z. – Holy Trinity CSS

Sonya is a friendly and welcoming member of the Holy Trinity school community. She participates in the Holy Trinity Yearbook Club, Cards for Seniors, and multiple welcome initiatives for newcomers including the HCDSB Multicultural Fair for Newcomers, WE-ALL Orientation Day for Newcomers, Holy Trinity Culture Day, and the Burlington Mandarin program offered by the HCDSB IILE Program. She volunteers with Halton Multicultural Connections, and as opportunities arise in house such as in-school multi-cultural celebrations and staff appreciation events.

Shiyuan (Sonya) Z.

Leadership in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award

Justin R. – Notre Dame CSS

Justin in his two years at Notre Dame has participated in the BSU, the Art Club, and Culture Day. Most notably, he initiated an MLL group named the “MLL Students Assemble” which meets bi-weekly after school and members of the group participate in the Equity Symposiums, Culture Days, Christmas gatherings, etc. The MLL Students Assemble also organized a field trip to Niagara Falls for both MLL and non-MLL students. Justin is so welcoming that many non-MLL students have also joined the group so that they can participate in the social events.

Justin R. – Notre Dame CSS

Top International Student at a Secondary School Award

Jialei (Louisa) T.
Assumption CSS

Lingrui (Olivia) Z.
Corpus Christi CSS

Tsung Kwan (Nik) Y.
Holy Trinity CSS

Ngo Chun (Adrian) W.
Notre Dame CSS

Linh D.
St. Francis Xavier CSS

Jiaxing (Lucky) Y.
St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS

JeongMyeong (June) C.
St. Thomas Aquinas CSS

2023-24 International Student Scholarship Award Recipients! Read More »

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