Program Highlights
Learn more about what goes on in our classrooms.
About LINC Classes at the Circle of Friends
Our experienced teachers will deliver lessons to help you improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing. Discussions, projects, guest speakers and field trips will add to your learning.
Our classrooms are well equipped with SMART Board technology and laptops for learners. The rooms are newly renovated with portable air purifiers in addition to the HVAC system.
Our program is conveniently located within the Victoria Park Homes fully accessible community centre at 155 Queen St N.
LINC Class Calendar
See the class schedule for the year.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am - 11:45am | MORNING CLASS (A.M.) | MORNING CLASS (A.M.) | |||
| 11:45am - 12:15pm | LUNCH | NO CLASS | |||
| 12:15am - 3:00pm | AFTERNOON CLASS (P.M.) | ||||
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Digital Literacy Coaching Monday to Thursday
Online Evening classes Tuesdays and Thursdays only
There are no classes during December holidays (two weeks), March Break (one week), and summer break.
Are you new to Canada?
Do you want to learn English?
See what you need to know about registering for English classes at Circle of Friends.
FAQs
What is LINC?
LINC is Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada.
Who may attend LINC Classes?
Anyone who is 19 years of age and is a Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee or Protected Person.
How do I register for class?
In order to attend English classes, every student must be assessed by the YMCA/CLARS centre.
If you have not had an assessment at a CLARS centre, you can make an appointment at:
25 Main St. W
Hamilton, ON L8P 1H1
Phone 905 526 8452
When you come to the Circle of Friends to register for LINC Classes please bring:
Your assessment from the YMCA/CLARS centre with your CLB levels
Your immigration documents (PR card or immigration document)
What does CLB stand for?
Canadian Language Benchmarks.
The assessor at the YMCA/CLARS centre will test your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. When you bring your CLB levels to us, we place you in the appropriate class.
Do you offer Francophone Services?
Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez consulter le site web : Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton - Réseau à l'immigration francophone CSO (reseausoutien.org)
English Translation: If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please go to this website: Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton - Réseau à l'immigration francophone CSO (reseausoutien.org)
Will I get bus tickets?
Bus tickets are available to students who live 2 km or more away.
What do I need to bring to class?
Paper, binder, pens and pencils.
Are your English classes FREE?
Yes. English classes are FREE for all LINC students.
Do you provide childcare?
Yes. Circle of Friends has FREE onsite Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) for LINC parents.
We have room in the CNC for 6 infants and 10 toddlers in the morning and afternoon. There may be a waiting list.
Are your teachers qualified?
Yes. The teachers at Circle of Friends are TESL Ontario Accredited. They are members of TESL Ontario and participate in ongoing Professional Development workshops and conferences.
The weather is bad. How do I know if class is cancelled?
We follow the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board’s decision. If their schools are closed because of bad weather, our classes are cancelled too.
You can check if our school is closed through Facebook or our website.
Please check the Radio or local TV Stations for information as well. Please remember, even if schools remain open, it is your decision whether to come to school or not.
I am in Canada on a Visitor’s Visa. Can I take classes at Circle of Friends?
No. We only accept LINC students (permanent residents) at our school.
Please contact:
The YMCA/CLARS Centre for more information. 905-526-8452.
CE Learning Centre
Hill Park Learning Centre (905) 561-2190 extension 4774
Parkway Learning Centre (905) 573-0941
City Learning Centre (905) 525-8833
Email: adultesl@hwdsb.on.ca
St. Charles Continuing Education at 905-577-0555
English Language Instruction (stcharles.ca)
I am on a Student Visa. Can I take Classes at Circle of Friends?
No. We only accept LINC students (permanent residents) at our school.
Please contact:
The YMCA/CLARS Centre for more information. 905-526-8452.
CE Learning Centre
Hill Park Learning Centre (905) 561-2190 extension 4774
Parkway Learning Centre (905) 573-0941
City Learning Centre (905) 525-8833
Email: adultesl@hwdsb.on.ca
St. Charles Continuing Education at 905-577-0555
English Language Instruction (stcharles.ca)
I am a Canadian Citizen. Can I take classes at Circle of Friends?
No. We only accept LINC students (permanent residents) at our school.
Please contact:
The YMCA/CLARS Centre for more information. 905-526-8452.
CE Learning Centre
Hill Park Learning Centre (905) 561-2190 extension 4774
Parkway Learning Centre (905) 573-0941
City Learning Centre (905) 525-8833
Email: adultesl@hwdsb.on.ca
St. Charles Continuing Education at 905-577-0555
Are you new to Hamilton, Ontario?
Do you have questions about living in the city?
See the answers to some of the most popular questions for newcomers to Canada.
Our LINC Coordinator will be happy to assist you if you have more questions.
Living in Hamilton
How do I find a place to live?
Settlement agencies such as the YMCA, Wesley and IWC have settlement workers helping newcomers with finding a place to live.
How do I find a job?
Settlement agencies such as the YMCA, Wesley and IWC have settlement workers helping newcomers find work. Employment Hamilton can also help you.
How do I find a doctor?
Settlement agencies such as the YMCA, Wesley and IWC have settlement workers helping newcomers with finding a doctor.
How do I register my child in school?
Settlement agencies such as the YMCA, Wesley and IWC have settlement workers helping newcomers with finding a school near your house.
How do I get around Hamilton by bus?
Bus schedules and routes can be found on the HSR website. If you need help finding the bus route on your phone, a digital literacy coach will be able to help you 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday.
How do I access Francophone Services?
Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez consulter le site web : Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton - Réseau à l'immigration francophone CSO (reseausoutien.org)
English Translation: If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please go to this website: Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton - Réseau à l'immigration francophone CSO (reseausoutien.org)