Newcomer Reception Centre

About our Secondary Newcomer Reception Centre

We are located on the main floor of the Catholic Education Centre at 320 Bloomington Road West in Aurora. We welcome Newcomer families and assess students for the purpose of placement in high school.

Our Goal

• Welcome the students and family in a safe, caring and faith-filled environment, provide a smooth transition for students into our schools, and lessen the anxiety level of those new or returning to Canada.

• Provide effective reception, assessment and placement of Newcomer students at the secondary level.

• Support schools in the placement and monitoring of students.

Our Services

• Family/student orientation to the Ontario education system and to York Catholic schools

• Review of student’s documentation

• English and Mathematics assessment

• Recommendation for school & program placement

• Recommendation for equivalent high school credits

• Referral to additional programs and services, if required (e.g. Multilingual Services, Settlement Services, Adult & Continuing Education, etc.)

• Placement follow-up

Who Should be Referred to the Reception Centre

Students who may need support in becoming proficient in English. This includes:

• Students entering Canada for the first time or re-entering.

• Students who recently arrived in Canada within the last 3 years, but are originally from a country whose primary language is one other than English.

• Students from French language schools in Canada.

Settlement Services

Settlement Services through SEPYR (Settlement and Education Partnership in York Region) are provided to all schools for newcomer students and families.

Settlement workers assist with the integration of newcomers into the community by helping families access community resources that support the settlement process. As well, they help to strengthen the partnership between the home and school.