Newcomers

Welcome to Canada!

Newcomers’ Guides to Education in Ontario

School is an important part of life in Ontario. The Newcomers’ Guides to Education in Ontario try to help parents support their children in school. The guides include articles, videos and handouts on key school topics. View the Newcomers’ Guides to Education in Ontario from settlement.org.

YRDSB Reception Centre

The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Reception Centre helps families and students who are new to Canada and Ontario. It is open all year long.

The Reception Centre is located at 10909 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill. All newcomer or returning families are welcome. They are open year-round including July and August. All clients are encouraged to book appointments during the summer as early as possible to ensure that they start school on time. (Note: school starts at the beginning of September.) Visa students and students new to Canada should book an appointment no later than the middle of August.

The Reception Centre is part of Community and Cultural Services Unit and partnered with the Community Liaisons and Settlement Workers. Their services include assisting families in filling out registration forms, providing pertinent information regarding our educational system, and introducing the family to school and community services.

To make an appointment please call 905 883 5241. Download their information brochure (PDF 490 KB).

The Reception Centre provides information to all families regarding services offered through the Settlement and Education Partnership in York Region (SEPYR). These settlement services facilitate the introduction of newcomer students and their families to the school and education system and connect the families to the necessary resources in the community that support the settlement process.

Some of the services that the SEPYR Settlement Workers provide include: information and referral, guidance and support, advocacy and access, interpretation and translation, information sessions on settlement related topics (such as: education, taxation, housing, community resources, etc.) and newcomer support groups. Services are provided in: Korean, Spanish, Farsi, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Filipino, etc.

Get more information about YRDSB’s newcomer assistance.