French Immersion Schools Admission Elementary French Immersion Schools The French Immersion program begins in Junior Kindergarten. Alternatively, parents may choose to have their child begin the French Immersion Program in Senior Kindergarten. Admission to the program in subsequent grades is available only to students from other jurisdictions with an Early Immersion program or to those students who have comparable proficiency in the French language. Arbour Vista Brisbane PS Couling Cres PS Edward Johnson PS Erin PS FA Hamilton PS Harris Mill P.S. JD Hogarth PS James McQueen PS John McCrae PS King George PS Mono-Amaranth PS Paisley Road PS Palmerston PS Princess Elizabeth PS Victory PS Guelph Erin Guelph Guelph Erin Guelph Rockwood Fergus Fergus Guelph Guelph Orangeville Guelph Palmerston Orangeville Guelph JK—8 JK—6 JK—3 JK—6 7—8 JK—6 JK—2 3—8 JK—2 JK—8 JK—8 4—8 JK—3 JK—8 JK—3 JK—4 Secondary French Immersion Schools Centre Wellington DHS Fergus Erin Erin DHS Guelph JF Ross CVI 9—12 9—12 9—12 Secondary Extended French Schools Norwell DSS Palmerston 9—12 Percentage of Instruction Time in French Kindergarten—Grade 2 Grade 3—Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7—Grade 8 100% 80% 75% 70% 50% Registration French Immersion Kindergarten registration coincides with the regular English Kindergarten registration. Parents interested in enrolling their child in the immersion program should contact their neighbourhood school. Dates for Kindergarten registration and Immersion Information Nights are published on the Board website (www.ugdsb.on.ca), in local newspapers, and in school newsletters. French Immersion Program A program for all students For more information, please contact: Assistant to the Superintendent of Program cheryl.vanooteghem@ugdsb.on.ca 519-941-6191 www.ugdsb.on.ca Parent Information The French Immersion Program in the Upper Grand District School Board French Immersion is a program designed to offer students opportunities to acquire a high level of proficiency in French while maintaining and developing English language skills and knowledge across a variety of subject areas. French is the only language of instruction from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2. Immersion students begin English instruction in Grade 3 and study in both languages until high school graduation. The French Immersion and English programs follow the same expectations in the Ontario Curriculum (www.edu.gov.on.ca). The difference between the two programs is the language of instruction. A certificate of French Immersion Studies is awarded by the Upper Grand District School Board upon successful completion of 10 French Immersion credits at the high school level. Learning French promotes: A deeper understanding of various languages and cultures. Enhanced creativity and problem solving ability. A facility for learning other languages. A competitive edge in areas such as business, diplomacy, research, teaching, travel, translation, government, the Canadian Armed Forces. Enriched travel experiences in Canada and abroad. Frequently Asked Questions What if I don’t speak French? It is not necessary for you to speak French for your child to be successful in the French Immersion program. Our French programs are designed for children of non-French speaking parents. How can I help my child in this program? Parents can play an important role in ensuring their child's success by: Showing an interest in their child's progress. Encouraging and supporting their child's efforts. Reading to their child regularly in English and listening to him/her read aloud in English and French. Finding ways to expose their child to French outside of school time: borrowing French books from the public library; listening to children's music by French artists; watching some French television programs, and; visiting French communities. Communicating your questions, suggestions and concerns with teachers. What if English is not our first language? Evidence indicates that English Language Learners (ELL) enrolled in French Immersion perform as well as their Anglophone counterparts. ELL students who come to French Immersion having already developed literacy in their home language often perform even better than Anglophone students (Canadian Council on Learning, 2007). What if my child experiences difficulties in the Immersion Program? Contact your child's teacher for suggestions. Enrichment and remedial assistance may be provided. What resources are available to me and my child? Canadian Parents for French http://cpf.ca FSL Homework Toolbox http://www.fslhomeworktoolbox.ca