Our
Students
Intro to Canada
Canada is known for its vast natural landscapes, diverse cultures, and welcoming society. Located in North America, we are bordered by the United States to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north. With a population of just over 41 million people, Canada is celebrated for its multiculturalism, having a rich blend of ethnicities and languages, with English and French being the two official languages.
Canada’s history is deeply intertwined with Indigenous cultures, French and British colonialism, and its evolution into a peaceful, modern democracy. Today, it is one of the world’s most advanced economies, known for its high standard of living, excellent education system, and universal healthcare. The country is also a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and human rights, maintaining strong relationships with nations worldwide.
Canada is famous for its natural beauty, which ranges from vast forests and rugged coastlines to the majestic Rocky Mountains. This offers an array of outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to exploring national parks. Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, are among the most livable in the world, offering a perfect mix of urban sophistication and green spaces.
For students in Canada, the country provides one of the best education systems globally, promoting both academic excellence and personal growth. With a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and inclusivity, Canada’s educational institutions are among the top destinations for international students seeking a high-quality education.
In The Community
Transportation
Mississauga Transit (known as MiWay) provides an extensive transit system across not only Mississauga, but neighboring municipalities. As Ontario’s third largest municipal transit service provider, MiWay serves an area roughly 179 square kilometers in Mississauga. MiWay delivers express, local and school route services. There are about 500 buses in the fleet servicing 65 transit routes.
MiWay connects with GO Transit (regional bus and train service), Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) service, Brampton Transit, Milton Transit and Oakville Transit service, enabling travel within Mississauga and across municipal boundaries.
Several bus routes are located within 2-3-minute walk of NUS.
Airport Pickup
When students arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport, a member of the North Uplands receiving staff will be there to meet and take them to their housing of choice. Before departing for North Uplands in Canada, students must submit a completed pick up and housing plan to our Admissions Department, providing accurate arrival time and location, to take advantage of this service.
Homestay and Accommodation
Student Homestay Services
We are partnered with several HomeStay services. They too can assist you with Airport pick up/drop off, custodianship, and VISA renewals.
www.homestayselect.ca
www.homadorma.com
www.mlihomestay.com
Language
Our English Language Centre is designed to help students requiring improved English skills for their post-secondary pathway, to develop their language abilities to a level expected by Universities and Colleges. Through a combination of intensive ESL classes, individual support, and immersion into regular classes, students will feel comfortable as they acquire improved English skills. A well-rounded approach to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening will enable students to be ready for post-secondary learning.
Students will complete and submit an English proficiency test taken within 12 months of admission. This will allow us to accurately place the student with similar learners to maximize success and language development.
This service is provided at the request of the students who need academic reinforcement. Our school offers after-school tutoring and summer school programs on campus. The goal is to increase student achievement of the overall expectations of specific courses. Remediation is currently offered for English, Math, and Science in a variety of formats:
- Assistance by subject teachers. This could be during the school day or after school. The student should contact his/her subject teacher for assistance as needed;
- After school remedial class for ESL students;
- After school Homework Club;
- Peer tutoring in specific subjects arranged during lunch, spare periods or after school.
The Ministry of Education defines English Language Learners (ELL) as “students whose first language is a language other than English, or is a variety of English that is significantly different from the variety used for instruction in Ontario’s schools, and who may require focused educational supports to assist them in attaining proficiency in English. These students may be Canadian born or recently arrived from other countries.”
NUS recognizes that ELLs arrive with varying levels of English proficiency. Therefore, we strive to provide support for all ELL students as needed by offering:
- Diagnostic language proficiency testing to ensure proper course placement;
- Orientation to school, residence, and local community;
- Certified ESL educators following Ontario curriculum
- Tutoring and IELTS support;
- ESL teacher mentoring to support/utilize appropriate teaching strategies for language acquisition;
- non-ESL courses; and activities and events that promote participation and cultural understanding in authentic situations this section is repetitive
Counselling Support
School Guidance and Career Program
North Uplands assists and advises students in a variety of areas including:
- Course selection and academic advisory
- University and college information
- Applications to universities and colleges
- Enrolment for English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL)
- Guidance and Career Assistance
- Orientation
- Exit Plan
The goals of the guidance and career education program are outlined in the policy document entitled Creating Pathways to Success: An Education and Career/Life Planning Program for Ontario Schools, 2013.
The guidance department has counsellors to promote personal and consistent contact with students. The counsellor is a teacher with additional training who work with students individually and in groups on educational planning, career planning, and personal counselling.
Our guidance counselors can provide to students and parents, individual assistance and short-term counseling with detailed information about various careers and about the course selection that will prepare them to entry into those careers. It is North Uplands’ pleasure to tailor placement plans for individual students, and assist them to complete their university application. Our education professionals introduce students to universities and their specialty departments, counsel students on various majors and future career opportunities. They also make sure application packages are properly prepared and submitted timely so students don’t miss their time to start learning at their university of choice.
In addition, the students will have visits to our school by several guest speakers and representatives from colleges and universities, tours of colleges and universities, visits to workplaces, and conferences and workshops on career opportunities will provide students with additional career information.
Current students, who’s OSRs are held by North Uplands School, will have Annual Education Plans created in consultation with the student, the student’s parent/guardian when the student is under 18 years of age and the school guidance counsellors. We continuously monitor each student’s individual needs and interests. Based on our evaluation, we work with each student to co-plan their courses selection and schedules. This individualized learning plan enables us to help target Universities and career fields well-suited for each student, leading to progress in personal development and success in university admissions.
Students may come to schedule appointments before school, at lunch and after school.
Our Guidance counselor is an important resource for students to help with a variety of issues, including:
- career and educational planning, including the Individual Pathways Plan
- liaison with community and health services
- school transcripts
- post-secondary application procedures
- applications for summer school and night school
- personal growth and support groups
- tutoring services in the school
- access to community resources
College or University?
NUS
So, which is right for you? Before making choices on what is right for you, college or university, it’s worth thinking about the type of person you are and what type of learner you are. Are you a person who learns well by doing hands-on tasks, or do you prefer to read a book?
Are you a person who likes to lead a team or project, or do you prefer to sit back and think about things analytically and strategically? Our counselors will help you navigate the transition to post-secondary learning, with the goal of you finding success.
Student Services
Medical costs are very expensive in Canada. It is mandatory that all international students studying at North Uplands School have access to medical services. At North Uplands, we insure students from the beginning of the school term once it has been demonstrated that fees have been paid.
Students are covered for hospital services, physician’s services, diagnostic laboratory and x-ray tests, ambulance services, vision benefits, one annual health examination, and paramedical services. There are a number of other services that are outlined in the policy that one will receive when one picks up the insurance package, which also contains a wallet-sized insurance card, and claim forms.
The internet and computers will be available to our students.
Current versions of textbooks will be available for students to sign out for the duration of their credit courses.
Each student may use a school locker. It is highly recommended that only Dudley combination locks be used. Combinations and locker numbers must be provided to the Main Office. Lockers are school property and may be opened if deemed necessary. No valuables should be brought to school. North Uplands School cannot be held responsible for lost personal items or money.
There will be a number of whole school field trips which will be provided, outside of instructional hours.
