The Ottawa Catholic School Board’s International Student Program (ISP) continued to grow and thrive in 2024–2025, welcoming students from 33 countries into an inclusive learning community. Each student brought unique experiences and perspectives, enriching classrooms across the system and strengthening the OCSB’s global connections.
Strengthening Our Team
To enhance student support, the ISP team welcomed two new members this year:
- Jill Baizana, International Student Transition Associate
- Sinead Tsang, International Student Guidance Counsellor
These roles expanded the team’s capacity to guide students academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they had the resources needed to succeed in their Canadian education experience.
The team also engaged in professional development and outreach as members of ICEF (International Consultants for Education and Fairs), CAPS‑I (Canadian Association of Public School – International), and OASDI (Ontario Association of School Districts International). These partnerships helped strengthen OCSB’s reputation as a trusted leader in international education.
New Initiatives Supporting Student Success
Several new initiatives were launched to help international students feel welcomed, informed, and connected throughout their journey at OCSB:
- Pre-arrival guidance sessions to introduce students to the Ontario education system.
- An in-person orientation day before the first day of school.
- Monthly newsletters and social media updates with study resources, cultural information, and student spotlights, including a popular “Study Tips” series.
- Celebrations such as personalized birthday greetings, departure certificates, and souvenirs.
- A creative Sticker Design Contest, where students designed artwork reflecting their international experience.
- Updated processes, including a revised student agreement and a new medical health form for True North applications.
These initiatives demonstrated the Board’s focus on ensuring every international student feels supported and celebrated from arrival to graduation.
Student Voice: Their Stories in Focus
The ISP continued to amplify student voices through filmed testimonials highlighting authentic experiences and achievements. Featured students included:
- Fernando (Brazil), gold medalist in 3D Animation at Skills Ontario and Skills Canada.
- Tega (Nigeria), recipient of the Youth Achievement Award from the Global Community Alliance.
- A special welcome video featuring OCSB students, educators, and principals.
In addition, the International Student Experience Survey provided feedback that shaped future planning. Responses reflected gratitude, accomplishment, and belonging:
One year as an international student with the OCSB was definitely the best decision I ever made!
It was a cool experience—it teaches you so much.
Building Connections Through Culture and Events
International students enriched school life by sharing traditions, celebrations, and cultural perspectives that promoted understanding and friendship. They also experienced Canadian life through 10 organized ISP events, including bowling nights, cooking classes, downtown tours, and orientation days filled with games and activities.
These events fostered belonging, encouraged cultural exchange, and built lasting friendships that extended beyond the classroom.
