At the Durham Catholic District School Board we offer two programs for English language learners. These programs include English as a Second language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD).
Who is an English language learner?
An English language learner is an individual whose first language is:
An English language learner may be born in Canada, but speak another language at home. Alternatively, an English language learner may also come to Canada from another country, such as China, Cuba, Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines.
Where do English language learners come from?
Our students have diverse backgrounds and experiences. They may be born in Canada but speak another language at home. Alternatively, an English language learner may also come to Canada from another country, such as China, Cuba, Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines. English language learners receive direct language instruction as needed in order to achieve proficiency in English.
What should I do if my child is an English language learner?
English language learners must register at their local DCDSB school. After registration, an ESL teacher or consultant will assess the student's English and Math skills in order to determine the level of support needed for each student.
What supports are available for elementary ESL/ELD students?
English as a Second Language (ESL) specialist teachers provide language support to a group of elementary schools in our Board. The ESL teacher works in the classroom and with the classroom teacher to support a student's English language development. Depending on a student's needs, the ESL teacher will be available weekly, bi-weekly or as needed.
For English Language Learners in the French Immersion program, the instructional model of 75% of daily instruction in French remains the same. While in Grades 1 to 3, all students will receive 25% of their daily instruction in English. This allows for approximately 30 minutes per day for students to have exposure to English language instruction. This occurs during the Religion and Family Life block. Should an English Language Learner require the support of an ESL teacher, it will be during this time. In Grades 4 to 8, instructional time in English increases to 50%.
What supports are available for secondary ESL/ELD students?
Our secondary schools offer ESL courses for English Language learners. Five courses are offered depending on language proficiency:
Speak with a member of the school's guidance department to learn more about course selection and graduation requirements.
If you are new to Canada, our schools offer settlement assistance. Settlement workers provide service in thirty languages to help address your needs. Please contact your child's school in order to obtain a consent form to authorize a settlement worker to contact you.
We are excited to announce that the Durham Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) will be hosting their annual summer orientation programs, WIN and NOW for elementary and secondary newcomer students. This program aims to provide a warm welcome and essential support to students who are new to our community.
New to Canada? Join Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) for Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN), a program for elementary school students and their families to learn about school.
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Vimy Ridge Public School (40 Telford St., Ajax)
Register online: https://forms.office.com/r/2YGknRt1Cq
New to Canada? Join Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) for Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW), an orientation program for high school students.
3 Day NOW Program
Dates: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 (Parents and Guardians are invited to an information session on this day from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Pickering High School (180 Church Street North, Ajax)
Register online: https://forms.office.com/r/Py8Dq7L6vU
Whether you're a newcomer to the country or would like to better develop your English language skills, our English as a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs enable students at varying levels to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
This program is free for Permanent Residents, Refugees, Refugee Claimants and Canadian Citizens and available at our Ajax and Whitby locations with many classes running throughout the day for the convenience of our students. Please visit our website for further information and to register.
To learn more about the Ontario education system visit the following websites:
To learn more about our ESL/ELD programs email the English as a Second Language Consultant.
