International and Indigenous Languages (IIL) Program – Elementary

IILE Programming is offered in-person at various locations throughout Waterloo Region.

May 16, 2026
May 18, 2026

CAMBRIDGE Location:

Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School, 15 Gatehouse Dr., Cambridge

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

KITCHENER Location:

St. Louis  – Kitchener Main Campus, 80 Young St. , Kitchener

Saturday morning, 9:00am-11:30am

Saturday morning, 9:30am-12:00pm

St. Louis – St. Francis Campus, 154 Gatewood Rd., Kitchener

Saturday morning, 9:00am-11:30pm

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

St. Dominic Savio Catholic Elementary School, 3 Westforest Trail, Kitchener

Saturday morning, 9:00am-11:30am

Saturday morning, 9:30am -12:00pm

Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, 455 University Ave. West, Kitchener,

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

WATERLOO Location:

St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School, 525 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo

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

Language study is a passport to our future.

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.

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.

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Are you or your child in high school interested in learning a language?

Secondary Language classes are offered September – June every year

Visit our International Languages – Secondary program page.

International Languages Elementary FEE

The Ministry of Education only funds this program for students registered in an Ontario school.

If your student is being Homeschooled for the upcoming school year, there will be a nominal fee of $80 to participate for the school year.

St. Louis has over 100 International and Indigenous Language – Elementary (IILE) Instructors.

IILE 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, IILE 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.

There is ONE registration form for ALL languages offered at several locations throughout Waterloo Region.

CLICK HERE for —> 2026-2027 IILE Registration Form

Ministry of Education guidelines allow students to take one language for 2.5 hours each week. Students may learn two DIFFERENT languages each week, if the language is offered on a different day at a different time. Students CANNOT take the same language at a different location or time.

Important Notes:

  • Registration for some language classes may close before September 2, 2026, OR when the program reaches maximum capacity. Register early to ensure a spot for your student.
  • Students will be placed on a waitlist when the program reaches the maximum enrolment/capacity, or documentation is required. If a spot becomes available we will contact you.
  • All registrations must be completed by a parent/guardian.
  • Each student must be registered separately. Please don’t register the same student twice, If you need to make changes about your registration, please email Tracy.Zhou@wcdsb.ca to help with your changes.
  • Please enter your student’s details (last name, first name, middle name and date of birth) exactly as listed on their legal Canadian documents.
  • You will need your student’s OEN which is a 9 digit number found on their school report card. Please have that with you to complete the registration form.
  • The Ministry of Education only funds this program for students registered in an Ontario school.  If your student is being Homeschooled for the upcoming school year, there will be a nominal fee of $80 to participate for the school year.
  • Transportation is not provided for this program. Parents/ Guardians are responsible for dropping off and picking up their student for class each week. As a result, there is no Safe Arrival absence reporting to Parents / Guardians for this program.

Important Dates for the 2026 – 2027 school year

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

For more information:

Contact: stlouis@wcdsb.ca 

or call 519-745-1201 ext 571