Program Reviews

French as a Second Language — Important Changes You Need to Know

Early in 2007 we initiated a review of French as a Second Language (FSL) programs, both at the elementary and secondary levels. The objectives for the elementary school phase of the FSL review were to:

improve the effectiveness of delivery and instruction for FSL programs
ensure that students throughout the school district have equitable access to FSL programs
ensure that FSL programs have viable and sustainable enrolments
ensure that FSL programs are cost effective

As a result of our elementary school phase review, we are phasing out the Late French Immersion (LFI) program beginning in September 2008. The phase-out strategy will ensure that, subject to sufficient enrolment, students currently enrolled in grades 4 through 7 will continue to have access to Late French Immersion.

Therefore, beginning in September 2008, French as a Second Language delivery in our elementary schools will be:

Core French (Junior Kindergarten to grade 8)
Early French Immersion (EFI) (SK to grade 8)
Middle French Immersion (MFI) (grades 4 to 8)

Late French Immersion will only be offered in accordance with the phase-out plan. To read the phase-out plan, and other key findings and recommendations coming from this review, please download our report . Please note that this report has been updated to reflect the Board’s final recommendations

You can also read our French as a Second Language Fact Sheet.

Here is a snapshot of how changes to our French as a Second Language program delivery may impact on your child(ren) currently enrolled in grades JK through grade 7. If you are considering an immersion program for your child who is currently enrolled in:

Junior Kindergarten — he/she will have access to an EFI program (Senior Kindergarten entry) or an MFI program (grade 4 entry) effective September 2008; LFI will no longer be a program option. To find out the designated school for these programs in your area, please speak to the principal at your child’s current school or use School Locator to find the school in your area.

Senior Kindergarten through Grade 3 — he/she will have access to an EFI and an MFI program (grade 4 entry) effective September 2008; LFI will no longer be a program option. To find out the designated school for the MFI program in your area, please speak to the principal at your child’s current school or use School Locator.

Grades 4 through 6 — he/she will continue to have access to an LFI program (grade 7 entry point) until September 2010. For the 2008-2009 school year, current sites offering the LFI program will continue to operate provided there is sufficient enrolment. In subsequent years, site locations may be consolidated should student enrolment in the program decline. To find out the designated school for the LFI program in your area, please speak to the principal at your child’s current school or use School Locator.

Grade 7 LFI— he/she will be able to continue in the grade 8 LFI program at their current school provided there is sufficient enrolment.

New Middle French Immersion Sites and Consultation Plan to Choose Future Sites

In order to provide greater accessibility to Middle French Immersion (MFI), it will be introduced at Kars Public School, Metcalfe Public School, and Trillium Elementary School in September 2008. These sites were chosen to address areas of the district where there is currently no access to an MFI program. These schools are holding local information sessions for their communities to better understand this new program opportunity.

We have begun consultation to seek further feedback concerning potential criteria for decision-making and other school community issues regarding the addition of Middle French Immersion Program locations for the 2009–2011 school years. An initial public information meeting was held on Monday, February 25 and the following presentation was shared.

On March 18 we will be consulting with specific school communities that may be interested in adding a Middle French Immersion program to their school or their immediate school community. Initial recommendations as to new locations and implementation strategies, stemming from this consultation and feedback, will be brought forward to the April 9 Business Services Committee (the recommendations will be available for reading in our Board of Trustees – Agenda section. Delegations wishing to appear before the committee are encouraged to register with Board Services, 613 596-8211, ext. 8641.

The Board is expected to make its final decision on these recommendations at its April meeting.

The work to improve our FSL programs continues. A staff committee comprised of classroom teachers, school principals and board curriculum staff has been established to review all components of elementary immersion and core French programs. The program structure and language of instruction for each subject in Early French Immersion (EFI) and Middle French Immersion (MFI) will be organized to ensure consistency and high quality programs across all schools offering immersion programs.

Instructional strategies, supports for students and learning materials will be the focus of discussions for immersion and core French programs. The work of this committee will be communicated through Education Committee in the coming months and will be noted on the committee agenda.