Photograph of Welcome Centre at Margaret Avenue Public School
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.

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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)

Interview

Who needs an interview to determine if an assessment at the WRDSB Welcome Centre is required?

  1. Secondary students (Gr. 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

  1. Secondary students (Gr. 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

No

No 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

Please watch the short video below to find out where to park and how to get from the parking lot to the Welcome Centre entrance. Here is a descriptive transcript for the Getting to the Welcome Centre Video.

Confirm parking and busing information when you book your appointment.

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

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

map with a green star and arrow showing Grace Lutheran church parking on the corner of Margaret Avenue and a green star and arrow showing Margaret Avenue Public School on the corner of Margaret Avenue and Wellington street North

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

When You Arrive

Free Parking is available across the street at Grace Lutheran Church

map showing parking lot on Louisa street, turning left onto Margaret Avenue, then turning left onto Wellington Street North to get to the Welcome Centre entrance on Wellington Street North

 

black box with silver button underneath a sign that says "please press intercom button below for assistance"

Please ring the bell for entry.

What Happens Inside the Welcome Centre?

Watch the short video below to find out what happens when you come to the Welcome Centre. Here is a descriptive transcript for the Inside the Welcome Centre Video.

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)

passport, immigration card, utility bill, phone, and certificate

Settlement Workers in Schools

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