Welcome Orientation

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, we welcomed a new group of International Students that are beginning school at the Halton Catholic District School Board!

This year, students have travelled from over 12 countries to come and study at our schools! These countries include; Brazil, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Spain, Suriname, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The Welcome Orientation event was held in the beautiful library at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Oakville. The day began with an icebreaker game of “Get to Know You BINGO”, and three student BINGO winners received Tim Horton’s gift cards and zip binders!

International Student Program (ISP) staff presented important school and community information to students, and guest speakers from our homestay providers (Canada Homestay Network and Dream Homestay Ontario) and medical insurance provider (StudyInsured) presented information and answered questions about homestay and medical insurance.

HCDSB Student Senators from various secondary schools were also at the Welcome Orientation. The Student Senators were available throughout the day to assist our new students with their event activities, answer questions, and even share their own school experiences and insightful advice.

The day ended with a catered barbeque lunch outside, where our new students had the opportunity to get to know each other better.

We wish all of our International Students an amazing 2025-26 school year!

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!