Students whose primary language or language of the home is not English may qualify for the English Language Learning (ELL) program. We have students from a rich variety of backgrounds who speak many different languages at home. An annual language assessment must be completed to determine a need for support, and eligibility for the ELL program. Support is funded for a maximum of five (5) years.
Permanent Residents register online and have their documents checked at the school. Please bring your Confirmation of Permanent Residence paper form.
New immigrant families with refugee status, or who are on work/study permits or diplomatic visas:
please complete the online registration first. You will receive an email from the Newcomer Welcome Centre regarding additional documents that must be provided before your registration will be processed by the school. Questions can be directed to newcomers@sd62.bc.ca.
Welcome Package for Newcomer Families
An intake interview and language assessment may be scheduled at the school, once the student begins. This information serves as a guide for programming and allows us to make a recommendation regarding type and frequency of English language support. We provide a welcoming environment that honours all students’ heritage, helping to ease the transition into Canadian life and culture.
If your child is transferring from a different school or district where they received ELL support, then please indicate this when you register your child at the new school. If your child’s primary language, or the language spoken in the home is not English, then please also indicate this when you register your child for school. Your child may benefit from receiving English language support even if they have been born and raised in Canada.
Coordinator for the ELL Department: Lindy Kovacik
Community Support
The Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria (ICA)
Phone: 250-388-4728
Coordinator for Settlement Workers In Schools (SWIS): Lisa Wang
Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS)
BC Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS) at VIRCS
Phone: 250-361-9433
Program Manager: Nasim Hamed
Vancouver Island Counseling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR)
Phone: 778-404-1777
Email for more information