Nancy Campbell Academy
2026-2027 Welcome Guide
Welcome to the Nancy Campbell Academy family! This onboarding guide is designed to answer all essential parent and student questions before arrival, covering arrival day procedures, boarding life, technology setups, day student guidelines, and required documents.
130 Youngs Street, Stratford, ON N5A 1J7
Boarders arrive here on Sunday, September 6th to check in & unpack.
45 Waterloo St S, Stratford, ON N5A 4A8
All community members gather here on Monday, September 7th for the BBQ.
Letter from the Principal
Welcome to Nancy Campbell Academy!
Dear Students and Families,
You have made one of the most important decisions in your life. Deciding to attend Nancy Campbell Academy means that you are willing and eager to release your inherent talents and capabilities for the betterment of your own lives and that of the world. The goals that we set for ourselves in the years prior to university shape our lifelong contributions.
At the heart of education at NCA is service to each other, family, and community. Service connects education to meaning and purpose. It helps students realize strengths they never knew they possessed and builds capacity for overcoming greater challenges.
Each year, our school strives to achieve more service to others and inspire more hearts than ever before. You will build lifelong friendships with peers from around the globe who will become a cherished part of your journey.
We eagerly look forward to welcoming both day and boarding students to our Stratford campus for an unforgettable 2026–2027 academic year.
Warmest regards,
Gordon Naylor
Principal, Nancy Campbell Academy
Residence Arrival & Welcome Schedule
Sunday, September 6th
Residence officially opens at 12:00 PM. Boarding students arrive, unpack, meet their RAs, and settle into dorm rooms before the full community schedule begins.
Monday, September 7th
Main Welcome Day & Principal's BBQ at 1:00 PM. All students, families, and staff gather on campus for lunch, orientation sessions, and social meetups.
Sunday, September 6th — Full Welcome Day Schedule
Check-In & Welcome Table
Arrive anytime after noon at 130 Youngs Street! Drop by the welcome table to meet your Residential Director, RAs, and returning student volunteers who are excited to help you move in.
First Residence Dinner & Meetup
Grab a bite and break the ice with your new housemates over dinner in the residence dining room.
Parent Information Session
Parents are invited to meet the residential team, discuss policies, and get answers to any lingering questions.
Lounge Social & Ice Cream Bar
Unwind and grab a sweet treat! Ice cream bars will be set up in all downstairs lounges.
Arriving Late?
If your arrival falls between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, please send your travel details ahead of time to [email protected] so we can coordinate your check-in.
Your First Week at NCA
Phase 1 — Pre-Arrival Preparation
Before ArrivalComplete online enrollment forms, connect with your Peer Mentor, confirm travel arrangements, and pack using the provided guide checklists.
Phase 2 — Boarding Move-In & Check-In
Sunday, Sept 6130 Youngs Street: Residence opens at 12:00 PM. Boarding students move into dorm rooms, meet Residence Directors and RAs, enjoy dinner (5:30 PM), attend the Parent Info Session (8:00 PM), and join the Ice Cream Social (9:00 PM).
Phase 3 — All Community Welcome & Principal's BBQ
Monday, Sept 745 Waterloo St S: All day and boarding students, families, and faculty gather at the main Stratford Campus at 1:00 PM for the Principal's Welcome BBQ, campus orientation, and icebreakers.
Phase 4 — Academic Orientation & First Classes
Tuesday, Sept 8+Receive course timetables, activate school email accounts, set up Google Classroom, receive local transit passes, and commence regular classes.
Technology, Email & Network Policies
All students are assigned a dedicated Nancy Campbell Academy email account and Google Workspace access. Login details are activated within 7 days of receiving your Welcome Package.
NCA Email Credentials
Format: First initial + last name @ nancycampbell.ca
John Smith → [email protected]
Students must change password upon first login.
Campus Network & Classroom Technology Guidelines
- Mandatory Laptop Requirement: Bringing a capable laptop to school every day is mandatory to ensure students can fully participate in assignments, research, and classroom projects.
- Classroom Mobile Phone Policy: Mobile phones are not allowed in classrooms during instruction unless express permission has been given by the teacher for a specific educational activity.
- Restricted Websites & Social Media: As outlined in the Student Handbook, access to certain sites—including YouTube and social media platforms—is restricted on campus Wi-Fi during school hours to help maintain focus and an engaging learning environment.
Google Classroom
Teachers use Google Classroom to share course outlines, assign homework, collect submissions, and publish grades.
Campus Wi-Fi & Support
High-speed Wi-Fi is available across school and dorm facilities. Devices must adhere to the school's Acceptable Use Policy.
Residence Team & Dorm Life
130 Youngs Street, Stratford, ON N5A 1J7
Our boarding residence provides a safe, welcoming, and vibrant home away from home. Supervised 24/7 by dedicated residential staff, students build lifelong friendships and develop independence in a supportive community environment.
Dedicated Residence Support Team
Residence Director
Oversees total residence operations, student wellbeing, dorm policies, and coordinates weekend outings and community programs.
Girls' Residence Advisor (RA)
Resides on-site to mentor female boarders, manage check-ins, assist with daily routines, and provide 24/7 personal support.
Boys' Residence Advisor (RA)
Resides on-site to support male boarders, supervise study hours, foster team spirit, and ensure dorm safety at all times.
Residence Curfews & Bedtimes
Nightly Routines| Grade Level | Weekday Curfew | Weekend Curfew |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 9 & 10 | 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Grades 11 & 12 | 9:30 PM | 11:00 PM |
To promote healthy sleep habits, mobile phones and personal electronics are collected by RAs on weeknights at designated grade curfews and returned the following morning.
Around Stratford Dorms
- Nearby river trails and Stratford parks
- YMCA Fitness & Pool (5 min walk)
- Local convenience stores & pharmacies
- Stratford City Bus transit stop right outside
Packing List for NCA Boarders
Bedding & Comfort
- • Two sets of twin sheets & pillowcases
- • Warm blanket or duvet (for winter)
- • Light blanket (spring/summer/fall)
- • Pillows
Personal Touches
- • Artwork or posters
- • Family photos
Daily Essentials
- • Bath towel and facecloth
- • Laundry hamper or basket
- • Laundry and dish soap
- • Desk lamp and organizers
- • Laptop and headphones
For Fun & Fresh Air
- • Modest beachwear
- • Beach towel
- • A big, warm smile
- • Positivity! It makes a difference
Footwear
- • All black gym shoes (no other colors)
- • All black dress shoes (no other colors)
Under Clothing
- • 14 pairs of underwear & bras
- • 7 pairs black dress socks
- • 7 pairs gym socks
- • Girls: 3 pairs solid black tights/leggings
- • 3 pairs black knee socks (optional)
After School Clothing
- • Pajamas
- • Comfy & casual clothes
- • One formal outfit for special occasions!
Personal Accessories
- • Hair elastics, scrunchies
- • Curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers
- • Makeup, jewelry, personal grooming
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa/Study Permit Approval Letter
- NCA Letter of Acceptance
- Notarized Custodianship Declaration (under 17)
Make sure to carry in your carry-on bag: "Visa/Study Permit Approved" letter, official NCA Letter of Acceptance, and original notarized custodianship file (if under 17).
Day Student Life & Community Inclusion
Equal Members of the NCA Family
At Nancy Campbell Academy, day students are fully integrated into all campus, academic, and extracurricular activities. From morning assembly to evening clubs and weekend trips, day students enjoy full access to school life.
Meals & Dining Hall
Day students can enjoy delicious hot lunch prepared fresh daily in the dining hall. Optional breakfast and dinner meal plan options are also available upon request.
Daily Schedule & Times
Optional breakfast starts at 8:00 AM. Regular classes run from 8:50 AM to 3:40 PM. Student clubs, tutorial sessions, and athletics run right after classes from 3:45 PM onwards.
Clubs, Athletics & Trips
Day students are warmly invited to participate in all weekend outings, community service projects, athletics teams, theater productions, and evening dorm socials.
Pickups & Transportation
Families manage daily transportation to and from campus (45 Waterloo St S). If staying late for clubs or activities, parents can arrange convenient pickup times with guidance.
School Supplies & Laptop Requirements
A reliable personal laptop (Windows or Mac) capable of running standard high school software and completing coursework. Note: Chromebooks may not be sufficient to complete all coursework across all subjects.
Essential for language learning modules, audio-visual coursework, and quiet library study.
Standard scientific calculator for math & science.
Pens (blue/black/red), pencils, erasers, highlighters.
Lined paper notebook, graph paper, and 3-ring binder with dividers.
Note: Course-specific textbooks and specialized digital learning tools are provided directly by subject teachers during the first week.
Device Compatibility Guidance
To ensure you can install required software, complete essays, and prepare presentations seamlessly, please bring a full Mac or Windows laptop.
Contact Cindy Wang at [email protected] prior to purchasing new devices.
Official Uniform Guidelines & Ordering
Official NCA Uniform Garments
All required uniform pieces must be purchased online prior to school opening.
Official Uniform Items Checklist
InSchoolwear Code: ncasOnline Ordering Steps:
Visit InSchoolwear.com and click SHOP.
Select OAKVILLE SCHOOLS → NANCY CAMPBELL.
Log in with your email to receive a 6-digit code.
Enter School Code: ncas
Peer Mentor Program
Welcome to Your Mentorship Connection
Every new student is paired with an experienced Peer Mentor before classes start. Peer Mentors reach out prior to arrival to answer questions, share tips on school life, and host virtual meetups.
Learn school culture & daily schedule tips
Connect before setting foot in Stratford
Get honest advice from senior students
NCA Peer Mentors
Winter in Stratford
Canadian Winter Climate Guidance
Stratford winters can be very cold, with temperatures occasionally reaching approximately -20°C. Staying warm and comfortable requires layering with high-quality winter apparel.
Winter Shopping Trip Assistance
Students will have an opportunity to visit a local shopping centre after arrival to purchase any winter clothing they may still need. Students arriving from warmer climates should not worry if every item is not available before travelling; staff will help them obtain all remaining essentials.
Stratford Winter
Dec — MarchStaff will ensure every student is fully prepared for cold weather activities and snow outings!
International Student Arrival & Documents
Critical Travel Rule
Before travelling, place all important documents in your carry-on bag or backpack. Do not pack them in checked luggage, as Canadian border officers will inspect them upon arrival.
1. Entry Documentation
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa/Study Permit Approval Letter
- NCA Official Letter of Acceptance
- Notarized Custodianship Declaration (under 17)
2. Health Insurance & Medical
International health insurance purchased through NCA covers students from dorm opening to closing. Staff assist with claim forms, doctor visits, and medical reimbursements.
Parent Resources & Emergency Contacts
(519) 272-1900 ext. 2
For urgent travel permissions or late arrival notifications.
(519) 697-2909
Instant messaging support for arriving families & international flights.
Key Leadership & Staff Directory
School leadership, vision, parent engagement & community culture.
Academic programming, curriculum, course timetables & mentorship program lead.
Student documentation, tech accounts, health insurance & general inquiries.
Overnight weekend leave requests, residence check-ins, student dorm wellbeing.
General non-emergency email inquiries receive a staff response within 24 business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to open a Canadian bank account?
Opening a Canadian bank account is optional, but it can make it easier for students to manage spending money and use a Canadian debit card. Students who wish to open an account may be assisted with choosing a nearby bank, arranging an appointment, and understanding what identification is required. Requirements vary by bank, so families should confirm necessary documents before arrival.
Will I need a Canadian mobile phone plan?
Families may choose a Canadian cell phone plan after arrival. Mobile plans with data typically start around $30 CAD monthly. School staff can provide general guidance on choosing local providers during the first week.
Are overnight absences from residence allowed?
Yes, but written parent permission is required for any student under 18 years old. Permission forms or emails should be submitted to [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
See You Soon in Stratford!
