Skip to content

NOW helps newcomers to Canada adjust to high school life

The York Catholic District School Board is hosting a free two-day orientation program Aug. 28 to 29 for students who came to Canada in 2018 or 2019 and will be attending high school in September
Sioux North high school three
File photo/Village Media

NEWS RELEASE
YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
*************************
The York Catholic District School Board, in partnership with Catholic Community Services of York Region and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is proud to offer orientation programs for high school students who are new to Canada.

The Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program will run at three York Catholic high schools, Aug. 28 to 29. All newcomer students who came to Canada in 2018 or 2019 and will be attending a York Catholic high school in September are strongly encouraged to register for this free two-day program.

The NOW program aims to help students adjust to high school life in Canada through a series of interactive activities and valuable information sessions. Activities may include a school scavenger hunt to learn about key school services, a simulated timetable exercise, discussions about graduation requirements, extra-curricular activities, and supports offered in York Catholic schools.

Participants in the NOW program come out with a better understanding of the routines and practices in local high schools and proven strategies for successfully adapting to high school life in Canada. It also gives students an opportunity to make new friends with other participants and former newcomer students who are peer leaders volunteering to help run this year’s NOW program.

Students must register for the NOW program by calling the settlement worker for their school, as listed below.

Newcomer students who will be attending a York Catholic high school that is not listed below and who are interested in attending the NOW program should contact Catholic Community Service of York Region at 905-731-8281.

NOW Program Locations:

Jean Vanier CHS, 10475 Bayview Avenue Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 3P2

  • For students registered at Jean Vanier Catholic High School Sacred Heart Catholic High School St. Robert Catholic High School

St. Elizabeth CHS 525 New Westminster Drive Thornhill, ON, L4J 7X3

  • For students registered at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School

St. Joan of Arc CHS 1 St. Joan of Arc Avenue Maple, ON, L6A 1W9

  • For students registered at St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic High School

*************************