French Immersion Information Evening January 7, 2010 William Reid School 7:00 PM

Agenda 1.Welcome and Introductions 2.The French Immersion Program 3.French in the Kindergarten Classroom 4.Grade One entry to French Immersion 5.Family Testimonial 6.Transportation Information 7.Registration and Boundaries 8.Questions?? 10. Classroom visits

The French Immersion Program French Immersion is the most predominant alternative language program within the Calgary Board of Education. It is designed for students whose first language is not French! French is used as the language of instruction over fifty percent of the instructional day, beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and continuing through to Grade 12. The Program is offered in: 12 Elementary Schools 8 Jr. High/Middle Schools 4 High Schools

The French Immersion Program The long term goals of the French Immersion Program at all levels are: Functional fluency in French Understanding and appreciation of French culture. Full mastery of the English Language

The French Immersion Program Early French Immersion Program Entry points – Kindergarten & Grade 1 *Previous French experience is not required and parents do not need to know the language Proportion of French to English: Kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2: % French (English is not formally taught) Grades 3-6: 70-80% French (English Language Arts is formally introduced in Grade 3) Subjects taught in French: Grade 7, 8 & 9: French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies Grade 10, 11 & 12: French Language Arts, Mathematics &Social Studies

The French Immersion Program Late French Immersion Program Entry point - Grade 7 Previous French experience is not required and parents do not need to know the language Subjects taught in French: Grade 7, 8 & 9: French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies Grade 10, 11 & 12: French Language Arts, Mathematics & Social Studies

Supporting your child in French Immersion Is French Immersion for your child? French Immersion is suitable for almost all children. Flags to watch for are weak language development in the child’s first language or trouble learning and discriminating sounds. Every situation is unique – home/school communication is key. Canadian Parents for French (CPF).

French Immersion Kindergarten Program Kindergarten addresses all dimensions of a child’s development. It builds upon what children have already learned in their home and community settings. In Kindergarten, children explore and experiment with their environment and learn how to interact with others. This helps them to value themselves as capable and competent learners. Kindergarten is a half-day program. Class sizes vary. Our target ratio is 17 students to one teacher.

Creative Expression Early Literacy Physical Skills and Well Being Citizenship and Identity Early Numeracy Environment and Community Awareness Personal and Social Responsibility French Language …is the filter through which a child’s learning takes place FRENCH IMMERSION KINDERGARTEN AT-A -GLANCE

French Immersion Kindergarten Program The program offers children opportunities to: develop skills in language arts, science, mathematics, social studies and the fine arts develop decision-making skills enhance personal and social responsibility communicate effectively demonstrate their knowledge in different ways

French Immersion Kindergarten Program In the French Immersion classroom you will see: French print materials on charts on the walls Shelves displaying assorted French language books A variety of language activities supported by visuals and mime Computers with French software

French Immersion Kindergarten Program A Typical Day: Le tapis – Carpet Time Daily Activity Literacy, Mathematics, Art Science, Social Studies Le gymnase, la musique, la bibliothèque La collation Les centres La maison

Les Centres Dramatic Play Language Development Mathematics Fine Motor Computer

Learning to Read Reading is developmental Reading to your child is very important Continue to read to your child in English (but do not feel you need to teach them to read in English)

Reading with your Child Continue to read to your child in English English and French books have many similarities: Left to right progression Groups of letters form words Groups of words form sentence Same alphabet Sounds correspond to letters There are similarities and differences between words Consonants are essentially the same ( vowel sounds are different) Beginning, middle and end to stories Correct way to hold a book and track print Pictures provide clues

Grade One Entry to French Immersion A number of students enter the program in Grade 1 Previous knowledge of French is not required Students are successful Additional language support is provided if necessary

Transportation Bussing is provided both ways if you live outside our walk limit. The cost of bussing for this year is $165 for the year. Fees for next year will be determined in the spring. Once your child is in Grade One French Immersion, you need to pay the bussing fee, but you do not need to pay lunchroom fees. Bussing is provided based on your home address. If your child will be attending a daycare or dayhome, they will be able to access the closest stop, but a bus stop will not be created for them. Forms for bussing will be available in late May or early June. If they are not available at the spring orientation meetings, they will be mailed out to you. Safety is very important to us! Steps are taken to ensure Kindergarten students make their way between the bus and their entry door safely. Bus drivers are not permitted to drop off a Kindergarten student if there is not an adult at the bus stop. If no one is there, the bus will return the child to the school.

Registration Children who turn four years old on or before March 1, 2010 can begin Kindergarten in September Register your child for Kindergarten by visiting the school. Registration begins on January 12 th at 9:00 and is ongoing. You will need to provide proof of your child's name, date of birth, and citizenship. Only the following documents are accepted: Birth Certificate Canadian Citizenship Certificate Passport Record of Landing Baptismal Certificate Court Order You will also need to bring information that confirms your address (e.g. a driver's license or telephone bill).

Questions?