Maclachin college-international student information package

February 2015

MacLachlan College

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION PACKAGE

MacLachlan College

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT AT 905-844-0372 EXTENSION 235, EMAIL [email protected] OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.maclachlan.ca 337 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 3H3

OUR SCHOOL Located in the heart of the town of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, MacLachlan College is an independent university preparatory school for 300 girls and boys, Pre-‐Kindergarten to Grade 12. MacLachlan was founded in 1978 on the vision of a school that embraces solid concepts of academic excellence within a stimulating, dynamic environment that nurtures the joy of learning. Students study through meaningful engagement with each other and the world. MacLachlan's caring and expert teachers provide a learning process guided by inquiry, critical thinking and collaboration. MacLachlan is an IB World School proudly offering the Primary Years Programme, the only private school in Oakville with this prestigious designation. FACILITIES Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville is situated halfway between Toronto and Hamilton. The benefits of the big city are available to the community, while the town itself remains quiet and picturesque. The college is located in a heritage mansion that was built in 1856. As a small private school, MacLachlan College’s average class size is 16 students, however, in order to better provide personalized attention for each student, class sizes are often smaller. In addition to two libraries, two art studios, a science lab and a music room, MacLachlan features a gymnasium which supports basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, and badminton. There are also outdoor facilities used for soccer, handball, tetherball and a running track. The school's stadium field turf allows for year round outdoor activities. Off-‐campus facilities are used for squash, golf, racquetball, tennis and weight training. State of the art, multi-‐media facilities throughout the school ensure abundant access to fully networked, desktop and wireless computers for students. The wide variety of extracurricular activities available at MacLachlan demonstrates the breadth of experience offered to students at the college. Wilderness adventure including canoeing, hiking and winter camping are amongst the outdoor activities available through the Duke of Edinburgh programme. Students also take part in academic competitions such as the Fulford Debating League, the Nora McRae Public Speaking Tournament, the MacLachlan’s Word Festival and the University of Waterloo Mathematics Competitions.

MacLachlan College


CURRICULUM OVERVIEW MacLachlan College believes in maintaining an enriching curriculum and a high standard of academic achievement. Students are given the opportunity to strive for their highest aspirations. Our students develop positive self-‐esteem by being in an engaging and encouraging environment. MacLachlan College prepares students for the challenges they will face in a post-‐secondary institution. In order to graduate, students must meet the requirements set out by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Graduating students receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) qualifying them for university entrance. The curriculum consists of courses from a wide variety of subject areas, including English, Mathematics, French, Canadian Geography, Physical and Health Education, Communication Technology, Visual Art, Music, Business, Media Studies, History, Social Studies, Dramatic Arts, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Law, Accounting, Economics and Marketing. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are available and range from pre-‐level ESL, for students with limited English proficiency, to higher-‐level courses designed to prepare students for post-‐secondary education. At the beginning of the school year, an English Proficiency Test is conducted to determine the appropriate ESL level for students based on their prior acquisition of English skills. INTERNATIONAL ESL TESTING MacLachlan College hosts an Orientation Day prior to the commencement of the new school year for new and returning International students. This is an opportunity to meet the Director of International Studies, the ESL teachers and become familiar with the school environment and procedures. During this initial meeting students will be given the English Proficiency Test to determine their appropriate placement for the school year. Please note that some students with limited English skills may require an introductory year where they audit classes while gaining English skills. Some additional fees may be required if further tutorials and/or direct instruction is required. INTEGRATED ESL PROGRAMME MacLachlan College’s Integrated ESL Programme occurs within the school year from September to June and is supported by an optional 4 week Summer ESL programme. Our International students attend the majority of their courses integrated with Canadian students and are withdrawn from the core programme for ESL classes.

All ESL courses at MacLachlan College will provide opportunities for students to develop English proficiency in the four basic language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, students will gain knowledge of their new environment necessary for successful integration into the school and community. In grades 9 to 12 students who successfully complete ESL courses are eligible to earn up to 5 credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In general, International students will be exempted from the compulsory credit in French.

MacLachlan College


SUBJECTS Students in grades JK to 3 attend integrated classes during the school day and receive in-‐class support in addition to ESL group tutorials based on individual needs. Students in grades 4 – 8 also attend integrated classes for most of the school day and receive six 40 minute periods of ESL instruction per six day cycle. For students in grades 9 to 12 integrated classes will generally constitute a minimum of 75% of the school day. When ESL is required, students are withdrawn from some core subjects and attend ESL classes for up to 80 minutes per day. There are 5 levels of ESL courses offered at MacLachlan College based on the Ontario Curriculum. Course description can be found in the school’s Upper School Course Calendar. Students are placed in one of these leveled courses based on their results of the English Proficiency Test conducted at the start of the school year. Modifications in programming and evaluation will be made on an individual basis to meet the academic needs of all students in the ESL core subject courses. Subject teachers and ESL teachers consult regularly to discuss student progress and programming. EVENING ESL CLASSES (3:45 PM TO 4:45 PM) International students in grades 6 – 12 will attend extra ESL classes outside of regular class time. These extra classes occur two evenings a week from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm. This additional programme places a strong emphasis on developing listening, speaking and oral presentation skills in a less formal environment. Homework support is also provided to assist with the student’s core subjects.

SUMMER SCHOOL ESL PROGRAMME MacLachlan College’s Summer School ESL Programme is designed for students aged 12 to 18. Qualified teachers in a structured, small group setting teach an intensive programme of English as a Second Language. Within the classroom and during weekly field trips, summer ESL courses provide the student opportunities to continue developing English proficiency in the four basic language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Grade 9 – 12 students who successfully complete the summer ESL programme may be eligible for one credit towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students new to MacLachlan College are strongly encouraged to enrol in the Summer School ESL Programme to gain familiarity with the school environment and to broaden their English skills prior to the start of the school year. TOEFLIBT PREPARATION International students who require a TOEFLiBT score for post-‐secondary admission must advise the Director of International Studies who will assist students in arranging enrollment in TOEFLiBT Preparation Classes.

MacLachlan College


ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY TEST PREPARATION Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (O.S.S.L.T.) is a requirement to graduate from high school in Ontario. The O.S.S.L.T. is written in late March or early April each school year. All students are prepared for the test throughout the school year. In addition, students write a “mock” literacy test in preparation for the O.S.S.L.T. If a student does not pass the O.S.S.L.T after two attempts, then the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (O.S.S.L.C) must be successfully completed prior to graduation. UNIVERSITY ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAMME Grade 11 and 12 students have the option of taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. An AP course is equivalent to a first-‐year university course, and successful students may receive academic credit or advanced standing at participating universities in Canada, the United States and abroad. Advanced Placement courses are administered by the College Board and are taught in over 15,000 schools worldwide. The Advanced Placement Programme is synonymous with educational excellence and is an important academic enhancement to MacLachlan College. Educational research shows that the most accurate predictor of success in university is the rigour of a student’s high school curriculum. Students who undertake the challenging AP curriculum will be better prepared to achieve this academic success in university. For further information about the Advanced Placement Programme please review our Upper School Course Calendar or visit www.ap.ca. The only cost involved in participating in MacLachlan College’s Advanced Placement Programme is the examination fee. (Approximately $90 USD per examination). AP classes that are offered at MacLachlan College include English Literature & Composition, French Language & Culture, Physics 1, Biology, European History, Calculus AB, and Studio Art. RIGOROUS AP STANDARDS Experienced AP teachers and university faculty from all over the world mark AP examinations each June. The AP examination is given an overall grade on a five-‐point scale: 5 – Extremely well qualified 4 – Well qualified 3 – Qualified 2 – Possibly qualified 1 – No recommendation

MacLachlan College


THE GUIDANCE AND CAREER EDUCATION PROGRAMME The Guidance Programme at MacLachlan is designed to facilitate the process of helping students gain a better understanding of themselves in order for them to take advantage of their opportunities and to meet their social responsibilities. Educational and career planning are emphasized, assuring students access to accurate information resources and the personal assistance necessary to make informed and thoughtful decisions. Through fostering students' awareness and understanding of themselves, the Guidance Department will help them clarify their educational options and career alternatives. The Intermediate programme consists of planned units of instruction in conjunction with individual and group counseling. At the senior level, opportunities for students to meet with representatives of various colleges and universities are provided, as well as visits to major college and university fairs. A Parents’ Evening is held in the fall term by the Guidance Department to explain the college and university application process and to provide information and counseling with regard to programme selection. SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESOURCES Computers For students wishing to use the school’s computers to complete computer class assignments or to facilitate other homework, MacLachlan College provides stand alone computers in several locations throughout the school such as the library, Everest Centre and various classrooms. School Library The School Library is open throughout the school day for students needing to do research or to study quietly. The school’s librarian and parent volunteers will be happy to assist you and answer your questions. Remedial Assistance As part of the school’s commitment to achieving academic success for all students, all MacLachlan College teachers in each subject area are available to meet with students after school until 4:00 p.m. Students needing extra help to remediate any academic concerns will be encouraged to meet with their subject teachers to receive extra tutoring. Where circumstances warrant, teachers will require students to participate in remedial sessions after school or during recesses. Three subject areas: Mathematics, English and Science, run lunchtime drop-‐in clinics for students requiring additional assistance. Mathematics Clinics In order to help students experiencing difficulties in mathematics, the school offers a Peer Math Clinic for 40 minutes, 4 days per cycle during the lunch period. In addition, an evening Math Clinic is offered once a week from 3:35 – 4:30. Members of the Mathematics Department take turns staffing the Clinics and providing any student with assistance.

MacLachlan College


SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESOURCES CONTINUED… English Clinic Members of the English Department will be available to provide students with support for writing assignments for 40 minutes, 2 days per cycle during the lunch period. Science Clinic A member of the Science Department is available to provide students with science support for 40 minutes, 1 day per cycle during the lunch period. THE EVEREST CENTRE "It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." ~Sir Edmund Hillary Uniqueness is ubiquitous! It is a distinctive human condition. Different minds learn differently and learning patterns manifest in a rich variety of ways. The exciting task for teachers is to learn to understand this and explore the ways that their students can best achieve success. In the true fashion of Sir Edmund Hillary, the Everest Centre has been developed and implemented to enhance and build on the MacLachlan College belief that all students are unique. Programmes under the Everest Centre are designed to complement and enhance MacLachlan's curriculum. Some are incorporated in the school curriculum framework. Other programmes may require a more intense application for a specific period of time. Everest programmes include: Enriched programme units for Gifted Students; Elite Athlete Programmes; Direct Instruction Modules; Advanced Placement Courses for University credit; Academic Coaches; and Tutoring Services. Some of these programmes are offered at an additional fee. There are a myriad of ways in which young minds differ and the deeply committed and creative faculty members of MacLachlan College subscribe to the heartfelt belief that children learn best in an environment which values these differences. The Everest Centre is the affirmation of these beliefs.

MacLachlan College


MACLACHLAN HOMESTAY PROGRAMME MacLachlan College has retained the services of International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC) to provide homestay services for our international students wishing to live with a Canadian family. Students will benefit from a friendly, family style living arrangement with Canadian families who reside in Oakville and the surrounding area. Homestay families are carefully screened and take a personal interest in the students who are in their care. Friendly relationships between homestay families and international students often continue long after the student has graduated from MacLachlan College. Homestay students thrive within the warmth of a family home and the richness of a new cultural experience. Homestays are governed by clear rules and curfews that are monitored by the school and ISGC. DETAILS OF PROGRAMME The cost of the Homestay programme is $1,000 per month. This amount covers accommodations, 24 hour adult supervision, 24 hour ISGC emergency phone number, 3 balanced meals a day plus snacks, own room with bed, linens, closet and desk. Students will have access to the telephone, cable and internet. Students are responsible for all charges relating to student use of the telephone, including the installation of a private phone line. In addition students will be held financially accountable for any additional fees incurred monthly from bandwidth overage. It is mandatory that all students participating in the programme have International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC) as their Guardian. See MacLachlan College Guardianship Information Package for further details and fees. There will be a $350 (plus 13% HST) one time Homestay Registration Fee for each student participating in the programme. There will be no reduction in homestay fees when a student is away from the homestay for holidays during the school year.

“My host family showed me many beautiful places I’ve only known from hearing or television... (they) have given me the chance to explore Ontario from the inside and to let me live here.”

“My homestay family was incredible, they quickly made me feel like a part of the family,

and I think I have made great friends for life in them. I still like to think back about my time at MacLachlan because it was so far the best year of my life.”

MacLachlan College


The Role of the Homestay Family

• Provide the student with support and assistance with cultural transitions • Consider the student to be a member of the family • Provide a safe and clean home environment • Provide a warm and positive family environment while creating an opportunity for the student to

embrace new cultural experiences • Ensure that the student has three meals provided per day including fresh fruit, vegetables, beverages

and snacks • Ensure student has arranged transportation to school (financial responsibility of the student) • Assist the student with access to health care when necessary (financial responsibility of the student) • Encourage the student to speak English but not deny use of mother tongue • Include the student on family outings, special events and activities promoting cultural growth • Provide the student with clean household laundry and access to laundry for personal clothing • Provide the student with reasonable responsibility of cleaning own room although housekeeping duties

should not to be exclusive to student Homestay Student Responsibilities

• Participate in family activities when asked; politely decline if you do not want to participate • Show consideration and tolerance to host family members including children • Respect household rules including family curfews • If you go out always tell your host family where you will be going and how you will be getting there • Inform the family if you will not be home for a meal or if you will arrive home late in the evening • Do not invite friends to the home without the knowledge and permission of your host family • Consult the host family before using household appliances or electronics to ensure you are using them

properly • Do not use the telephone for unreasonable lengths of times, ask permission to make long distance calls

and please make these calls collect or using a calling card • Do not place or receive calls after 10 p.m. • Do not download music or movies to your computer in your host family’s home. You will be charged

additional fees if you do so. • Clean up after yourself in the home; be tidy. Don’t leave your room or bathroom in a mess for the host

family to clean up when you leave • Do not enter host bedrooms, private rooms, or the bathroom • Do not borrow money from host family members; please call ISGC if you need anything • Do not resort to abusive, aggressive or inappropriate behavior. Exercise consideration and good

judgment • If the families internet usage is over the limit at the end of the month due to SKYPE, music/movie/tv

downloads that you are responsible for additional payment may be required

MacLachlan College


GUARDIANSHIP SERVICES MacLachlan College requires that each international student have a local Canadian Guardian while attending school. The Guardian provides the necessary support system for the student and acts as a contact for the school. The Guardian must be English speaking, a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident over the age of 21 and must reside in Ontario If you do not have a Canadian Guardian MacLachlan College has retained the professional services of International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC). This service is mandatory for all students participating in the MacLachlan College Homestay Programme. See MacLachlan College Guardianship Information Package for further details and fees. TRANSPORTATION Getting around Oakville is very easy and there are a few options for traveling to and from school. Public Transportation is readily available in the city of Oakville and includes Oakville Transit, GO Transit and local taxi companies. We ask that both the student and family decide which mode of transport the student will use to get to and from school each day. Most homestay students use the Oakville Transit system finding it both simple and inexpensive. School Bus Service MacLachlan College offers students an optional school bus service. The average annual cost for this service is approximately $2,700. School bus fees are not included in the tuition fees and are invoiced separately in October of the new school year. Please note students taking the school bus who are enrolled in the twice-‐weekly evening ESL classes must make their own transportation arrangements on these two evenings. For further information about busing please contact the school office at (905) 844-‐0372. Oakville Transit is connected to GO Transit, Mississauga Transit and Burlington Transit. Please visit www.oakvilletransit.com for detailed information about routes and schedules. There is an Oakville Transit bus stop within a 5 minute walk from MacLachlan. The cost for a monthly student pass is approximately $60. GO Transit is an interregional transit system created and funded by the Ontario provincial government. The GO train station is a 10 minute walk from MacLachlan College and services the greater Toronto area including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto. Visit www.gotransit.com for complete schedules and fares for trains and buses. Oakville Taxi Cab Firms Oakville United Taxi www.oakvilleunitedtaxi.com Telephone: 905-‐338-‐0044 Halton Taxi Service www.aaahaltontaxi.ca Telephone: 905-‐844-‐4300

MacLachlan College


INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The following procedures and documents must be completed and accompany all applications for admission. Upon approval, an acceptance letter will be issued without delay. The school will reserve a place for the student upon receipt of the full tuition fees. Please note that all documentation must be translated into English.

• Application form completed and signed by parent/guardian along with application fee of $250 CAD

• Confidential School Reference (MacLachlan College document) from current school. In addition, for

those enrolled with English as a second language, please provide an English subject reference

• Copy of most recent and the last two year’s final report cards

• Personal interview and MacLachlan English Proficiency Test

• Copy of passport showing date of birth

• Completed immunization record in English

• 2 recent photographs of the student

• Copy of student visa/authorization and date of entry to Canada

• Copy of Canadian Guardianship documents Admission is based on a review of the student’s report cards and the personal interview. If a personal interview is not possible, the reference from the current school will be used in its place. The MacLachlan English Proficiency Test will be administered during the Orientation Day prior to the start of the school year or upon the student’s arrival in Canada.

If vacancies cannot be confirmed at the time of the application, the student’s name will be placed on the waiting list in numerical order. The school will notify the student when space is available and fees must be paid in full at that time to reserve the space. Vacancies will be assigned in order from the waiting list.

MacLachlan College


INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAMME – FEE STRUCTURE

Academic Year September 2015 – June 2016

Full Year Half Year

Tuition Fee – With ESL $27,500 $13,750

Tuition Fee – No ESL $23,500 $11,750

New Student Enrollment Fee (i) $2,000 $2,000

Homestay $10,000 $5,000

Homestay Registration Fee (one time fee) $350 (plus 13% HST) $350 (plus 13% HST)

Full Guardianship Package (ii) $2,500 (plus 13% HST) $1,250 (plus 13% HST)

Basic Guardianship Package (ii) $1,500 (plus 13% HST) $750 (plus 13% HST)

School Bus Service (iii) $2,700 $1,350

Health Insurance (iii) $931 $466

Summer ESL Programme (iii) $2,700

All fees listed are in Canadian dollars

The MacLachlan College tuition fees include the following charges: technology fee, all textbooks & field trip costs. Some field trips may be exceptions as well as all overnight trips.

A non-‐refundable application fee of $250 must accompany each application.

i. A one-‐time, non-‐refundable enrollment fee of $2,000 is payable when the offer of admission is accepted. Fees are used for capital purposes at the discretion of the Board of Governors

ii. Students participating in the MacLachlan College Homestay Programme must obtain guardianship services through International Guardianship Canada Inc. See the MacLachlan College Guardianship Information package for more details. Subject to change.

iii. Approximate costs, subject to change

REFUND POLICY

No refund policy is applicable, unless the student’s visa application is denied. Documentation is required.

MacLachlan College


FEES AND RULES OF THE SCHOOL FEES Fees are payable in full in advance and re-‐registration fees are due in full by February 15th of the current year. The responsibility for parents or guardians for payment of all tuition fees for a full academic year is unconditional. No portion of fees paid or outstanding will be refunded or cancelled in the event of absence, withdrawal or dismissal of any student from the school. No refund policy is applicable, unless the student’s visa application is denied. Documentation is required. SCHOOL YEAR The school year is divided into three terms: the first term from the opening of school in September until the end of December; the second term from January until mid winter break and the third term from mid winter break until summer vacation. DURATION OF ATTENDANCE When a student is admitted to the school, the original application for admission will be considered to apply on a continuing basis to the grades appropriate to the needs of the student. A place will therefore be reserved each new school year until the Ontario Secondary School Diploma is completed, or notice of withdrawal is received, or until the student fails to re-‐register by February 15th immediately preceding the next school year. GENERAL SUPERVISION The school has no facilities for, nor can it undertake to provide any form of guidance or exercise any form of control or supervision upon any student outside school activities. REMOVAL The school reserves the right to expel, suspend or remove any student who does not adhere to the conduct expectations as outlined in the school’s Code of Behaviour. If a student is suspended, expelled, removed or withdraws there will be no rebate of fees. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Application should be made to the school on the forms provided and well in advance of desired date of entry. A non-‐refundable application fee of $250 for International students must accompany each application form. A one-‐time, non-‐refundable enrollment fee of $2,000 is payable when the offer of admission is accepted. Fees received are used for capital purposes at the discretion of the Board of Governors. Fees are due in full upon notice of acceptance and it is this payment of fees which confirms a place in the school.