The YRDSB orientation period is designed to give new secondary international students the best possible start to their learning career in York Region. YRDSB teachers present information about their new community, the Ontario school system, and the high school they will be attending.

During a combination of information sessions, guest speakers, school visits, and day-long field trips, teachers will focus on strategies to help new students settle into their new community and to achieve success at school.

Students meet other international students and make new friendships even before classes begin. In addition to the Orientation Program, schools organize welcome sessions, which may include sharing additional school-based information, a school tour, meet their Guidance teachers, and timetables distributed.

The Board's mandatory assessment of new international students’ English language and mathematics skills will also take place prior to the start of school. This assessment enables school Principals and Guidance teachers to prepare the most appropriate course of studies for each individual student.

About the Secondary Student Orientation Program

• Students are expected to arrive before August 22 in order to attend the Orientation Program.

• The program is 10 days in duration and will begin August 22, 2022 and end September 2, 2022.

• The Program will be held in-person at the Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning, 36 Regatta Ave., Richmond Hill, ON

• School buses will be available to pick-up and drop-off students each day from their home school location to the Orientation Program location.

• More information, including the school bus and daily itinerary will be shared the first week of August.

Prepare for Arrival to Canada

As you arrange to come to Canada, please ensure that you review any updates to travel regulations issued by the Government of Canada.

Medical Insurance

• International students are covered by StudyInsured emergency medical insurance during their period of study.

• Coverage begins in:

  • January 1st for students beginning school during the February semester

  • August 1st for students beginning school during the September semester

• Students arriving before the first day of coverage, must purchase separate insurance which must include COVID19-related coverage.

• Medical insurance information will be sent electronically to the custodian of the student the first week of the study period.

English & Math Assessment (Secondary Students)

• Assessment will begin early August, and will be conducted online, and virtually. Teachers will use Zoom, Google Meet or MS Teams to connect with students and conduct assessments. A Math study guide is available setting out grade level expectations for students to review in preparation for the Math assessment.

Required Documents (Secondary Students)

The following documents will be required to complete the school registration process. DO NOT send these documents by email. Instructions on how we will collect them will be shared as the orientation period approaches.

Mandatory Documents:

• Completed Secondary School Registration Form. Instructions on how to complete the form are available.
• Passport
• Visitor/entry visa if applicable (not required in all cases)
• Study permit (if issued), or copy of study permit approval letter
• Education Service Agreement sent with the Letter of Acceptance and is a multi-page document which must be signed by the custodian parent(s) and student
• Recent school transcript/report card (in English)