Welcome Book

TORONTO

Updated June 20th, 2022

 Welcome to OHC - TORONTO 1

Toronto is a vibrant city filled with excitement and wonder; a place where you can
experience true multiculturalism and meet new friends from all over the world
while learning English. As Canada’s largest city and one of the world’s most OHC - Toronto
cosmopolitan cities, Toronto has been voted, time and time again, as one of the best Contact Information
cities in which to live.
Address:
469 Jarvis Street
With an NHL, NBA, MLB, and MLS team; it has world renowned restaurants and Toronto, ON
some of North America’s most famous landmarks (an hour away from the famous Canada
Niagara Falls). There is something for everyone in Toronto!
Tel:
+1-416-322-3405

Website:
www.ohcenglish.com
Content Page
Welcome to OHC Toronto 1 Email:
toronto@holmeseducation.
Important Contact Details and Information 2 group
Transportation Information 3-4
First Day Schedule 5
OHC School Policies 6-7
Useful Information 8-9
 Important Contact Details and Information - TORONTO 2

School Information

Nearest Major Intersection:

SE Corner of Jarvis St and Wellesley St

School Phone No. 1-416-322-3405

Emergency Housing & Airport Pickup No.

1-647-389-5842

General School E-mail:

toronto@holmeseducation.group

Hours of Operation: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Hospitals, Clinics & Police

Index
Nearest Hospital: St. Michael’s Hospital
416-360-4000
OHC Toronto - 469 Jarvis Street
Nearest Walk-in Clinic: Loblaws
416-646-1890 Toronto Police Department - 40 College Street

Nearest Police Station: Toronto Police St. Michael’s Hospital - 30 Bond Street
416-808-2222
Loblaws Walk-in Clinic – 60 Carlton Street
Emergency: 911
 Transportation Information - TORONTO 3

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers buses, streetcars, and a subway system. This is the best way to
get around town. Taxi rides can be quite costly for long distances. The best time to take a taxi is for short
distance rides with a few friends.
For more information on transportation pricing: www.ttc.ca

Current Transit Fees

Fare Type Fare Rates

Adult (13+) $3.25
Cash Fares
Youth (12 and under) FREE
Adult N/A
Day Pass
Youth FREE
Weekly Passes Adult N/A
Monthly Metropasses Adult $156
 Transportation Information - TORONTO 4

You will need to get a presto card if you

are going to use the TTC regularly.
MAKE SURE YOU REGISTER YOUR
CARD AS SOON AS YOU CAN.

If you are here for a complete month, it might be

a good idea to get monthly pass. You can obtain
a post secondary photo ID for the student pass
by taking your OHC LOA to Bathurst Station

Monday - Friday: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
First Day Schedule (Orientation Day) - TORONTO 5

TIME COMMENT

8:30am – 9:00am Arrive at the School. BRING YOUR PASSPORT AND HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY

9:00am Welcome and Orientation Activities

Placement Test

Orientation Activities

Review of School Policies

Meeting for students staying in Student House/Homestay

Receive Class Schedule

12:40pm

12:40pm - 1:10pm Lunch Break

1:10pm – 2:00pm P2 Class (General English Plus)

2:00pm – 2:10pm Break

2:10pm – 3:00pm P3 Class (Intensive English)

 OHC TORONTO - School Policies 6

1. English Only
You must speak English at all times in the school and during school activities.
2. Punctuality
You must arrive to all of your classes on time. You cannot enter a class if you are late. There is a 10 minute
grace period for your first class and 0 minute grace period for every period thereafter.
3. Attendance
You must have an 80% attendance record to receive your graduation certificate regardless of your
performance.
4. Assessments & Progress Reports
You will have an assessment and receive a progress report every 4 weeks.
5. Student Vacation Requests
In order to be approved for a vacation you must meet the following criteria:
a) have studied a minimum of 8 weeks before you go on vacation
b) have submitted a vacation request a minimum of 2 weeks in advance
 OHC TORONTO - School Policies 7

5. Behaviour in the School

Although we love having a good time, we will under no circumstance tolerate behaviour that makes your
fellow students and staff feel uncomfortable. OHC does not tolerate racism, sexism, or any form of
discrimination that will negatively affect our school’s atmosphere.
6. No Smoking/Vaping
There is absolutely no smoking anywhere in the school. This includes e-cigarettes and cannabis. Smoking
cigarettes and vaping can be done in the designated area outside of the school. It is against school policy to
consume cannabis in any form on school property.
7. Receiving Mail or Packages
If you’re expecting mail at the school, it will be at the front desk. We are not responsible for lost or
undelivered mail. We can receive packages for you at the front desk, but we will not pay for packages that
require on the spot duty payments. Make sure you notify us if you are expecting a package.
8. Covid Procedures At
this time most covid protocols have been removed. We ask that you watch your health, and wear a mask if
you are feeling sick. You are encouraged to do a rapid test if you feel ill, and we do require that you isolate
at home for 5 days if you test positive.
 Useful Information - TORONTO 8

1. Taxes:
Generally the price you see on an item is before tax. The sales tax in Toronto is 13%. So, when you are in a
store, you must add 13% to the price you see on the item to get the final price. The tax is added on when
you pay for the item at the register.
2. Opening a Bank Account:
To open a bank account, you need at least 2 forms of identification (your passport, international driver’s
license and/or a credit card) and your OHC Letter of Acceptance (LOA). You can request a copy of your
LOA from Student Services. Most banks have special student accounts.
3. Alcohol and Smoking/Vaping:
You must be at least 19 years old to buy cigarettes, cannabis and alcohol in Toronto. Bars and night clubs
will ask you to provide government issued identification (ex. Passport) to enter. A bottle of beer will cost
you about $2.50 in the store and about $9.00 in bars or restaurants. Cigarettes in Canada will cost you about
$20 for a pack.
 Useful Information - TORONTO 9
4. Tipping:
It is customary to give tips to your servers in restaurants and bars (15%-20% of your meal cost), one dollar
per drink if you are at a bar or night club, taxis, and hairdressers (10%-15%). Check with your home stay
family, teacher, or friends if you are not sure.
5. Electric Current:
The standard voltage in North America is 110V. To make sure you are able to use all of your electronic
devices, be sure to bring a converter and adapter with you or buy one here.
6. Water:
Water in North America is chemically treated and is very safe to drink. There is no need for you to spend
money on bottled water.
7. Driving in Toronto and Ontario:
You must be at least 16 years old to drive in Ontario. You can rent a car with a valid license from your
country if you will be in Ontario for less than 3 months. If you are staying longer than 3 months, you will
need to obtain an international drivers license BEFORE coming to Canada. You cannot get one in Canada.
Please ask the Student Services Coordinator if you wish to rent a car and they will walk you through the
process.

SEE YOU IN TORONTO!!!