Welcome Centre for Newcomers

Welcome Centre- Inviting newcomers to the Waterloo Region District School Board to visit us at
749 King Street West, Unit 203, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1E4
Telephone: 519-576-3018

The Welcome Centre is open: Monday- Thursday 9:00am - 4:00pm.
                                          Friday 9:00am - 11:30am    

Please contact the office to book an assessment. Assessments are by appointment only.                                        

 The Welcome Centre introduces newcomer families to our community in a caring and professional manner. Our assessment service determines the best programming for newcomer students  so they can have a good beginning in our schools.

Who needs assessment?

  • Students new to Canada whose first language is not English
  • Students new to Waterloo Region whose first language is not English and have been in an English school in Canada for less than five years
  • Any student from a French Language School in Canada
  • International students

How do you book and appointment?
Your home school or settlement worker will call the Welcome Centre to book an appointment

What should you bring?

  • Passport
  • Proof of immigration status
  • Proof of immunization
  • Proof of address (rental agreement, house deed or utility bill)
  • Telephone number
  • Most recent school documents (if possible)

Note: The assessment process usually takes- 1-2 hours (elementary students)
                                                                         2-3 hours (secondary students)

What happens at the Welcome Centre?

  • Families are introduced to the Waterloo Region District School Board community
  • With the help of translators, the assessors gather information from the parents about the personal history and academic background of the students
  • Students are assesed in English and Math
  • Assessors identify English and Math proficiency levels, recommend appropriate programming and prepare a report for the school
  • Settlement workers provide information about the Ontario School System and connect parents to appropriate community services

What happens after the assessment?

  • The assessor provides feedback to the family and student regarding assessment results and recommendations. Also, newcomers will receive information about the Ontario school system
  • The Welcome Centre calls the school to book a registration appointment
  • The Assessment Report is sent to the school before the registration appointment

Bus Routes:

From Downtown Kitchener (Charles Street Terminal)

  • Take bus 7c or 7d or 7e
  • Get off at Central Fresh Market

From Waterloo (University or Conestoga Mall)

  • Take bus 7c or 7d or 7e
  • Get off at Central Fresh Market

From Fairview Mall

  • Take bus 7a or 7b or 7f
  • Stay on bus at the terminal
  • Get off at Central Fresh Market

From Cambridge (Ainslie Street Terminal)

  • Take i-Xpress to Downtown Kitchener - before you sit down you must ask for a transfer ticket
  • When you get to the Charles Steet Terminal, take bus 7c or 7d or 7e
  • Get off at Central Fresh Market