FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM

Western School Division operates a Kindergarten to Grade 8 French Immersion program located at Maple Leaf School from K to 4 and at École Morden Middle School from Grades 5 to 8. In 1990 the board of trustees approved an immersion program to run to the end of Grade 6. In 1995, it was reviewed, and a decision was made to take it to the end of Grade 8. By this time four classes have completed their Grade 8 year and have moved on to the senior high level.

WHAT IS FRENCH IMMERSION?

French Immersion is a French Second Language Program offered by Western School Division at Maple Leaf and École Morden Middle School. The program goes from Kindergarten to Grade Eight. Students take all of their programming in the French language except for English Language Arts which is taken for one hour each day starting in Grade 1. As well, the physical education and music programs are taught in English language.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why would I, as a parent, enrol my child in a French Immersion program?

• Opportunity to learn a second language while becoming more proficient in English.
• To learn about another culture
• Having learned two languages, it is easier to learn more languages.
• To know two languages helps to provide more employment opportunities when older.

Is kindergarten the only entry point?

• Grade One is also a possibility, especially if a child needs extra challenge.

What happens if my child is not doing well in the immersion program?

• If a child is not adjusting well to the immersion program, he/she can be moved into the English stream. We do ask for a one year commitment unless major problems emerge.
• Supports are available for all students, including immersion students such as guidance, resource, speech, and psychological.

Will my child be behind in learning English?

• No. For a child progressing normally, by grade 3, there is no lag in English. The results of the Grade 3 standards tests in the past supported this in both math and English. In both subjects, test scores were significantly above provincial and divisional averages.

How do I help my child if I can't speak French?

• Help your child with the English part. Read to them in English, have them read to you in English, and have them write in English.
• Software is now available that will help.
• Teacher packages have been prepared that give student practice on cassette tapes.

• With the immersion Kindergarten to Grade 4's moving to Maple Leaf, they will join the English program for many events such as track and field and concerts.
• The Grade 5 to 8's at École Morden Middle School, take part in divisional activities such as track and field days and are involved with other students in concerts. The students have assemblies together, share the same recesses and noon hours and take choir classes with their English counterparts. In the seventh grade, exploratory courses are taken with English stream students and in the eighth grade, immersion students have the same options as the those taking English only. All students have the opportunity to take part in any extra-curricular activities, whether they occur at noon or after school.

• Goes from Kindergarten to grade 8 at this time.
• Gradually increasing in overall numbers each year.
• This year, Morden Collegiate offered advanced French Language courses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM

• For information packages, call Maple Leaf School at 822-4458, or École Morden Middle School at 822-6225
• Make arrangements to speak with any of the French Immersion teachers by calling at Maple Leaf at 822-4458 or EMMS at 822-6225.
• Call or set up an appointment to meet with principals, Dale Owen at the Maple Leaf School or Jacques Labelle at EMMS.
• Call the Maple Leaf or EMMS to make arrangements to visit a French Immersion class in action.