At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity isn’t just words on a page—it’s something you see in action every day in every school. One of the clearest examples is how we welcome new students into our communities, ensuring they feel like they belong from the moment they walk through the doors.
New Student Mentor Program at St. Mother Teresa High School
When the St. Mother Teresa High School team asked themselves how to make new students feel genuinely welcome, they didn’t just stop at a simple greeting. They developed a one-on-one peer mentoring program to ensure every new student feels safe, comfortable, and included in their first days. It’s more than just a nice gesture—it’s about helping students start their school year feeling confident and supported.
The program pairs existing students with new ones, often matching those with the same first language. It starts with a New Student Mentor Orientation, followed by a school tour, some tech tips to set students up, and a lunch where everyone can get to know each other. By the end of that first day, new students have familiar faces they can rely on and a better sense of where they fit in.
The impact of this program has been incredible. For new students, having someone they can relate to makes a world of difference—they find community, comfort, and guidance from peers who understand their experiences. On the flip side, the mentors gain a sense of purpose, responsibility, and pride in being part of something bigger than themselves. It’s been so successful that the program has expanded, featuring a New Student BBQ, a multilingual orientation slide deck, and a team of 48 mentors speaking 29 unique languages.
International Student Program Orientation Days
The OCSB International Student Program puts in extra effort to welcome international students, ensuring that they feel included and supported. Whether they arrive in September or February, every international student is greeted with a special orientation day packed with opportunities to learn about their new city and school.
These orientation days go beyond the basics. Students take part in team-building activities, tour iconic spots like Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa, and get a crash course on Canadian culture. As a highlight, they heard from Emily Chen, the 2023-2024 OCSB International Student Ambassador, whose role is to help them settle in. As Emily says, “It’s an honour for me to serve as an ambassador. I’ve made friends from around the world here, and now I can share what I’ve learned with new international students.”
But the support doesn’t stop there. Throughout the school year, the International Student Team organizes events that allow students to bond, explore the city, and experience Canadian traditions. From a night at Saunders Farm’s FrightFest to cheering at an Ottawa 67’s game, international students get to immerse themselves in their new home. There are even contests, like the Halloween Costume Contest, where students embrace a holiday that may be new to them but quickly becomes a highlight.
A Community Built on Inclusion
At the OCSB, welcoming new students isn’t a one-day event—it’s a mindset. Whether it’s through peer mentorship or the International Student Program, our goal is to make sure every student feels like they belong, no matter where they come from or what language they speak. These programs help us build a stronger, more connected community and show that everyone thrives when we invest in each other.