Area V French Immersion as an
Alternative Program Choice
Chinook Park, Sam Livingston, Sundance
January 17th, 2013
Agenda
Introductions
Alternative Programs in CBE
Why Choose the French Immersion Program
for your child?
Your Young Learner and School
Transportation
Classroom Visits
Question Period
Introductions
Cristina Alberton and Andrea Sulek, Kindergarten Teachers
Heather White, Grade 1 Teacher
Danielle Waker, Grade 2 Teacher
Lisa Brawley, Grade 3 Teacher
Zoe Serediuk, Principal: Chinook Park
Dallas Wheeler, Principal: Sam Livingston
Jerry Pedron, Principal: Sundance
Melody Davies, Assistant Principal: Sundance
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Welcome
Calgary Board of Education Alternative
Programs
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) values
equity, excellence, access and choice. In
order to personalize student learning, the
CBE offers alternative programs that are
based on:
• cultural emphasis
• subject matter
• teaching and learning methodology
• language of instruction – ie. French
Immersion
Why choose French
Immersion as an
Alternate Program?
French Immersion Alternative Program Statement
of Principle: Calgary Board of Education students have equitable
access to quality, sustainable French Immersion programs from K12.
Key Characteristics: French Immersion is an alternative program
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that :
follows Alberta Education Programs of Study
is offered to students whose first language is not French
requires little or no knowledge of French for students beginning the
program and has instructional strategies and materials designed with
this in mind
includes a strong English language program component in Grades 3 to
12
provides students the opportunity to learn in Canada’s two official
languages
offers instruction in French with a focus on oral communication
embeds French language and culture learning in classroom and
school routines and interactions
More Key Characteristics
French Immersion is an alternative program that:
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engages the students in higher level thinking, challenging them to
problem solve, to think critically, creatively, and innovatively, to
evaluate, and to make important decisions
involves students in learning experiences and opportunities that
positively impact their personal development, character and
citizenship in their schools, city, country, and world
helps students better understand the history, development and
politics of Canada
broadens students’ cultural life through access to literature, art,
music and theatre in another language
enhances and encourages the joy of lifelong learning
Key Outcomes for the French Immersion Program
Students who are successful through to Grade 12 will:
• become functionally fluent in French – they will be capable of using
a language easily and accurately
• have increased success in the English Language Arts
• have opportunities for recognition for having developed functional
fluency in French. These include:
 CBE certificate: Students qualify for a Certificat de compétences
en immersion française on completion of Grade 12
 International diploma: Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
which lead to:
 opportunities for advanced placement in post-secondary French
and access to national and international opportunities
 broadened employment opportunities where French is the language
of work
 opportunities to participate easily and willingly in French for both
personal and professional needs
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a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, international
languages and cultures
Elements of culture are embedded
in the program and are:
• integral to language acquisition and to learning in
all subjects taught in French
• experienced through authentic learning
• visually evident in the school
• established through community and global
connections that provide opportunities for
interaction with native French speakers
• understood through teacher mediation
French Immersion
Program Family Profile
• French is not the prevalent language of the child’s
home and community
• Parents do not need to know French
• Parents encourage a positive attitude towards
learning and speaking French
• Parents demonstrate commitment to the program
• Parents are their children’s first and most
important teachers with a lifelong influence
• Family values and beliefs are acknowledged
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Cultural diversity is valued
French Immersion
Learner Profile
• self-motivation and willingness to listen to and
speak French as much as possible
• willingness to use French language with peers and
teachers at all times – is verbal and likes to talk
• desire to improve French language competency
• readily accepts challenges
• shows strengths in first language whatever that
language is
• non-Francophone
Personalization in French Immersion
Personalization is a highly intentional and responsive teaching and
learning experience that intensely attends to each student’s
learning so that all students can participate, progress, and
achieve.
In this learning process staff:
– assess students’ achievement and growth and are purposeful in
addressing what each child needs to be successful
They also support students in:
– assessing their own talents and aspirations
– planning a pathway toward their own purposes
– working cooperatively with others on challenging tasks
– maintaining a record of their explorations
– demonstrating their learning against clear standards in a wide
variety of media and in a variety of ways
Supporting Student Success in French Immersion
The supports in French Immersion schools are the same as in all
CBE schools with many strategies and resources being available at
the school, area, and system levels to ensure students are
successful academically, socially, and emotionally.
These include:
•profiling and assessing students in formative ways (recording students,
anecdotal records, work samples, discussions as they progress)
•using that knowledge to plan authentic, meaningful tasks and account
for the needs of different learners and their learning styles
•identifying outcomes in ways that all students understand and use to be
independent in their learning
•utilizing second language teaching strategies such as breaking the
language into manageable chunks, speaking slowly, using visuals and
gestures, encouraging oral proficiency, and explaining only in French
•using small group or one on one instruction and the support of school
and education assistants
• accessing area and system specialists and strategists for additional
learning support
Supporting Your Child in French Immersion
Learn together!
•Read and speak to them in their first language, these
skills will transfer to French.
•Show interest in the activities and work they bring home
from school and offer praise and encouragement.
•Communicate with your child’s teacher – you are both
partners in your child’s learning.
•Visit the library, check out French books and audio
books.
•Visit You Tube French Songs for Children and have them
playing in the background as your child plays.
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Watch DVDs together, with French soundtrack.
Your Young Learner and School
FRENCH IMMERSION KINDERGARTEN
AT-A -GLANCE
Creative
Expression
Personal and
Social
Responsibility
Environment
and
Community
Awareness
Early
Literacy
French
Language
…is the filter
through which a
child’s learning
takes place
Early
Numeracy
Physical Skills
and Well Being
Citizenship and
Identity
French Immersion Kindergarten
Entering French Immersion Kindergarten
is an exciting time for children. Parents
and teachers work together to make the
transition from home to school and from
English to French as smooth as possible.
The Early Years Evaluation (EYE) tool is
also used to help design instruction and
personalize learning for each child.
The Kindergarten Program
Recognizes and supports each child’s
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prior knowledge
skills
attitudes
learning pace
personal traits
interests and goals
and preferred learning styles
Characteristics of a French
Immersion Kindergarten Program…
- French vocabulary rich songs and
games
- Thematic units presented in French
- Picture Inductive model
- Centers combining explorative play
with academic learning
- Computers with French software
The Kindergarten Program
• Involve all dimensions of a child’s
development
• Builds upon what children have already
• Involves exploration and experimentation
with the environment
• Teaches children how to interact with
others
• Develops capable and competent learners
Your Young Learner
• Has learned in a variety of
environments —at home, with
extended family, in daycare
programs, and in the community
• Demonstrates his or her knowledge in
many different ways
Your Young Learner
• Needs rich and varied opportunities to
explore their environment
• Needs to use language in a variety of ways
• Needs to engage with peers
• Needs to interact with responsive adults
at home, in school, and in their
communities
School Kindergarten Orientations
Attend the Kindergarten Orientation at
your designated school so your child
can see the school and the classroom
spaces:
Chinook Park: June 12th at 6:30 PM
Sam Livingston School: May 16th at
7:00 PM
Sundance School: May 2nd at 7:00 PM
Resources for Families
• Canadian Parents for French Alberta
http://cpfalta.ab.ca/
• Services for Families in Alberta
http://humanservices.alberta.ca/programs-andservices.html
• A Handbook for Parents
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mychildslearnin
g/
• School Home Page
Chinook Park http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b306/
Sam Livingston http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b354/
Sundance
http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b267/
Registration Process
Age Requirements
• A child who turns 4 on or before March 1 may attend
Kindergarten in the fall of that same calendar year.
• Kindergarten is an optional program and parents decide
whether to register their children in Kindergarten.
• A child who turns 5 on or before March 1 is eligible to
begin Grade 1 in that same calendar year.
• A child who turns 6 by September 1 must start school.
Registration for
French Immersion
• Can register at any time beginning
Jan. 14th, 2013 throughout the spring
and even into beginning of September
• Cannot register for Grade 2 and up
unless the child has attended French
Immersion Grade One
How do I register?
You will need to provide:
• Legal proof of your child’s name, date of birth,
and citizenship status in Canada. The following
documents are acceptable:
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Birth Certificate
Canadian Citizenship Certificate
Passport
Baptismal Certificate
Court Order
• Information that confirms your address
(e.g. telephone bill, energy bill)
Registering Non-Canadian Students
• If your child is not a Canadian citizen, you will need to register
at the Admissions Office at Kingsland Centre
• This is also the case even if your child has attended school
elsewhere in Canada
• Phone 403-777-7373 to ask questions or to make an appointment
• Kingsland Centre is located at 7430 5th Street S.W. Calgary
• You will need to provide legal proof of your child’s name, date of
birth, and citizenship status in Canada.
The following documents are acceptable:
• Permanent resident card or Confirmation of Permanent
Residence or Record of Landing
• Parent’s valid Work permit or Study Permit and your
child's birth certificate
Hours and Times
• Either in the morning or in the afternoon
• Often dependent on bussing or address
• Hours and days off are dependent on how
each school plans its school year
• Currently there are no French Immersion
Kindergarten full day programs
Transportation
There is a transportation fee for all CBE students
accessing transportation to attend an alternative program. It
is established annually by Board of Trustees.
• The current 2012-13 fees are $215 per child.
•Transportation forms (one form per family) must be completed and fee
submitted to your designated school prior to end of June.
•Forms are available on your school’s website in spring after fees have been
approved by the Board of Trustees (part of the budget process).
• Bus routes are developed throughout the summer based on the submitted
transportation forms. Routes and stops are determined by the
registrations. If you don’t get your form in by the end of June a bus stop
will not be in place for your child for September.
More About Transportation
• Bus maps will be available at school beginning August 28th, 2013. I
• The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 3rd.
See your school for info re: Staggered Entry for Kindergarten
Kindergarten children have two bus routes:
Before school or after school and the mid-day trip.
• Kindergarten class placement in morning or afternoon is determined by
your home address and established by the Transportation Department
• The First Ride Program: Registration begins Monday, April 15, 2013 and the
program will be held on Sat. May 25 and Sun. May 26, 2013. Preregistration is essential to attend this program and is on a first-come,
first-served basis. To pre-register call 403-640-8867. Registration
opens April 15, 2013. For further information please visit the following:
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/transportation/first_ride.asp
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French Immersion Program
Information
• Entry Points: K-Gr. 1 & Gr.7 (late immersion)
• K-2 begins with intensive language (100%) use to build
vocabulary ( English not introduced until Gr. 3)
• French acquired primarily through oral conversation
• Subject material is not translated:
Goal = kids thinking in French!!
• Gr. 3 = 80%/20% Fr./English Gr. 4-6 = 70%/30%
Fr./English
• From Sundance and Sam Livingston, students go to
Fairview (Middle School) & E.P. Scarlett (High School)
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From Chinook Park, students go to Harold Panabaker
(Jr. H.) & E.P. Scarlett (High School)
Current Boundary Designations
Classroom Visits
General Questions