IS FRENCH IMMERSION THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MY CHILD?
Be verbal and like to talk
Show strengths in first language
Have good auditory discrimination
Have good memory
Be attentive and focused
Readily accept challenges
Self-correct
Imitate easily
Experiment without fear of making
mistakes
French Immersion is a K-12 program where diversity is celebrated and all students are supported.
The French Immersion Program parallels the English Program curriculum. In addition, students become proficient in French and have the opportunity to learn about Francophone cultures.
French Immersion is designed specifically for families whose first language is not French, although some children do have a francophone parent! French television programming, educational web sites and French music and story DVDs are available. Remember, the teachers are bilingual – you can ask them for help.
At the end of Kindergarten, children are able to recognize a large vocabulary and are able to use short sentences. They are able to follow the teacher’s instructions and to understand simple stories. They understand more than they speak. In Grades 1 – 3, speaking skills continue to receive emphasis and children become better at expressing themselves in French.
Our entire cultural milieu is English. Studies have shown that by Grade 7 most immersion students are equal to their English peers in English and many excel in Language Arts. English reading and spelling skills may lag briefly in the early intermediate grades. Reading to your child in English is beneficial.
All children at this age are interested in learning and enthusiastic about school. Some children may experience some initial frustration. These children overcome this given the nurturing, caring and interactive nature of the environment, and the consistent support of their parents.
Learning assistance is provided in French, as it would be in English. Learning disabilities are not related to French language. Should a learning disability be detected, the same strategies and procedures as in English are employed in French.
A child can register no later than September 30th of the year the child enters Grade 1. It is always important to discuss late entry with the District Language Coordinator.
Do encourage your child to watch French television.
Do read stories to your child in English. Because English stories will not be heard at school for a time, you can fill the gap.
Do take your child to French cultural events; take advantage of opportunities for exposure to the French language and culture.
Do volunteer to help at the school, in the classroom or with concerts, fairs, special days, and field trips.
Do show that you are pleased with your child’s progress.
Do speak positively about the program, the teacher, and the school. Express any questions or concerns you might have to the teacher, not to your child.
Do not ask your child to translate. Children will not understand this concept in the very early grades.
Do not attempt to correct your child if you are uncertain of the exact pronunciation or expression.
Do not give in to temptation to say, “Now, dear, say something in French to Grandma.” If your child is eager to speak French at home, encourage it, but do not make it a chore.
Do not compare your child’s progress with that of neighbours’ children. No two teachers and no two students work at the same rate.
Do not expect your child to provide you with an account of each day’s activities. Children take the routines of school for granted and often want a change of subject when they reach home.
Do not tell your five-year-old, “You are going to immersion in September.” After a big build-up, some children are surprised to arrive at an ordinary school!
Deep Cove Elementary or Keating Elementary (entry at K or Gr. 1)
K-Gr. 2 = 100% French Instruction
Gr. 3 = 100% French Instruction Sept. to Dec. and 80% French Instruction Jan. to June
Gr. 4-5 = 80% French Instruction
Bayside Middle School
Gr. 6-7 = 80% French Instruction
Gr. 8 = 50 to 75% French Instruction
Stelly’s Secondary School
Gr. 9 = 50 to 75% French Instruction
Gr. 10 = 50 to 75% French Instruction
Gr. 11 > 25% French Instruction
Gr. 12 > 25% French Instruction
For more information please contact:
Assistant Superintendent, Saanich School District #63
2125 Keating Cross Road Saanichton, BC
250-652-7300
Facsimile: 250-652-6421
Website: www.sd63.bc.ca
Mary Lynn Heron
Coordinator, French Programs
Principal, Keating Elementary
mheron@sd63.bc.ca
250-652-9261
Erika Moser
Principal, Deep Cove
emoser@sd63.bc.ca
250-656-7254
Current information on French programs and resources available to parents and children in the Saanich District can be obtained by contacting:
Canadian Parents for French – Saanich
CPF.Saanich@gmail.com Website:
Your Child
and French Immersion
INFORMATION FOR
PARENTS
ÉCOLE DEEP COVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dual track (English and French Immersion) Grades K to 5.
10975 West Saanich Road North Saanich, BC V8L 5P6 Telephone: 250-656-7254
Facsimile: 250-656-6240
ÉCOLE KEATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dual track (English and French Immersion) Grades K to 5.
6849 Central Saanich Road Saanichton, BC
V8Z 5V4 Telephone: 250-652-9261
Facsimile: 250-652-2094