ISP News | HCDSB International Student Program

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.

2016-2017 Proposed School Year Calendar

The proposed 2016-2017 School Year Calendar dates have been approved by the Halton Catholic District School Board on February 16, 2016. The dates, however, remain subject to approval by the Ministry of Education. The proposed first day of school for all students is on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Please visit the HCDSB’s website to view a full list of all important dates, which includes statutory holidays, Professional Development (P.A.) Days, and exam dates. New International Students It is recommended that International Students new to the program arrive in Canada two weeks before the start of school. Before a new student can start school, they are required to attend an assessment appointment at our Welcome Centre. A late arrival in Canada may result in a delay to a students start at school. Please click here to learn more about booking an assessment appointment at the HCDSB Welcome Centre.

ISP Welcome Orientation Day!

On Thursday, February 4, 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 China, Colombia, Korea and Uganda came together for a fun and informative day, which included a catered pizza and wings lunch. The day began with students being welcomed to Canada, Halton Region, and to the Halton Catholic District School Board in presentations interpreted in Chinese, 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, which had new students paired up with International Student Mentors. The mentors included International Students who have been in enrolled in the program since September. After lunch, students were welcomed by Paula Dawson, Director of the Halton Catholic District School Board, who applauded the students’ bravery […more]

Assumption Secondary AP Students Surpass Global Average

In the spring of 2015, students enrolled in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program at Assumption Catholic Secondary School participated in the 2015 AP Examinations. The results indicated that Assumption students achieved top scores in comparison to the outcomes across the province of Ontario, across Canada, and globally! View the full results here. Please visit the HCDSB’s website to read the full story. Advanced Placement (AP) Program Information Nights Monday, October 26, 2015 at 7 p.m. Bishop P. F. Reding Catholic Secondary School 1120 Main Street East Milton, Ontario L9T 6H7 Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 7 p.m. Assumption Catholic Secondary School 3230 Woodward Avenue Burlington, Ontario L7N 3P1 More information about the AP Program.

Canadian Thanksgiving at Assumption Catholic Secondary School

On Monday, October 5, 2015, International Students at Assumption Catholic Secondary School participated in a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving celebration. Together with ESL Students, International Students were taught about the meaning behind Thanksgiving Day in Canada, and the meal that accompanies it. Students were also encouraged to bring in food that is a tradition in their family and culture. Before the meal began, a prayer was led by Daniela Castaldi, ESL Teacher at Assumption CSS. Daniela expressed thanks for family and friends, good health and education, and for all of the opportunities and privileges living and studying in Canada provides us.

ISP Welcome Lunch & Orientation!

On Thursday, September 3, 2015, students new to the International Student Program were invited to St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School in Oakville for a Welcome Lunch and Orientation. Students from 12 different countries came together for a catered lunch and opportunity to socialize with one another. Students also had the chance to learn more about our School Board and Halton Region. Corinne Laurin, International Student Program Coordinator, spoke to students, “You should all be very proud of yourselves, it takes a lot of bravery to leave home and start an adventure here in Canada.” Corinne continued, “You need to work hard for yourselves, because you deserve a lot of success and we want to support you in being as successful as you can be.” After hearing from the ISP Coordinator, students were able to tour community information booths, including Halton Multicultural, YMCA, CAA and ISX Canada. On behalf […more]