Welcome Centre

The HWDSB Welcome Centre welcomes hundreds of new students every year, whether they are new to Canada or new to the Ontario public school system. It supports students and families with their transition to Hamilton, Ontario, as students begin their new school experience at HWDSB.

The Welcome Centre’s Admissions Office and assessment staff work together to provide services that make starting school a smooth process. The Welcome Centre also supports adult students with initial assessments as they resume their studies towards achieving their Ontario High School Diploma.

Our Services:

• English as a Secondary Language Assessment for Newcomer students
• Prior Learning Equivalent Credit Assessment
• Admissions Office
• International Students

English as a Second Language Assessments for Newcomers

• This service is required for all students entering grades 1 to 12 who meet specific criteria.
• The assessment identifies appropriate levels of language and literacy of the student.
• A report is sent to the school that recommends program adaptations, instructional interventions and strategies.
• Find out more about English as a Second Language Assessments.

Prior Learning Equivalent Credits

Students transferring to HWDSB from secondary schools outside of Ontario may be eligible for Prior Learning Equivalent Credits. These students must be transferring from:

• Outside of Ontario including other countries
• Non-inspected private schools
• Home-schooling environments

Note: Secondary school principals grant prior learning equivalent credits on the discretionary basis.

Admissions Office

The Admissions Office oversees the admission process of the following students to HWDSB: 

• International fee-paying student who has a visitor Visa or Study Permit
• International Exchange student on a reciprocal exchange with a HWDSB student
• Dependent of a parent who is on a Study Permit in Ontario
• Student who has applied for Permanent Residence status in Canada and is awaiting approval
• Canadian or Permanent Resident student whose parents live outside of Ontario
• Student who has applied for refugee status but has not received documentation from Canada Immigration authorities verifying status
• Dependent of a parent on a Cleric Permit, Diploma Status or Minister’s Permit
• Student who has expired immigration documentation or no documentation in Canada

The Admissions Office staff review documentation for the above students. If the student meets the criteria for school enrollment, the Admissions Office staff will notify the student's catchment school to complete the student's registration process.

Contact: [email protected].