INTERNATIONAL AND
INDIGENOUS LANGAUGES (IIL)

IIL Program DetailsIIL Registration

INTERNATIONAL AND
INDIGENOUS LANGAUGES (IIL)

Locations

Multiple

Delivery

In Person

Offerings

Sept-Jun/Summer

Credentials Earned

Non-credit Program

Latest IIL Updates

Croatian is now offered for the 2026-2027 school year!

The Value of Learning Another Language

Knowing multiple languages is more important today, than ever before. Knowledge of other languages offers us a better understanding of Canada and Canadians, providing an opportunity to see both the similarities and the differences among people.

Language study includes more than grammar and vocabulary. It introduces us to the culture of a people, their literature, their history, and to their contributions to the worlds of art, music and science. When we learn another language, we find ourselves speaking effectively, thinking more clearly, and writing more logically. Young Canadians who study languages improve their chances for job success. In Canada and overseas, in commerce, in technology, and in government, there are a growing number of opportunities for graduates with knowledge of languages. One of the most important contributions that we can make to our country’s cultural and economic future is to learn another language.

Three students using laptop computers in a classroom

Students who enrol in an International and Indigenous Language program will find learning a language will support

  • personal growth,
  • cultural identity or awareness and
  • develop language skills that will open a world of possibilities.

Students who know more than 2 or 3 languages typically do better in school overall, and are keen to pursue other interests and hobbies with greater achievement.

Instructional Staff

IIL Instructors who teach at our language schools have been hired by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board following a pre-screening / interview process in accordance with WCDSB Human Resources processes.

As a school board employee, IIL instructors follow the best practices in teaching, access the latest resources available and bring their knowledge, skills and experience teaching language to children. International and Indigenous Language Instructors follow processes surrounding safe-school protocols and are committed to making learning fun and safe for participants.

Language Options

See below for all available languages your children can learn across several locations.

Cambridge

Address:

15 Gatehouse Dr., Cambridge

Saturday morning, 9:30am-12:00pm

  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Croatian

Kitchener

Address:

80 Young St. , Kitchener

Saturday morning, 9:30am-11:30am

  • Japanese
  • Romanian
  • Spanish
  • Tamil

Saturday morning, 9:30am-12:00pm

  • Chinese
  • Italian
  • Ukrainian
  • Russian

Address:

154 Gatewood Rd., Kitchener

Saturday morning, 9:30am-11:30am

  • Portuguese
  • Tigrinya

Saturday morning, 9:30am-12:00pm

  • Arabic
  • Yoruba

Address:

3 Westforest Trail, Kitchener

Saturday morning, 9:30am-11:30am

  • Polish

Saturday morning, 9:30am-12:00pm

  • Czech
  • Igbo
  • Slovak
  • Traditional Mandarin

Address:

455 University Ave. West, Kitchener

Saturday morning, 9:30am-12:00pm

  • Simplified Chinese

Waterloo

Address:

525 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo

Monday evening, 6:00pm- 8:30pm

  • Simplified Chinese

IIL Calendar

Nothing from July 31, 2026 to August 31, 2026.

Important Dates

Meet and Greet:

Saturday Morning, September 19, 2026 – for Saturday classes

Monday Evening, September 21, 2026 – for Monday evening classes

Saturday Classes

First class: September 26, 2026
Last class: June 12, 2027
No Classes: Oct. 10, Dec. 19, 26, 2026, Jan. 2, Feb. 13, Mar. 20, 27, May 22, 2027

Monday Classes

First class: September 28, 2026
Last class: June 7, 2027
No Classes: Oct. 12, Dec. 21, 28, 2026, Feb. 15, Mar. 15, 29, May 24, 2027

Contact Us

For more information about the International and Indigenous Languages (IIL) Program – Elementary program, please contact:
Email: stlouis@wcdsb.ca
Phone: 519-745-1201 ext.571

Funding

This program is funded by the Ministry of Education.

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