The Assessment Process
Students are required to complete an initial assessment in English and Mathematics. This may take up to 4 hours and students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Assessment appointments are booked in the morning only. The results are used to help determine the student鈥檚 English and Math placement at the receiving school. The assessment also provides the school with valuable information regarding:
- Educational History
- Academic strengths and weaknesses
- Possible Special Education needs
- Exposure to English instruction
Documents Required for Secondary Assessments
An assessment is scheduled after the following required documents have been received and verified:
- Valid passport
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or Immigration documents of status in Canada (permanent resident card or confirmation, Refugee documents, citizenship card/birth certificate, parent work/study permit
- Proof of Residency – Lease or purchase agreement PLUS 1 other (utility bill, house insurance (Please note: driver鈥檚 licence is not accepted)
- Official translations of Report Cards/Transcripts:
- Students entering grade 9 – last year of school
- Students entering grades 10 to 12 – entire history of secondary school (grade 9 to present)
- Guardianship documents may be required if the student will not be residing with their parents
NOTE
Please note: Elementary age students do not require an assessment at the Newcomer Reception Centre and can register at their home school. The following will be required for the student to be considered for admission:
- A Baptismal certificate from a Roman Catholic Church or a Catholic Church in Communion with the Holy See of Rome (child or parent)
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Status in Canada (Permanent Resident, Refugee Claim etc.)
- Proof of Residency – Lease or purchase agreement PLUS 1 other (ex. utility bill, house insurance (Please note: driver鈥檚 licence is not accepted)
- Proof of English English Separate School support (ex. Property tax bill or MPAC Property Assessment Notice)
Families are always welcome to contact the Reception Centre for information and to begin the booking process, however assessments do not take place during the month of July. Assessments resume in August and continue to June.
After the assessment takes place, the Assessment Teacher will provide immediate feedback to the student and their family regarding assessment results, placement and equivalency recommendations. The family is also provided with a package to bring to the receiving school in order to complete the registration process.
Settlement Services (CCSYR)
Community Navigators provide free services to support newcomers such as: information and referral, guidance and support, as well as newcomer support groups. These services are provided in a variety of languages through Settlement and Education Partnership York Region ().