The main entrance of the Welcome Centre.
The Welcome Centre is the essential starting point for secondary newcomer students where staff support students and families in the transition to their new schools. Welcome Centre Teacher Assessors make academic program and course recommendations, based on interviews and assessments.

First language proficiency is considered, as well as knowledge and skills gained from previous educational and work experiences.

Our goal is for all newcomer students to have a successful start to their education with the WRDSB.

Green Checkmark

Assessment

Who needs an assessment at the Welcome Centre?

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Canada whose:

  • first (home) language is not English
    and
  • the primary language of instruction at school in the previous country/countries of residence was not English

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Waterloo Region:

  • whose first (home) language is not English
    and
  • have attended a school in Canada (outside of Ontario), where English is the primary language of instruction, for less than five years

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) who:

  • have attended a French language school in Canada

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) who:

  • are international fee-paying students (referred through the WRDSB International Admissions Department)

Green Checkmark

Interview

Who needs an interview at the Welcome Centre?

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Canada whose:

  • first (home) language is not English
    but
  • the main language of instruction at school in the previous country/countries of residence was English

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Waterloo Region whose:

  • first (home) language is not English
    and
  • have attended a school in Ontario, where English is the main language of instruction, for less than five years

Secondary students (Grades 9-12, including up to age 21) new to Canada whose:

  • first (home) language is English
    and
  • the primary language of instruction at school was English in the previous country/countries of residence (including countries where the official language is English)

No

No Interview or Assessment Needed

Who does not need an assessment or interview at the Welcome Centre?

Elementary students (Junior Kindergarten – Grade 8)

Elementary students will be assessed by an ESL/ELD teacher at their new home school. Please ensure your child is registered at the school your child will attend.

Immigration Status

You must have proof of Permanent Residence (PR) status or Canadian Citizenship status in order to book an appointment, directly, at the Welcome Centre

Please contact the WRDSB International Admissions Office if your immigration status is based on any of the following documents:

  • Parent with Work Permit
  • Parent with Study Permit
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Temporary Resident Permit
  • In Application for Citizenship or Permanent Residence

Booking an assessment

Assessments at the Welcome Centre are done by appointment only (i.e., no walk-ins). Complete the Welcome Centre Google Form and you will be put on a waitlist for an assessment.

Questions

Getting to the Welcome Centre

Confirm parking and busing information when you book your appointment.

Margaret Avenue Public School (Google Maps)
325 Louisa Street West
Kitchener, ON
N2H 5N1

Located at the back of Margaret Avenue Public School. Please use the Wellington Street entrance.

Map showing the location of the Welcome Centre on the south side of Margaret Avenue Public school, at the intersection of Wellington Street North and Margaret Avenue in Kitchener.

Bus Routes: 4 (Boardwalk/Frederick) and 6 (Fairway/Conestoga)

When You Arrive

Free Parking is available across the street at Grace Lutheran Church

Video: Walking from the Parking Lot to the Welcome Centre Entrance

A black intercom box on a wall, beside an automatic door button with a sign above that reads "Please press intercom button below for assistance"

Please ring the bell for entry.

What should you bring to an assessment?

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

Settlement Workers in Schools

Students can access settlement workers in schools through the Welcome Centre, or through their home school once they have registered.