Boarding ProgramME

Boarding is an integral part of Appleby's curriculum and is available for Grades 9 to 12. The Boarding Life Programme's mission is to promote and provide for boarders' academic, social, cultural and personal growth within a safe and inclusive residential community, with particular emphasis on the school's six Pillars of Strength.

Central to this mission is the development of mutual understanding, respect and responsibility in a supportive living and learning community. As a boarding community which seeks to fully integrate students from all over the world, the Boarding Life Curriculum especially seeks to promote understanding across different cultural, linguistic, and national backgrounds.

• Students come from across Canada and more than 40 countries around the world.
• Boarders live together, fostering an environment of intercultural leaning, mutual respect, moral growth and academic networking.
• Boarding teaches respect, self-discipline and confidence.
• Within a supportive and structured environment, students learn more about themselves as they grow together while contributing to residential life on campus and the Oakville community at large.
• Boarding nurtures lifelong friendships and commitment to Appleby College.
• By living away from home, students develop a sense of independence, responsibility and skills that lead to success at university and beyond.

Appleby Guardianship Programme 2022-2023 

Appleby College requires that each international boarding student has a Guardian while attending school. An international boarder is a student whose primary residence is outside of Canada. The Guardian is essentially a support system for the student and a contact for the school. The Guardian must be English speaking, and a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident over the age of 25, residing within Ontario.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires all applicants under the age of 18 who are applying for an initial Canadian Study Permit or renewal to provide a Notarized Custodianship Declaration as part of their Study Permit application. This original document must be provided by your Guardian/representative and submitted with your application.

International boarding students’ families have two options for securing a Guardian:

Option 1: Identify Own Ontario-based Guardian 

An International family may identify their own Ontario-based Guardian for their son or daughter. The Guardian must be English speaking and over the age of 25. To choose this option, please complete the information as requested in the online registration process.

Option 2: ISGC Guardianship 

If you do not have a Guardian for your child, Appleby College has retained the professional services of International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC). ISGC assists our international families in a variety of capacities.

International boarding students must have a legal guardian while attending school in Canada. The guardian is an additional support system for the student and acts as a local contact for your child’s school. International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC) offers professional guardianship services that include emergency, immigration, academic, travel, and disciplinary support.

The key to a successful experience in Canada is having a reliable and caring support network. ISGC staff work as a team to ensure we are always available and our students are well supported throughout their school year.

Why do I need to appoint a guardian for my child?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires all applicants under the age of 18 who are applying for an initial Canadian Study Permit or renewal to provide a Notarized Custodianship Declaration as part of their Student Permit and Visa application. The guardian remains on file with the Canadian Government as your child’s local representative. This original document must be completed and notarized by the Guardian/Custodian as well as natural parents.

For more information from the Government of Canada, please visit:

www.cic.gc.ca/English/pdf/pub/custodian-parent.pdf

A guardian plays an important role in your child’s safety and well-being, while providing you with the peace of mind that you have a local contact in place while your child is studying in Canada.

Guardianship for Your Child

International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC) assists International families with a variety of student services. ISGC is a professional, full service agency with many years of experience caring for international students. We provide prompt, friendly service to your child while maintaining contact with parents and schools to better understand their needs.

Package 1: ISGC Full Guardianship: $2400.00 CAD + tax (13%) 

Strongly recommended for all first time Appleby students and for students whose parents’ first language is not English. This package also includes two (2) Parent-Teacher Interviews and Document Co-Validation.

ISGC’s Full Guardianship includes: 

ISGC’s Guardianship Program for Appleby College includes:

• 24-hour Emergency Line
• Notarized Custodianship Declaration
• Student Welcome Meeting in September
• Guaranteed Coordination of Homestay, Trips, and Transportation
• Permission Forms & Leave Approvals
• Immigration Document Expiration Monitoring
• Academic Support & Tutoring Coordination
• Immunization Follow-up
• Disciplinary Monitoring and Support
• School Visits & Check-ins
• Attendance at Graduation & Closing Ceremonies in June
• Language Support to Parents & Students
• Parent-Teacher Interviews (twice per year)
• Document Co-Validation

** Additional fees apply 

Package 2: ISGC BASIC Guardianship: $1750.00 CAD + tax (13%) 

Recommended for all students who do not have their own Local Guardian in Canada. 

ISGC’s Basic Guardianship Includes: 

•  24-hour Emergency Line

• Notarized Custodianship Declaration

• Student Welcome Meeting in September

• Guaranteed Coordination of Homestay, Trips, and Transportation

• Permission Forms & Leave Approvals

• Immigration Document Expiration Monitoring

• Academic Support & Tutoring Coordination

• Immunization Follow-up

• Disciplinary Monitoring and Support

• School Visits & Check-ins

• Attendance at Graduation & Closing Ceremonies in June

• Language Support to Parents & Students

** Additional fees will apply 

 Guardianship coverage is valid from September 1 – June 30

To further explain this program, please see the following details:

1. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY STUDENT LINE

ISGC will be available to assist students, parents, educational consultants, school administration, teachers, advisors and residence teams with the following emergencies:

• injury or critical illness, hospital visits
• loss of passport
• suspension / expulsion
• family emergencies & emergency travel
• detainment by immigration or law enforcement

Our team-based approach means that we are never unavailable, never on vacation, and never sick. Emergency situations require constant vigilance and attention and that is what we provide.

The ISGC Emergency phone is 1-647-338-4232. Please ensure that your child has this number at all times.

2. NOTARIZED CUSTODIANSHIP DECLARATION: (courier fees additional)

ISGC uses the official recognized custodianship declaration document provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). ISGC is required to notarize page 1 and provide a copy to natural parents. Natural parents are required to notarize page 2 and provide a copy to ISGC. Parents are provided with an original copy of the Custodianship Declaration via courierin the first year. A scan is provided each subsequent year.

The Notarized Custodianship Declaration (CDec):

• is a required document for Canadian Study Permit and Canadian Visa (TRV) application
• allows ISGC to act in legal, medical, immigration and school emergencies
• allows ISGC to assist with immigration issues when students enter/exit Canada (as required)
• allows ISGC to complete school permission forms (for low risk activities)

For more information from IRCC, please visit: www.cic.gc.ca/English/pdf/pub/custodian-parent.pdf

Note: Courier fees are additional

3. STUDENT WELCOME MEETING IN SEPTEMBER

ISGC staff will be in attendance at school in September to welcome new students. This is a wonderful timeto meet our team and understand how our program works. If parents are on campus during the Welcome Meeting, we would be pleased to have them attend.

4. GUARANTEED COORDINATION OF HOMESTAY, TRIPS, AND TRANSPORTATION

ISGC guarantees the availability and coordination of short term homestay, long weekend trips or an appropriate equivalent for school holidays (Thanksgiving, November Break, Family Day Weekend, Easter Weekend, and May Break) and transportation for students under our guardianship program. These school break programs and transportation services are available upon request for long weekends, travel, suspensions, and airport arrivals and departures.

Accommodation, trip, and transfer service fees will apply. Parents and students must notify ISGC of their homestay needs two (2) weeks prior to any requested homestay dates.

Short Term Homestay

• Students stay with vetted Canadian host families
• Includes: 3 meals per day, proper supervision, English-speaking environment, wifi, private room, access to local amenities via public transportation, and transfer coordination to and from school

ISGC Trips

• Fully chaperoned by ISGC staff and a structured itinerary
• Students make friends from many other private schools
• Trip Examples: Toronto, Montreal, winter resort, New York, Chicago, Walt Disney World, Canadian Camp Experience

Transportation

We are available to coordinate either individual or group transportation for your child any time.

• Private airport transfers (‘Meet & Greet’ and full check-in services included)
• Unaccompanied minor (UM) service, by request
• Bus, train & airline bookings

5. PERMISSION FORMS & LEAVE APPROVALS

Schools regularly require signed permission forms for activities outside the normal curriculum or off campus. Boarding schools also require approval for weekend leave requests. Your child’s ISGC guardian will provide approvals for activities and events that seem reasonable and do not come with unusual risks.

Your child’s ISGC guardian will also approve leave requests for students provided that a certain criteria are fulfilled. For example, students must provide ISGC with addresses, phones numbers and information regarding adult supervision in order for a request to be approved. When in doubt, ISGC will contact the natural parents to discuss the outing or provide reasoning why a leave request was approved or denied.

6. IMMIGRATION DOCUMENT EXPIRATION MONITORING

Students must maintain legal status in Canada at all times. While under ISGC’s guardianship (September to June), ISGC will monitor Canadian Study Permit and Canadian Visa (TRV) expiries and notify students of these upcoming dates.

Through our experienced and registered immigration consultant, ISGC offers a full suite of immigration support services for initial and renewal applications which can be discussed at any time.

Students and parents must provide copies of their child’s immigration documents to ISGC upon arrival to Canada ensure accurate monitoring and file-keeping.

ISGC is available to assist with the arrangement of tutoring or academic assistance during the school year. Students and parents with concerns about academic progress or questions about resources for improving academic performance can contact ISGC to discuss available solutions and approaches to academic excellence at any time.

7. ACADEMIC REPORTING TO AGENTS & PARENTS

ISGC maintains regular contact with your child’s school. As we receive updates and information regarding your child’s progress in school we will ensure they are passed on to parents and/or agents. Parents with questions or concerns can always reach out to ISGC and we will contact school administrators and teachers to advocate on a student’s behalf.

8. IMMUNIZATION FOLLOW-UP

Canada’s provincial governments require that all international students maintain up-to-date immunizations at all times. Students that do not have the required immunizations will be suspended from school. ISGC and your child’s school health department will work together to facilitate the updating of immunization records for the protection of your child and the entire school.

Student immunization records (in English) must be provided to the school or ISGC before or upon arrival to Canada.

9. DISCIPLINARY MONITORING AND SUPPORT

If a disciplinary issue occurs at school, such as a suspension or expulsion, ISGC will support your child in a number of different ways, from attending disciplinary meetings as needed to managing the practical issues resulting from a school’s disciplinary action (ie. coordinating alternative accommodation or transportation).

ISGC will coordinate short term homestay arrangements for suspended or expelled students. When students are required to leave both campus and their residence due to a disciplinary issue and require ISGC homestay service, parents are required to cover the costs of the homestay service as well as transportation to and from school.

10. SCHOOL VISITS & CHECK-INS

ISGC staff will be on-campus for student meetings at least once per school term. We find these meetings helpful for students to disclose any challenges they are having. While we frequently visit your child’s school for a variety of reasons, our most important function is regular check-ins via email or phone to ensure students have everything they need to succeed at school and to follow up on upcoming plans and events, such as school breaks or immigration support.

When it comes to overall well-being and physical or mental health, students and parents should never hesitate to contact us if they have any concerns or questions.

11. ATTENDANCE AT GRADUATION & CLOSING CEREMONIES IN JUNE

High school graduation is an important time but it is not always feasible for international parents to attend. ISGC staff attend the graduation ceremonies of all students within our private boarding guardianship program. It is a wonderful moment and we always try to capture a few pictures before students run off to celebrate!

12. LANGUAGE SUPPORT TO PARENTS & STUDENTS

ISGC maintains a number of languages on staff and through our partners including English, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, German, Japanese, and French to help us communicate with parents and students when needed.

INCLUDED ONLY IN THE FULL GUARDIANSHIP PACKAGE:

13. PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS

ISGC staff will attend two (2) Parent-Teacher Interviews at the school on your behalf to meet with your friend child’s teachers. Meeting directly with teachers offers us insight into how your child is doing and if improvement is needed. We will provide you with a detailed report in English of each class. If, by chance, the teacher is not available to meet in person, we will contact them separately to obtain a written report.

14. CO-VALIDATION OF TRANSCRIPTS

ISGC will ensure a copy of your child’s final report card is received and properly Authenticated by the Government of Canada through the JLAC – Authentication Services Section in Ottawa. Once the document is signed, sealed and returned to ISGC via courier, our team will then visit the Consulate General for the specified country to legalize (co-validate) your child’s transcripts and report cards. The documents will then be scanned to you via email and couriered to your home directly.

Note: Consulate fees & couriers are additional

If you have any questions about the ISGC Guardianship Program, please contact ISGC at 1-416-792-3585 or info@isguardianshipcanada.com.

ISGC REFUND POLICY

Guardianship

Guardianship refunds are not provided after the Custodianship Declaration has been notarized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Student is denied a Visa and cannot enter Canada for the purposes of study and the IRCC Study Permit or Visa Refusal Letter has been provided to ISGC within fifteen (15) days of the date of refusal, then ISGC will provide a full refund to the individual or institution that provided the payment, less courier fees and notary fees. However, in the event the Student decides, after the Study Permit has been granted by IRCC that the Student will no longer enrol in studies in Canada or does not require ISGC services, no refund will be granted by ISGC.

Homestay

ISGC may in its discretion, and provided it receives no less than thirty (30) days written notice from either the Student or the Parent of the Student, provide a refund for the Homestay Services for a semester to the individual or institution that provided the payment in the following circumstances:

(a) if the Student is required to return to his or her country of origin due to serious medical illness or family emergencies;

(b) if the Student leaves their school and vacates their accommodations from the family with whom they are residing under the Homestay services;

(c) If the Student is denied a Visa and cannot enter Canada for the purposes of study and the IRCC Study Permit or Visa Refusal Letter has been provided to ISGC within fifteen (15) days of the Custodianship Declaration being notarized, then ISGC will provide a partial refund to the individual or institution that provided the payment, less applicable homestay fees, courier fees and notary fees.

In the event a student is expelled from school, asked to leave school or asked to leave the ISGC Homestay or Guardianship Program, no refund will be provided.

Any refunds provided by ISGC will be paid to the individual or institution that provided the payment, less ISGC’s related fees, taxes, courier fees and notary fees.

Please note that ISGC’s homestay refund policy is the only refund policy applicable for ISGC homestays. If a school, agent, or other entity has provided you with a different refund policy, please contact them directly.

Services

Refunds for other ISGC services, including, but not limited to, transportation, immigration, concierge services, insurance, short term homestay, and trips will be determined at ISGC’s discretion, with consideration given to the amount of advanced notice and ISGC expenses.

 

If you have any questions about the Appleby Guardianship Program, please contact the Admissions Office at 905-845-4681, ext. 216. 

Additional ISGC Services for International Students 

ISGC is available to help you and your child with many additional services. Please contact our team with any inquiries you have throughout the school year. 

• • Immigration Services, such as travel visas to other countries 
• • Homestay & Accommodation Services 
• • Transportation Services 
• • Student Trips 
• • Academic Support Services 
• • Student Requests 
• • Notaries 
• • Travel Consent forms 
• • Translations 
• • Co-validation of Transcripts 
• • Letters of Invite (for parents visiting their child in Canada) 
• • Chaperoning & supervised custom outings (concerts, day trips, cultural events) 

ISGC works closely with Appleby College to ensure an easy transition for our students. We provide the care and support needed for students studying in Canada and we encourage parents to consider ISGC’s Guardianship Program as a valuable resource and support for you and your child. 

For more information about ISGC’s Guardianship Program, please contact info@isguardianshipcanada.com or call 416-792-3585. 

If you have any questions about the Appleby Guardianship Program, please contact the Admissions Office at 905-845-4681, ext. 216. 

Host Family Programme 2022-2023 

Appleby College requires that each distant or international boarding student has a Local Host Family while attending school. The Host Family is essentially a support system for the student, acting as a local contact for the school. The Host Family must be English-speaking and must reside within 100 kms of Appleby College. 

There are five long weekends during the 2022-2023 school year (see below). The school is closed on each of these weekends and no supervision is provided by the school. The Host Family is responsible for picking up and housing the student on these occasions, unless alternate arrangements are agreed upon between the host family, student and student’s parents/guardians prior to such weekends. The same expectation applies should the student find himself or herself in need of a home due to a disciplinary action. The school is also closed for the Winter Holiday and March Break; however, students generally return home during these breaks and do not require housing support. 

Long Weekends for 2021-2022 (tentative and subject to change): 

• Thanksgiving Weekend: Thursday, October 6 at 3:50 p.m. to Monday, October 10 at 9:00 p.m. (Boarders) 
• November Long Weekend: Thursday, November 10 at 3:50 p.m. to Monday, November 14 at 9:00 p.m. (Boarders) 
• February Long Weekend: Thursday, February 16 at 3:50 p.m. to Monday, February 20 at 9:00 p.m. (Boarders) 
• Easter Long Weekend: Thursday, April 6 at 3:50 p.m. to Monday, April 10 at 9:00 p.m. (Boarders) 
• May Long Weekend: Thursday, May 18 at 3:50 p.m. to Monday, May 22 at 9:00 p.m. (Boarders) 

Distant or international boarding students’ families have two options for securing a Host Family: 

Option 1: Local Host Family 

This option is appropriate for a distant or international family who has identified their own local Host Family. The Host Family must agree to the expectations listed below and with this option either the parent or their self-appointed Host Parent would be the main school contact throughout the year. To choose this option, please fill out and submit the electronic Host Parent Information form. 

Parents and Host Parents should assist in ensuring the student is properly equipped with necessary school items, including uniform, stationery and appropriate outerwear. 

Parents and Host Parents should attend Grade Parties in September and Parent-Teacher Conferences in November and April. 

Parents and Host Parents should Read the Code of Conduct, support all school policies, and review these documents with the student. 

Host Parents are valued members of the Appleby community and are welcome at all Appleby functions and events open to parents. They are encouraged to communicate with House Directors, Advisors and Faculty if there are any questions or concerns. 

Option 2: ISGC Home Stay Package: $70-$100 + tax per day 

Please note that transportation to and from your child’s school is additional. 

Appleby College has also retained International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC) to assist our international families in this capacity. 

The ISGC Home Stay Package is a variable option. There is no commitment required, and you may choose to use ISGC’s Home Stay services for any number of long weekends as required. During long weekends International students may attend a school or ISGC trip, stay with a friend or local relative, or stay with a local Canadian Host Family through ISGC. 

Option 3: ISGC Long Weekend Trips

International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC) also offers 5 long weekend trips during the school year for Appleby College's long weekend holidays

ISGC’s Trip programs offer an opportunity to join unique, safe and guided excursions full of unique activities. All students are welcome to experience the culture of Canada, as well as some of North America’s most famous attractions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meet students from other schools
• Enjoy planned and optional activities
• Plenty of free time to rest and relax
• Supervision by ISGC staff
• Transportation arrangements to and from school
• Immigration support available as needed

To book short-term Home Stay services through ISGC please contact ISGC directly at 416-7923585 or info@isguardianshipcanada.com. 

If you have any questions about the Appleby Host Family Program, please contact Nicole Da Silva, coordinator, admissions at 905-845-4681, ext. 216.