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 are 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 two weeks before the official school start date in order to attend the Orientation Program.
- The program is 10 days in duration.
- The program will be held at the Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning, 36 Regatta Ave., Richmond Hill.
- Transportation from the student's home school to the program location will be arranged.
Changes to the schedule will be communicated by email to students, parents and custodians.
January 2025 Orientation Program Schedule
- The Orientation Program takes place from January 20 to January 30, 2025
- To gain the most from the program, students are encouraged to attend all scheduled activities.
- Students are organized by school, and geography.
- From the list below, locate the school the student is attending and download the corresponding schedule.
- Please pay close attention to the student’s individual schedule because the times may change from day to day.
- Students are to arrive at their home school 10 minutes before the departure time indicated in the morning to board the bus.
- The school bus will return the student at the end of each day to their school, and from there, students will return home.
- Excursions are planned during the orientation period.
Schedules and other relevant information will be available the first week of January 2025. Please return to this page at that time to view the student's individual schedule.
Students MUST bring the signed consent/permission form on the first day of orientation in order to attend the excursions.
| School Attending | School Bus Assignment |
|---|---|
| Aurora HS Dr. JM Denison SS Sir William Mulock SS | North 1 |
| Hodan Nalayeh SS Langstaff SS Westmount CI King City SS | Central 1 |
| Thornlea SS | Central 2 |
| Emily Carr SS Woodbridge College Maple HS Alexander Mackenzie HS | West 1 |
| Markham DHS Middlefield CI Stouffville DHS | East 1 |
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 on:
- 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
- Medical insurance information will be sent electronically to the custodian and primary parent before the start of the study period
English & Math Assessment
(Secondary Students, Grade 9 to 12)
- Assessments are conducted online and information is sent to students, parents, and agencies.
Documentation Verification
Please follow the Documentation Verification Schedule - Secondary Students, Grade 9 to 12 (only)
Who MUST attend documentation verification?
- Parents living with their child for the entire school year
- Custodians if the child is not residing with their parent for the entire school year
When does documentation verification take place?
- Parents/Custodians attend on the date/time indicated in the schedule, according to the student’s school.
Where does documentation verification take place?
- Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning, 36 Regatta Ave., Richmond Hill – 2nd floor Cafeteria.
Mandatory Documents - ALL documents must be presented:
- Completed Secondary School Registration Form. Please refer to the guideline for assistance in completing the form.
- Original Passport
- Original Visitor/entry visa if applicable (not required in all cases)
- Original Study Permit
- Original Education Service Agreement (last 3 pages found in the Letter of Acceptance), signed by the custodian, parent(s) and student.
- Original, previous two years, and recent school transcript/report card (in English)
School Registration
Students MAY NOT attend school if they have not first attended and completed documentation verification with the International Education Services Department. A schedule will be available, during the Orientation Program, detailing the school, date, time and meeting location for school registration.
Contact Us
Questions are welcome and can be sent by email.