News – HCDSB International Student Program

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.