Youth who are new to Canada are invited to attend school orientation programs

Virtual programs help newcomers adapt and learn about York Catholic schools

The York Catholic District School Board, in partnership with Catholic Community Services of York Region and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is proud to offer two school orientation programs for newcomers to Canada. Newcomer students and their parents who moved to Canada in 2021 or 2020, as well as ESL/ELL  students are strongly encouraged to register for the FREE Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) or Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN) programs. 

The NOW program is a virtual two-day workshop for high school students. It aims to help students adjust to high school life in Canada through a series of interactive activities and valuable information sessions. Activities may include a virtual school scavenger hunt to learn about key school services, a simulated timetable exercise, discussions about graduation requirements, extra-curricular activities, and supports offered in York Catholic high schools. It also gives students an opportunity to make new friends with other participants and former newcomer students who are peer leaders volunteering to help run this year’s program.

The NOW program will be hosted by five York Catholic high schools on August 26 and 27, 2021. Students must register for the NOW program by calling the settlement worker for their school, as listed in the chart below. Newcomer students who will be attending a York Catholic high school that is not listed in the chart below and who are interested in attending the NOW program should contact Catholic Community Service of York Region at 905-731-8281. Interested participants can view additional information about the NOW program on this flyer and use the QR Code to register.

The WIN program is a virtual one-day workshop for students in York Catholic elementary schools and their parents or guardians. Participants in the WIN program will have a chance to learn about the traditional routines in local schools, educational requirements, school protocols and practices, and proven strategies for successfully adapting to school life in Canada. It also provides parents with a chance to ask questions about York Catholic elementary schools. 

The WIN program will take place on Friday, August 27, 2021. Elementary school families can register for the WIN program by calling one of the following School Settlement Workers: Malu (416) 616-2989, Asavari (647) 297-3902, or Fairouz (416) 807-8014. Interested participants can view additional information about the WIN program on this flyer and use the QR code to register.

View general information about registering for a York Catholic secondary or elementary school for classes starting in September.

Location and contact information for the high school Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) Program
NOW Program Location For Newcomers Students enrolled at: Contact info for Settlement Worker

Our Lady Queen of the World CHS

10475 Bayview Avenue Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 3P2

  • Our Lady Queen of the World CHS (Richmond Hill)
  • Sacred Heart CHS (Newmarket)

St. Elizabeth CHS

525 New Westminster Drive Thornhill, ON, L4J 7X3

  • St. Elizabeth CHS (Thornhill)
  • St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS (Richmond Hill)
416-305-1115
eparungao@ccsyr.org 

St. Joan of Arc CHS

1 St. Joan of Arc Avenue Maple, ON, L6A 1W9

  • St. Joan of Arc CHS (Maple)
  • St. Jean de Brebeuf CHS (Vaughan)
416-312-5173
ehasan@ccsyr.org 

Fr. Michael McGivney CA

5300 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3S 3K8

Father Michael McGivney CA (Markham)

416-312-5240
lvinay@ccsyr.org

St. Robert CHS

8101 Leslie St, Thornhill, ON L3T 7P4

St. Robert Catholic High School (Thornhill)

416-509-4429
cliu@ccsyr.org
  All other York Catholic high schools 905-731-8281