SCHOOLS
Getting a good education is more important today than ever before. It is the best thing you can do to build a better future for your children and yourself.
Canadian School System
Most children attend public schools. Public schools are completely funded by governments through tax revenue. Boys and girls attend the same schools and share the same courses and classes. Schooling in Canada is provided in English and in French.
The rest of Canadian children attend private schools, which are supported mainly by fees paid directly by parents. Some private schools enroll only boys or girls.
By law, children must attend school from age 5 to 16. Children are usually in school between 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 or 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September to the middle of June.
There are several different levels in the Canadian education system. The first is called Elementary School. In most provinces Elementary School includes Kindergarten through grades 7 or 8.
From grades 8 or 9 through 12 or 13, children go to Secondary School or high school. High school students must take certain courses for several years, such as English or French and mathematics. Some courses help students get a job after they graduate from school. Other courses prepare students for college or university. In Canada, teenagers usually make these choices for themselves, with the advice of their teachers, guidance counselor and parents.
Schools usually offer extra activities at the end of the normal school day (i.e. after 3:30 or 4:00 p.m.). These include sports, games, music and clubs.
Most elementary and high schools encourage parents to take part in school activities. Parent nights are organized from time to time. These are chances for parents to discuss their children's progress with teachers. You may wish to bring an interpreter or friend with you. After graduating from high school, many young adults continue their studies through post-secondary education. Three general types of post secondary education are available:
Governments use taxes to support post-secondary education. However, all post-secondary institutions also charge tuition fees.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Language Training
English and French are the two official languages of Canada. It is much easier to get help and adapt to life in Canada if you speak English or French.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of French or English, there is a program paid for by the federal government which may be able to help you or a member of your family. This program is called Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). To qualify for this program you must be a permanent resident or someone who has been allowed to remain in Canada waiting for permanent resident status and who has not become a Canadian citizen. An immigrant service agency or your local immigration office should be able to help you enroll in a LINC course.
If you require advanced training to help you get job skills or use the skills that you already have there is a program called Labour Market Language Training (LMLT). This training can be either in a classroom or on the job. Talk to your local immigrant service agency or contact a Human Resource Center or an immigration office.
Job and Skills Training
In addition to language training there are a number of other ways that you can train for a new job or improve the skills that you already have. Universities and colleges are some of the places where you can improve your skills or learn new ones. There are also private schools that allow you to complete a degree faster than at a university or college. An immigrant service agency or your local Human Resource Center should be able to give you a list of educational institutions in your area.
Trade and vocational training is different in every province. Generally, training is offered at community
colleges or vocational centers. It is sometimes available at work through government-funded training
courses designed for particular regions or certain groups of people, such as newcomers or Aboriginal peoples.
Qualifications for trades such as hairdressers, electricians and carpenters are controlled in each province. A tradesperson begins at the apprentice level and then, after training, on-the-job experience and examinations, progresses to journeyman. If you move to another province you may have to re-qualify.
In Canada, it is very difficult to find employment if you have not completed high school or earned an equivalent diploma. Canadians are starting to realize that learning does not finish when they receive a diploma or certificate -- it is continuous. It is common to see older Canadians going back to school part-time to keep their skills fresh.
This article is based on materials provided by Canadian Consulate General.