International

Student Information

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Future Students

Orientation

West Vancouver Schools

To apply to attend one of West Vancouver Schools elementary or secondary schools, please click on the button.


Please note that we are full in all grades for the 2026–27 school year, with only limited space in Grades 10, 11, and 12 for February 2027 entry. Before submitting an application, please contact mfrankowski@wvschools.ca

 

Applications for September 2027 will open on October 15, 2026, at midnight (Vancouver time).

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New Student Orientation Objectives

  • To prepare international students for academic and social success.
  • To introduce students to their new city, school, and culture.
  • To foster a sense of community and connection with the students and their student leaders.
  • To facilitate administrative tasks such as documentation of students, English Language Assessment, and data collection for program improvement.

September 2026 Orientation

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – first day of Orientation

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – first day of Classes 

New Student Orientation 2026

August 26 to September 4, 2026

Date  Time  Event 
Wednesday, August 26  9:00 AM  Student Arrival and Check-in at Kay Meek Theatre
Morning
  • Welcome and Introductions by the International Office Staff
  • Students are assigned a teacher for the Orientation. They are grouped by school and grade.
  • In their classroom, students will learn about each other through various icebreaker activities.
  • Teachers will help connect the students to the school district Wi-Fi in advance of school start to make sure they have access to resources right away.
Afternoon
3:30-4:00 PM Dismissal from West Vancouver Secondary (traffic dependent)
     
Thursday, August 27  9:00 AM  Classroom Attendance and Arrival at West Vancouver Secondary
All Day! Experiencing Transit and Metrotown Madness!

  • Students will learn about public transit by using the SeaBus and Skytrain on our way to Lonsdale Quay and Metrotown. Lonsdale Quay is a travel hub and a great place to visit. Metrotown is one of the largest shopping malls.
  • Students are taught how to navigate the transportation system, appropriate behaviours while using transit, and how to use the app.
  • Safety tips are reviewed about protecting belongings and travelling in groups.
  • During the classroom time before we leave on our adventure, students will complete an activity to share with others about what life is like in their home country.
  • They will also be educated about the BC outdoors and what to bring if they decide to go on a hike.
3:30-4:00 PM  Dismissal from West Vancouver Secondary (traffic dependent)
     
Friday, August 28  9:00 AM  Classroom Attendance
All Day! Grouse Mountain Adventures!

  • First Nations Presentation
  • Birds in Motion Show
  • Lumberjack Show
  • Bear Habitat
3:30-4:00 PM  Dismissal from West Vancouver Secondary (traffic dependent)
     
 

Monday, August 31 

 

 8:45 AM Arrival and Attendance at West Vancouver Secondary School
Morning Buses will leave the school at 9:00 am for Horseshoe Bay
All Day Bowen Island

  • Travelling on BC ferries, then a short nature hike, and classroom activities where we model Canadian classrooms and group work.
  • We will head outdoors for fun activities on the field before returning on the ferry home.
3:30-4:00 PM Dismissal from West Vancouver Secondary (traffic dependent)
     
Tuesday, September 1 

(This is the last day for students to enter the Orientation program. Students must be able to arrive at the school by 9:00 am. Later arrivals may participate in the school tours on September 4 only)

 9:00 AM Classroom Attendance and Arrival at West Vancouver Secondary
Morning 
Afternoon Out and About in the Community!
We will be taking a walking tour of the WVS Community.  We will visit the Community Centre, the Memorial Library and the Police Department.
4:00 PM Dismissal from West Vancouver Secondary
     
Wednesday, September 2
 		 9:00 AM  Classroom Attendance and Arrival at West Vancouver Secondary
Morning
  • Classroom Activities and Presentations from the International Office.
  • Lessons on cultural shock, digital device use, and AI.
  • Presentations from the school counsellors about counsellor roles and services. Information about student timetables and course changes.
Afternoon  Celebration BBQ and Student Presentations!

  • BBQ lunch hosted by International Programs
  • Information presentations on Custodianship, Student Success, and Accommodations.
  • Celebration presentations from each Orientation Class are crafted by our student leaders using photos supplied from students.
  • Final messages and well wishes!
3:00 PM Dismissal
     
Thursday, September 3 This is your time for reflection and to prepare for the school start!
     
Friday, September 4 TBD  School Tours at each of the Secondary Schools. More information is provided closer to the time.

 

Updated: April 27, 2026

February 2026 Orientation (Tentative and Subject to Change)

Tentative and subject to change.

We have planned for an in-person New Student Orientation on February 2, 2026. The details and schedule will be communicated to eligible students closer to the time through Google Classroom.

Students will be contacted by Friday, January 9, regarding how to access their Google Accounts.

Any updates to the New Student Orientation will posted on this page.

New Student Orientation 2026

February 2, 2026

Date  Time  Event 
Monday, February 2  8:30 AM  Orientation begins at West Vancouver Secondary School Library! Mr. Dave Dickinson and Mr. Dave Zimmerman will lead the class in an “Exploration of Things Canadian”
11:15 AM Bus transportation Grouse Mountain
12 PM Lunch and Snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain
Snowshoeing | Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Vancouver
3:30 PM Estimated time of return. Students will be dropped off at the front of West Vancouver Secondary School

 

Updated: September 17, 2025

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