Programming

Information gathered from academic records, from parents and through initial assessment determines programming and the amount of time and frequency of ESL or ELD support. Students attend the neighbourhood school and are placed in age appropriate classrooms where their academic and social development is enhanced, because they are able to engage in the learning process with their peers. ELLs spend the majority of time in their mainstream classroom.

(ESL refers to English as a Second Language and is for students who have had educational opportunities to develop age-appropriate first-language literacy skills.)

(ELD refers to English Literacy Development and is a program for students who are most often from countries in which their access to education has been limited, inconsistent, disrupted or completely unavailable.)

ESL/ELD Program

The WECDSB provides ESL and ELD support through a withdrawal program with an ESL teacher. ESL and ELD instruction supports student learning in a variety of ways:

• learning the language of instruction;
• integrating academic language and literacy skills in all subjects;
• developing concepts, learning skills, and critical-thinking skills;
• using information technology effectively;
• helping students to become active learners, who take responsibility for their own learning and who participate fully in their classes.

Elementary Links

• Instruction and Assessment
• For more information on ESL/ELD programs in Ontario
• Would you like to book an assessment?
• Brochure in English
• Brochure in Spanish
• Brochure in Arabic
• For multilingual information on Catholic Elementary schools in Ontario

Secondary ELLs in the WECDSB who live in the city of Windsor, and require ESL support, attend Catholic Central High School.

ESL/ELD at Catholic Central High School is an academic program that is designed to teach the English language as well as the cultural aspects of English in a social and academic environment. The ESL /ELD program teaches skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. These skills will help the student succeed in academic subjects. The ESL program is taught at different levels of difficulty. Information gathered from academic records, from parents, and through the initial assessment determines placement in the various levels of ESL or ELD classes.

The initial assessment has components in oral English, reading, writing, and mathematics. It is administered at:

    The Newcomer Reception Centre
    443 Ouellette Avenue, Unit C, Windsor
    ph: (519) 973-9282

where first language support is available.

Secondary Links

• ESL Secondary Courses - Catholic Central
• Would you like to book an assessment?
• Brochure in English
• Brochure in Spanish
• Brochure in Arabic
• For multilingual information on Catholic Secondary schools in Ontario
• For more information of the Ontario Secondary ESL/ELD Programs

Are you thinking about coming to Canada in order to receive a high quality Canadian education?

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board is now accepting applications from foreign students who wish to study in Canada. Acceptance into the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and placement in a school is determined by, the student’s educational background, present academic standing, as well as the results of the initial assessment. In order to Study in Canada, all students must apply for and obtain a valid Study Permit from the Government of Canada before leaving their home country, which will allow them to legally study in Canada.

For more information regarding application, registration and requirements, please contact Denise Kimmerly in the Assessment Department at 519.253.2481 ext. 1135 or

On October 1, 2008 the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board in partnership with the New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc. officially opened its Newcomer Reception Centre located at 443 Ouellette Avenue, Unit C.

The Newcomer Reception Centre offers a variety of settlement services. At the Centre, students new to Canada take part in an initial English as a Second Language assessment, conducted by one of the Board's ESL teachers. Parents are provided assistance in the form of an interpreter, if needed, to assist in filling out the necessary school registration forms.

Through the Board's partnership with the New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc., School Settlement Workers are available to assist with language and cultural interpretation at parent-teacher interviews and other school meetings. Settlement workers also play a key role in assisting families in accessing services available to them in the community.

Through the board's partnership with the New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc. and support from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, students and families new to Canada are provided a smooth and welcoming transition to both the Windsor-Essex County area and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.

• Would you like to book an assessment?
• Brochure in English
• Brochure in Spanish
• Brochure in Arabic

SWIS settlement workers assist newcomer students and their families settle in the Windsor Essex community by providing information and referrals to schools and other community programs and services.

NCCE Inc. SWIS services include but not limited to:

• Communicating needs of newcomer families and students to schools and local service providers;
• Assisting school staff and newcomer families with language and cultural interpretation as required;
• One-on-one and/or group information workshops to newcomer families and students on community services and resources;
• Clarifying information and referral to community resources;
• Providing Occasional Child Care for children whose parents attend SWIS events.

SWIS is one of many NCCE Inc. programs for newcomers. SWIS services are confidential and accessible at no cost. For more information, please contact the SWIS Manager, Iole Iadipaolo at 519.258.4076 ext. 1402