New Students

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The Ontario Ministry of Education requires that all students have up-to-date vaccinations. 

Students should try to have all vaccinations in place before they travel, however students can receive vaccinations once they are here.  (Please note that most insurance programs do not cover the cost of vaccinations.)

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Students are registered for compulsory private health coverage when they get to school.

Their insurance card, claim forms and instructions usually arrive in 10 – 14 days. Those whose vaccinations are incomplete or out of date are given clear information on which vaccinations they need. If a child needs medical care, we facilitate appointments at a medical clinic. We also give students information and directions for other local clinics and physicians.

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Each student gets a monthly bus pass.

So they can travel on all HSR (Hamilton Street Railway) buses. The cost of the Bus pass is covered in the fees. Also, students learn where to find and how to use bus timetables, maps, and travel apps. This lets them plan their travel from residence, school and other places. They quickly find their way around!

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We know how important food is to teenagers!

Every day, students can find a large selection of healthy and tasty meals in our cafeteria. Menus change weekly. Here are some typical menu choices below.

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SOC has a trained Guidance Counselor who gives private counselling for students in need.

Our Teachers have an open-door policy and are always willing to help and listen. As a small school with a big focus on total care, we are very aware of children struggling with culture shock, homesickness, depression or any other challenges.

We ensure that students have access to academic, emotional, and mental health support. Below are some of the services offered by the Guidance Department:

Post-secondary application support—offers advice and assists students with applying to colleges and universities in Canada.

Individualized Planning—meets with students 1 on 1 to create an individualized academic plan tailored around their post-secondary interests.  

Compassionate Service— offers a safe space for students to share their issues and assist students in finding health (medical and mental health) services.

If we think a student would benefit from further help, we will refer the student to qualified mental health professionals.

At SOC, we value our community partners. Mind Multitudes is a valued partner that offers mental health services to students at a reduced cost.

Academic Support

Here are a few other of the other options for Youth in Hamilton like The Centre and The Youth Hub

For help with Academics our teachers, and staff are here to provide the necessary assistance students may require. If they are in need pf additional resources these are also available for them

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We have staff from the Hamilton Police Force visit the school. 

Students benefit from this up-to-date information on local laws and how to protect themselves from theft and other risks.  This helps the students get to know their local area.

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SOC students are free to practice their religions and we do our best to help them in this regard.

Christian students are given free rides to the church of their choice on Sundays, while the Muslim students are notified of the locations of the nearest Mosque. During religious occasions such as Ramadan, Muslim students are given appropriate meals for fasting.

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Uniform

Students receive their uniforms in the first week of the semester. They are expected to wear proper uniform during the school day.

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Code of Conduct

Students are held to high standards in both academics and personal behaviour. Each student is expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct (found from pages 4 of the Student Academic Course Calendar).

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Students are met at the airport.

They are then taken to their residence or homestay and provided with a long distance calling card so that family knows they’ve arrived safely.

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Other Services

Students will need a mobile phone and a laptop or electronic notebook. School staff will assist in registration with any of the excellent telephone and internet service providers in Ontario. Residence provides basic internet services, as does the school.

SOC staff will assist students (and families if needed) in opening bank accounts at one of the reliable nearby banks to facilitate transfers, savings and expenditures.

For more detailed information for new students please download the New Student Information Guide here. You can also get started by applying now.