Your guide to the Canadian school system

As September rolls around, many families across Canada are preparing for the start of a new school year. If you’re new to the country, navigating the school system can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! Immigration.ca has put together a step-by-step guide to help you get your child ready for school in Canada.

1️⃣ Contact the Local School Board 📞
Find out which public school your child will attend. Reach out to the local school board to get information specific to your address.

2️⃣ Prepare Required Documents 📄
Gather proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, previous school records, and immigration documents if applicable.

3️⃣ Understand the School Year Schedule 📅
Note that the school year begins in late August or early September. Schools are closed for holidays and breaks throughout the year.

4️⃣ Explore School Types 🏫
Determine whether you want your child to attend a public, private, or Catholic school. Public schools are free and government-funded.

5️⃣ Check Language of Instruction 🌐
English is the primary language of instruction in most provinces, while French is used in Quebec. Ensure you are aware of the language requirements.

6️⃣ Look into Special Programs 🎓
If needed, inquire about ESL or FSL programs to support your child’s language development.

Toronto’s 3rd Trinbago Festival at Nathan Phillips Square showcases Trinidad and Tobago cuisine, cultural performances, and special booths. Look out for the CN Tower and Toronto sign in national colours. September 7 – September 8

Calgary’s 2024 Honens Festival centers around the piano with free family events, inclusive adaptive concerts, a solo recital by Illia Ovcharenko, and late-night cabaret Bison Noir. Enjoy Open Air performances in Central Memorial Park and George Lane Memorial Park. September 5 – 8

Montreal’s La Fête des Récoltes at the city’s Public Markets features a weekend of entertainment, including a large-scale corn roast, culinary demos, and gourmet workshops. Join the fun at Atwater, Jean-Talon, Maisonneuve markets, and more. September 7 – September 8

Ottawa’s Afrofestival at Mooney’s Bay Park celebrates African culture with free music, art, and food from local vendors. Enjoy live performances, fashion, crafts, and activities for children. September 7 – September 8

Montreal’s Salle Pierre-Mercure hosts Sugar Sammy’s bilingual show, You’re Gonna Rire 2. Experience his new show from September 5 – September 8

Vancouver Fringe’s Portraits of Solitude by Luna Creatives is an absurdist dramedy about Amara, a writer facing personal fears and existential crises. Experience this unique exploration of art and modern life. September 5 – September 15

Welcome to Canada! The next several months will be full of excitement and new beginnings; Scotiabank can help navigate your journey by providing resources, banking solutions and tailored advice that help newcomers succeed financially. Newcomers can earn up to $2,000* in value with StartRight^{TM 1} and can get a credit limit up to $15,000* with StartRight^TM. ² 

¹ Potential value in 1^st year. Conditions & assumptions apply.
² Subject to credit approval. Conditions apply.

If you’re new to Canada, fall is a beautiful time to explore the country’s natural landscapes. Ontario Parks offers the current statuses of some of the most beautiful parks. Be sure to check the website regularly for updates as the season progresses!

🍃 0-10% change: Mostly green, with fall colours just beginning.
🍂 50% change: Vibrant colours are emerging.
🍁 90-100% change: Peak colours!

1. Algonquin Provincial Park 🍃
   Leaf Change: 0%
   Take in early glimpses of the season along the Highway 60 Corridor.

2. Arrowhead Provincial Park 🍂
   Leaf Change: 10%
   Head to Big Bend Lookout for the first signs of fall.

3. Awenda Provincial Park 🍃
   Leaf Change: 0%
   Walk the Wendat Trail for stunning fall views later in the season.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 is set to dazzle with a lineup of A-list stars. If you’re new to Toronto, here’s a chance to see some of the biggest names in film right in your new city. BlogTO has listed some celebrities you might see.

1. Adam Driver – Star of Star Wars, attending the premiere of Megalopolis.

2. Jacob Elordi – Known from Euphoria, featured in Oh, Canada,

3. Nicole Kidman – Appearing at the premiere of Babygirl.

4. Malala Yousafzai – Nobel laureate discussing her docu-series, The Last Sea of Women.

5. Florence Pugh – Oscar-nominee premiering We Live in Time.

6. Paul Rudd – Catch him in Friendship with Tim Robinson.

7. Sydney Sweeney – Another Euphoria star, attending Eden.