Welcome to the Upper Grand District School Board
The Upper Grand District School Board is a place where students and staff lead, learn and inspire –
together. We are pleased to welcome Syrian newcomer families into our schools and communities. We
are committed to providing a safe and inclusive place for all children to learn and grow. Upper Grand
has a number of programs and supports in place to make the transition into our schools as smooth as
possible. We encourage you to contact your home school or Board Contact for more information.
Board Contact: Bonnie Talbot, Superintendent of Education
519-822-4420, extension 747 or bonnie.talbot@ugdsb.on.ca
About Us
Upper Grand has 65 elementary and 12 secondary schools with over 22,000 students and over 3000
dedicated teaching and support staff in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of
Dufferin. We offer English and French Immersion programs across all areas of the board.
Registering at an Upper Grand School
All students in Junior Kindergarten (JK) through Grade 12 are welcome to register for English or French
Immersion programs. We encourage Syrian newcomers to register at their home school, according to
their home address.
1. To determine which school your child should attend, go to www.findmyschool.ca and enter
your child’s address and grade level.
2. Call the school and make an appointment to speak with the Principal.
3. You may want to arrange for an interpreter for your first visit to the school.
4. At your first visit, you will receive registration forms. You may complete the paperwork then, or
you can take it home to complete.
5. To register you will need proof of address, proof of name and age of child(ren) and
immunization records.
6. Schedule a time with the Principal to come for a tour of the school for you and your child(ren).
7. Speak with the Principal about when your child(ren) will start school and anything they may
require to ensure a smooth start.
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Supports for Student
We offer a full range of special education services and social/emotional supports for all of our
students. If you have questions or concerns with how your child is adjusting to the transition to our
schools, please speak with your child’s teacher and/or Principal and they will connect you with school
resources and/or direct you to community based resources.
Elementary English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) support is provided at all of the elementary schools in Upper Grand.
Students will complete an initial assessment based on oral, reading, and writing skills in English.
Depending on the student's level of English, he or she will receive ESL support in the regular classroom
and if needed, direct support from an ESL Resource Teacher and/or Educational Assistant.
Secondary English as a Second Language (ESL)
For students in Guelph and the surrounding area, John F. Ross C.V.I. in Guelph offers English language
and support classes for high school-aged students whose first language is not English and who may
need additional support with their high school courses. They offer sheltered English classes for the
English as a Second Language learner, along with several sheltered subject-specific courses. For more
information about the ESL program at John F. Ross, please contact Damian Scott at
damian.scott@ugdsb.on.ca or 519-822-7090, extension 334.
For students living outside the city of Guelph, please contact the school Principal.
Adult ESL (English as a Second Language)
The Upper Grand offers free adult ESL classes in various locations throughout the board. In Guelph, St.
George's Centre for Adult ESL is a school for newcomers who want to learn English or improve the English
skills they already have. Together, newcomers from around the world improve their English listening,
speaking, reading and writing skills, and learn about living in Guelph. St. George’s Centre for ESL is also a
place for newcomers to meet new people, share experiences about settling in Canada, and make friends.
We currently offer a class in Drayton and may offer classes in other locations depending on need.
For more information, please contact Sheila Nicholas at St. George’s Centre at 519-766-9551 or email to
stgeorges.centre@ugdsb.on.ca
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