Welcome / Bienvenue
French Advisory Committee Information and Updates:
French Advisory Committee was established in April 2009. The committee is made up of parents, secondary student representatives, elementary and secondary teachers, trustees, principals and members of senior administration. The committee members were selected through a board wide application process that ended in June 2009.
The committee has been established to support excellence in French programs in the Halton District School Board and to report to Trustees annually. The objectives of the committee include:
· To improve the quality of French programming with respect to student engagement and achievement and to improve the culture of bilingualism.
· To serve as a liaison to community groups in matters pertaining to French program delivery.
· To review the current delivery model (Core French and French Immersion programs).
· To act as advocates for French Official Language programs for all students in Halton.
· To provide recommendations on appropriate resources.
Survey Information:
From December 1 to 18, 2009, all Grade 1 to 8 elementary school parents will be invited to participate in an electronic survey on French Programs in Halton. The results of this survey will be used by the French Advisory Committee when making recommendations to improve French program delivery in Halton.
For more information about the French Program Survey.
A letter concerning the French Program Survey will sent home to parents in November 2009 report cards.
Halton District School Board
French Language Programs
2009-2010
What is Core French?
Core French is a mandatory program, beginning in Grade 4 through Grade 8. This program is delivered through 200 minutes of instruction per week.
In order to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma at the end of Grade 12, students must successfully complete one French credit in high school.
What is French Immersion?
French Immersion is an optional program designed to give children an opportunity to become fluent in our second official language.
In The Halton District School Board, fifty percent of our elementary program is in French, and 50% is in English.
There are two entry points: early immersion starts in Grade 1, and late Immersion starts in Grade 7.
What is Early French Immersion?
This program begins in Grade 1, and continues through Grade 12. There are no entrance requirements, although recommendations from the Kindergarten teacher and school Principal are strongly suggested. Presentations at French Immersion centers/schools (French Immersion Centres Burlington, French Immersion Centres Oakville, and French immersion Centers Milton, Georgetown, Acton) and registration take place during January, for the following September. Registration forms may also be found on our web site (French Immersion Grade 1 Application). Completed forms should be submitted to your home school.
In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Certificate for Early French Immersion at the end of Grade 12, students must successfully complete 4 courses in French Immersion and a minimum of 6 courses in other subjects taught in French.
What is Late French Immersion?
This program begins in Grade 7, and continues through Grade 12. Although there are no formal entrance requirements, we strongly recommend that the student has successfully completed Core French in Grades 4 through 6. Registration forms are distributed to Halton Grade 6 students in January, for the following September, and may also be found on our web site (French Immersion Extended application). Completed forms should be submitted to your home school. This program is only offered at Sir Ernest MacMillan Public School in Burlington. Students attend Lester B. Pearson Secondary School. No transportation is provided.
In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Certificate for Extended French Immersion at the end of Grade 12, students must successfully complete 4 courses in Extended French Immersion and a minimum of 3 courses in other subjects taught in French.
How do I know if French Immersion is appropriate for my child?
Children who may find the program appropriate-
- Handle new situations using positive coping strategies (e.g.: risk-taker, gets along with peers, confident, with positive self-esteem.
- Demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to explore and experiment.
- Listen effectively (can retell or explain a story or events in proper sequence.
- Play with language (enjoys rhyming, memory and games.
- Enjoy new words (repeats and uses new vocabulary appropriately.
- Have well established work habits.
- Have a successful kindergarten year.
- Exhibit appropriate first language development.
Children who may find the program challenging:
- Perform below average in his/her own first language.
- Have parents who don't equally support enrolment and/or the student does not want to be in the program.
- Find their kindergarten experience challenging emotionally.
- Experience difficulty staying on task.
- Have weak listening skills.
- Experience difficulty retaining information.
Where can I find more information about French Immersion programs?
Please see French Immersion Programs in Halton DSB. Or, for more information, please contact Renée Meloche or Anne-Marie Sienna at 905-631-6120.
To learn more about these French programs refer to the Downloads section.