Are You New to Ottawa? Welcome to OCSB
Are You New to Ottawa? Welcome to OCSB
The Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Family Welcome Centre is here to provide support and information to newcomer students and families of all faiths to help them transition smoothly into our school community. Newcomer students in Grades 2 to 12 need an assessment before starting school. This helps us determine if they need support and how to help them.
Who Should Visit the Family Welcome Centre?
Grade 2-12
Students in Grades 2 to 12 who meet one of the following criteria will meet with the Family Welcome Centre for assessment:
- Newcomers to Canada.
- Students whose first language is not English and who have moved here from out of province.
- Students whose first language is not English and who have been studying in a language other than English (this includes French-speaking students transferring from French schools in Ottawa).
- Students whose first language is not English and who have been living abroad for 6 months or longer.
This includes permanent residents, refugees, students whose parents have Work or Study Permits, Canadian citizens and diplomats.
New Beginnings Have Our Support
Grades JK-1: Families of Children New to the OCSB
For families with children entering Kindergarten or Grade 1 who don’t have older siblings enrolled in the school board, please contact your school’s Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO).
The school MLO helps newcomer students and their families integrate into the community and establish themselves in Ottawa. This list will allow you to find and connect with the MLO that is dedicated to your child’s school.
Everyone is Welcome at the OCSB!
Everyone is Welcome at the OCSB!
Do I need to be Catholic to attend an Ottawa Catholic school? Not at all. At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, we welcome children of all religions—and those with no religious background, too.
Our schools are grounded in Catholic values, but we believe in creating a safe, caring space for every child. That means honouring all beliefs, celebrating diversity, and treating every student with dignity and respect.
No matter your faith, your child belongs here.
How to Register and Book an Appointment With the Family Welcome Centre
How to Register and Book an Appointment With the Family Welcome Centre
Before you book an appointment, you will need to register your child. You can register by following the instructions on our registration page.
If the student is 18 years old or older, please access St. Nicholas High School’s website for information on registering with our Adult High School.
Once your child is registered, please contact us Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to schedule the assessment.
You can reach us to book your appointment by phone at 613-233-5670 or by email at Family.Welcome@ocsb.ca.
If you need help with registration forms or don’t have a device, we can help you during your appointment.
Required Documents for Registration
During the registration process, it is necessary to provide supporting documents that verify your child’s age, immigration status, and address. Please ensure you attach these required documents when you register.
Proof of your child’s name/age. Examples include a birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of your current Ottawa address. Examples include a rental or purchase agreement for where you live, a recent property tax bill, a current utility bill (Hydro, Gas, Water) or a current Home Phone, TV or Internet bill. Driver’s licenses, bank statements, and cell phone bills are NOT accepted as proof of address.
- Your or your child’s immigration documents if your child was not born in Canada.
- For students registering for High School (Grades 9-12) – the most recent report card and (for students registering for Grades 10-12) high school transcript or credit counselling summary/status sheet.
If you can not attach supporting documents online, you may provide them in alternate ways. Contact us for assistance or more information.
What Happens During Your Appointment With the Family Welcome Centre?
The appointment process includes an assessment that can take some time to complete. Usually, an hour is needed for grades 2 to 8 and up to three hours for grades 9 to 12. However, depending on the circumstance, it can take longer. Please be sure to make time in your schedule to accommodate this.
Here is what to expect when you arrive:
- One of our educators will meet with you and your child to discuss your child’s school history, personal goals and general interests.
- The educator will assess your child’s oral, reading, and writing skills in English. This is NOT a test; there is no need to prepare for it. Grades 9-12 students who have moved here from outside Canada will also perform a math assessment to help with course recommendations.
- The educator will provide parents with the assessment results and share the assessment with the school that the child has registered to.
- Our staff will connect you with a Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO). We work with MLOs to help newcomer families integrate into the community through our partnership with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Settlement Organization (OCISO). They share resources for families new to Canada and provide information about the school system in Ontario to all families and students who are new to our board.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our community. Welcome to Ottawa!
