Welcome Center/Newcomers

Grand Erie is dedicated to providing culturally responsive services and programs for Multilingual Language Learners (MLLs) that will improve the school experience and success for all English language learning students.

The Welcome Centre is a place where all new Multilingual Language Learners and First Nation, Métis, or Inuit students and their families are welcomed into the Grand Erie community. The Welcome Centre is located within the school.

To start the school registration process, families must make an appointment with the Welcome Centre. Use one of the following:

• Phone: 519-756-6301 extension 281031 or toll-free 1-888-548-8878

• Email: welcome@granderie.ca

• If required, we provide newcomers with language and cultural interpretation.
• We assess student’s current level of English language to make the appropriate program recommendations for student success.
• We make recommendations to appropriate programs.
• We introduce newcomer families and students to the Ontario Elementary and Secondary school system.
• We set up an appointment with the school for registration and proper integration into the school.
• A Settlement Officer from the YMCA’s Immigration Settlement Services:

   

  Meets with parents and guardians to provide newcomer families information on community services and resources.

  Helps families connect with services and agencies that can offer assistance.

• Any elementary or secondary student new to Canada, entering the Ontario school system for the first time (SK- grade 12)
• Any student from a French language school where French is their first language in the home
• Any student arriving from a country where the first language is other than English
• Any student arriving from an English-speaking country (such as: United States, England, Australia or New Zealand) and has spent less than two years in an English language school system
• Canadian-born students who have moved to a country where English is not their first language and have re-entered Canada after two or more years

Proof of Immigration Status:

Provide one of the following documents:

• Passport
• Permanent Resident Card or Landing Card
• Work Permit
• Student Visa
• Refugee Status 

Additional: 

Provide proof of each of the following:

• Date of birth (Birth Certificate if a passport is not provided)
• Proof of Immunization
• Proof of Home Address
• School Transcripts (if available)

• Ministry of Education - Elementary
• Ministry of Education - Secondary
• Policies and Procedures for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12