New to Canada

Our school communities offer a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for international students and their families. Our schools focus on academic excellence and offer a wide range of arts, sports and clubs.

Reception, Orientation & Assessment Centre (ROAC)

We welcome and introduce newly arrived Canadians to our schools and communities through the Reception, Orientation and Assessment Centre.

Before you start school, you need a language assessment and an interview so that we can recommend the best programs and placements for you.

You will also be introduced to the City of London as well as the resources and services that are available to you.

How do I visit the Reception, Orientation and Assessment Centre?
  1. Contact the International Office
    telephone: (519) 452-2000 Ext. 20100
  2. Schedule an appointment for language and math proficiency assessments.
  • Provide appropriate documentation:
    • Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., Birth Certificate, Registration of Birth, Baptismal Certificate, Passport)
    • Proof of Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident status (e.g., Birth Certificate, Registration of Birth, Citizenship Card, Canadian Passport, Permanent Resident Card, Landing Papers)

 

Student who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents must contact International Admissions at 519-452-2000 ext. 20100 or www.tvdsb.ca/StudyCanada

 
Where is the Reception, Orientation and Assessment Centre?

Thames Valley Education Centre
1250 Dundas Street, London, Ontario

Phone: 519-452-2000 ext. 20100

Email: roac@tvdsb.on.ca
What happens when I visit the Reception, Orientation and Assessment Centre?
  • Students are expected to come at their given appointment time with a parent or legal guardian.
  • You will complete the Language and Math assessments, which can take up to 5 hours. You may want to bring snacks or a lunch.
  • The assessor(s) and settlement worker will have a conversation with you and your family.
  • The assessor(s) will review your assessment results and discuss programming with you and your family.
  • Assessment reports will be sent to the selected secondary school within 48 hours of the assessment.
  • Students will be given contact information for their designated secondary school where they will complete their course selections.
  • The process is very personalized. The Assessment Teachers work with each student individually.
  • While the student is completing the English language assessment tasks, their parents/guardians will work with the Settlement Worker to learn out about the Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) Program and to learn about Ontario secondary schools.
  • There is no specific content that can be studied in preparation for these assessments. Instead students should be well rested and relaxed when they come for their appointment.

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

Settlement workers play an important role in welcoming newly arrived Canadians to our community by reaching out to parents and students to help them with their needs.

They provide newcomer families and students with information on:

  • Learning English
  • Looking for a job
  • Housing
  • Finding a doctor or dentist
  • Rights and responsibilities
  • Other settlement needs

The Settlement Workers in Schools program is provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and involves three community agencies; the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, LUSO Community Services and South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre. 

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