1. Parent information about Grade 1 French Immersion Nov
Parent information about Grade 1 French Immersion Nov. 30, Welcome/Bienvenue
Welcome to [name of school] and to our information session about our French Immersion program. My name is [first and last name] and I am [title] here at the school.
With me this evening are the following people from our school [Introduce any other staff, students and parents who will be involved in the presentation].
Items for the information package to hand out to parents:
Is French Immersion right for my child? – French Immersion brochure
CPF membership form
Any information the school wishes to distribute

2. Settler’s Green – Home of Al. E
Settler’s Green – Home of Al. E. Gator students in FI and 226 in English - Intramurals (Bench ball, Soccer, Volleyball) drumming, PALS, Glee Club) - Silverbirch and Tamarac and Express reading programs -Artists in the School program - Breakfast Club - School Council - Student Leaders (Tech Ninjas, School Store, Office Helpers) - Parent Volunteers always welcomed
I recognize some of you as parents and family members of kindergarten children here at our school. For those of you who don’t already have person experience with our school, I want to start by telling you a bit about what makes [name of school] so special.
[Here, talk about your school. Include the following information:
number of students in FI, English
clubs, teams, extracurricular activities
arts, physical education, library, etc.
special features/programs
school council
student council and/or student leadership opportunities
opportunities for parent involvement
any other unique features of your school
At this point, or later in the presentation, you may wish to have a student give their perspective about what makes your school great. Or you may have the school council chair talk briefly about opportunities for parent involvement.]

3. French Immersion in Peel board Early French Immersion – starts in grade 1 Extended French – starts grade 7
The Peel board offers two entry points into French Immersion. Early French Immersion starts at the beginning of grade 1, and Extended French at the beginning of grade 7.

4. Growth of French Immersion program schools offer early French Immersion per cent of grade 1 students in Peel will be offered placement in Grade 1 French Immersion ,000 Peel board students in French Immersion grades 1 to French Immersion students currently at our school
French Immersion is an integral part of the program offered by our school. We are one of 46 schools across the region to offer early French Immersion. In fact, about 25 per cent of grade 1 students in the Peel board this year are in French Immersion.
The program continues to grow in popularity. In total, there are almost 17,000 students in French Immersion in the Peel board, out of the board’s total student population of 153,000.
At our school, we have [how many] students in our immersion program.

5. Qualified French Immersion teachers - proficient in speaking, reading and writing French - additional training in teaching French as a Second Language
Immersion teachers have both a high level of fluency in French, as well as specialized training in teaching French as a Second Language.
The Peel board is actively recruiting teachers from across Canada who speak French as a first language or, if French is their second language, have a very high degree of fluency. The board tests all potential French teachers for written and oral fluency, and to be hired for the immersion program, a very high level of proficiency is required.
In addition, immersion teachers must have completed specialized training—in addition to their teaching qualifications—about how to teach a second language.
It’s important for you to know, however, that if the regular immersion teacher is ill, the occasional teacher who fills in likely won’t be fluent in French.

6. French as a Second Language - no requirement of previous French experience
It’s important to make the point right up front that the program is French as a second language—in other words, there is no requirement for you or your child to have any previous exposure to French. But it does help, especially in older grades.
Likely, your child does not speak or understand any French before starting the program. As parents, you may not speak French at all—or you may have some rusty high school French to fall back on. That’s absolutely fine. No previous knowledge of French is required to enroll in the program.
The program works by immersing the children in the French language. Five and six-year-olds starting grade 1 are still very open to learning language, and they learn very quickly. They learn by experiencing the language—not just learning about it.

7. The aim is fluency in French
The aim of the immersion program is fluency in French. Right from the start, the emphasis is on comprehension, on being able to communicate and make themselves understood.
To use this approach, children need to feel comfortable making mistakes in their efforts to communicate. Learning language is complex—and you can’t become a fluent communicator in another language by learning one word or one grammar rule at a time.
Again, think about when your child was first learning to speak. The goal was to communicate, and the communication did not need to be perfect to be understandable. As your child grew older and gained more practice, the grammar and vocabulary expanded and became more precise and more correct. It’s the same process in French Immersion.

8. Benefits of French Immersion - learn about the French culture - gain understanding of Canada’s bilingual and bicultural heritage - appreciate value of learning another language - prepare for bilingual employment opportunities
The program also offers other benefits:
Students learn about the French culture, and we’ve found that makes them more open to learning about other people from various cultures.
They gain an understanding of Canada’s bilingual and bicultural heritage.
They appreciate the value of learning another language.
The program helps prepare them for future bilingual employment opportunities.
That gives you an overview of the program in general, but I know you’re interested in hearing more about exactly how the program works in grade 1 and what your child can expect the program to be like.

9. Grade 1 French Immersion program per cent in French per cent in English - FI students may have two main teachers – 1 English and 1 French
In grade 1, the program is 50 per cent French, 50 per cent English. This is the Ministry of Education’s minimum requirement for French Immersion.
From the very first day of grade 1, teachers speak French to the students. You might wonder, how do the children understand them? Well, they use a wide variety of strategies—gestures, actions, patterns, repetition, visuals. There are pictures all around the classroom, so the teacher can use picture-word association. The students also quickly learn the vocabulary associated with the classroom routines.
For first part of the year, the focus is very oral as students are building up their vocabulary. In other words, they understand what is being said to them, but they are not yet speaking French on their own. So, don’t be surprised if your child is not “speaking” French right away at the beginning of grade 1. At first, their attempts are usually a mix of French and English—and that’s okay. The more they use the language, the more they build their skill at communicating in French. As the year progresses, we begin to introduce French writing.
While they are learning French, they’re also learning all of the curriculum that’s required to be taught in grade 1, based on the Ontario curriculum. There is also a specific provincial curriculum for French Immersion, which we also follow.

10. Grade 1 French Immersion program - same provincial curriculum expectations as the English program
You may be wondering how teachers manage to cover the entire regular grade 1 curriculum, in addition to teaching French? Well, many of the skills are transferable. Here’s one quick example:
In grade 1, students are expected to identify the key elements of a story (e.g. what the story is about, who the characters are, etc.) as part of the reading curriculum for both French and English. As you can see, it does not matter whether you’re practicing that skill in French or English—the concepts are the same. So, those are examples of transferable skills.
An important thing to note is that students may have two main teachers—1 for English and 1 for French. They may also have a different teacher for Physical Education or the Arts.

11. By the end of grade 1: - follow written and verbal instructions in French - speak in French about familiar topics - pronounce familiar French words correctly - read short, simple materials in French - follow simple written instructions - produce short, simple pieces of writing in French
Here are some examples of the skills students have mastered by the end of gr. 1:
following instructions in French to perform simple tasks
speaking in French about familiar topics, using simple vocabulary and expressions
pronouncing familiar French words correctly
reading a variety of short, simple materials in French
following simple written instructions
producing short, simple pieces of writing in French
By the end of grade 1:
Students use simple vocabulary and language structures, such as the verb être and avoir, to communicate needs and express likes and dislikes.
They can create questions in a variety of ways—for example, starting with “est-ce que” or starting with a question word.
These are just some examples. But they will give you an idea of what is covered in the program in grade 1.

12. Immersion students read and write English as well as other students
How do we know? Well, one important indication is the provincial EQAO tests. All Peel immersion students write the test in English. Immersion students score as well as non-immersion students in English reading and writing. In other words, they do as well as other students in Peel and across the province.
When it comes to passing the literacy test in grade 10, which is a requirement to graduate, FI students write the OSSLT. Peel students as a whole perform at the provincial average.

13. Help your child at home - read provincial French Immersion curriculum - talk to your child every day about school - read with your child every day in English or your first language - listen to your child read in French - regular time and place for homework
You may be wondering how they can help their child at home, especially if you are not fluent in French. There are many things you can do as a parent to support your child’s success in the immersion program. Here are some suggestions:
Read the provincial French Immersion curriculum, as well as the other curriculum for grade 1. By being familiar with the skills and knowledge your child needs to learn in grade 1, you’ll be better able to support what she is learning.
Talk to your child every day about school. This sends a clear message to him about the importance you place on school and learning.
One of the most important things you can do is to read with your child every day in English—or your first language. By reading together—reading to your child and having her read to you—you help her develop literacy skills that will definitely transfer to French.
Once your child starts bringing home simple French books, have him read aloud to you. If you don’t understand what it means, that’s okay—ask him to explain the story to you in English or your first language.
Set a regular time and place for your child to complete any homework. Remember, it’s your child’s homework, not yours. If there are any instructions for parents, they will always be in English, not French.

14. Help your child at home - watch French version of favourite DVDs - show your child that French exists outside the classroom - watch French children’s shows—Caillou and Carmen à la campagne - borrow French books, magazines and books on CD from public library - French games and software - enrol your child in French summer camp - family vacation, exchange programs
Show your child that French exists outside the classroom. If your child is going to watch a favourite DVD, switch it to the French version. This works especially well with animated movies. If your child is like most kids, they like to watch the same favourite movie over and over again. What better way to reinforce the French they’re learning. Or let them watch French children’s shows—for example, on TFO. The best choices are shows made originally in French, such as Caillou and Carmen à la campagne.
Visit the public library and take advantage of the French resources available there for free. French books, magazines and books on CD are great resources for your child.
French games and software are also fun ways to give your child more exposure to French.
In the summer, look for French summer camp for your child.
If you’re planning a family vacation, consider a destination where your child can experience French culture and language. Or, when your child is older, look into exchange programs.

15. WE ARE A NATIONWIDE, RESEARCH-INFORMED VOLUNTEER ORGANZATION which values French as an integral part of Canada and which is dedicated to the promotion and creation of French-second-language learning opportunities for youth.
Visit the Canadian Parents for French website, on.cpf.ca. It has more resources for parents. Consider joining as a member. In your information package, we’ve included a membership form. This parent group is dedicated to helping support you and your child.
These are just a few ideas. Teachers share more ideas and strategies with parents during each grade of Extended French. What’s important to remember is that you don’t have to know French to help your child be successful in the program.
Peel Chapters: Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga West
T: │ on.cpf.ca │

16. Is French Immersion right for my child?
- strong skills in first language - likes to talk - likes to work in groups - imitates easily - good memory - demonstrates confidence - risk-taker - enjoys new challenges - enjoys books - successful transition from home to kindergarten
Is French Immersion right for my child?
But how do you know whether French Immersion is a good fit for your child? Well, of course you know your child best. But, from years of experience with the program, here are some of the characteristics common to children who thrive in the program:
has strong skills in his or her first language
likes to talk
likes to work in groups—after all, if you like to talk, you need someone else to talk to
imitates easily
has a good memory
demonstrates confidence
is a risk-taker
enjoys new challenges
enjoys books
had a successful transition from home to kindergarten

17. Is French Immersion right for my family?
- family in agreement to support the FI learning and program - be aware that your children may be in two or more schools - consideration of transportation/daycare arrangements
But how do you know whether French Immersion is a good fit for your family?
- Family in agreement to support the FI learning and program - be aware that your children may be in two or more schools. Parents may need to divide their time between multiple parent information nights, interviews, and special events. - consideration of transportation/daycare arrangements

18. What if English is not your child's first language
What if English is not your child's first language? - strong skills in the child's first language - continue to speak first language at home
If English is not your child’s first language, is French Immersion an option? Again, you know your child best, but generally, if your child has strong first language skills and fits the description I’ve just given, then immersion is an option for you to consider.
If they have already learned English as second language, then they have that experience and have an idea what to expect when they begin to learn French. As well, you can continue to speak your first language at home to your child—that’s something else many parents ask about. In fact, many children in the immersion program are tri-lingual and manage the transition from the language of home to school with no difficulties.

19. Indications that French Immersion might not be the right choice now - struggling with the transition to school - pre-existing learning difficulties - different opinions within the family about the program - performing below average in their first language - students who will miss significant amounts of instructional time (e.g. frequent or extended vacations)
In the same way that we know from experience what factors signal likelihood of success, we also know there are some indicators that French Immersion might not be a good fit:
children who are struggling with the transition to school
pre-existing learning difficulties
different opinions within the family about enrolling your child in the program
children who are performing below average in their first language—for example, slower to learn vocabulary than other children their age
children who will be absent from school for extended periods of time
If you’re seriously considering enrolling your child in French Immersion, we encourage you to speak with your child’s kindergarten educator to get his/her perspective. But, ultimately, parents have the best knowledge of their own child. So, in the end, you will make the choice that you feel will be best for your child.

20. Indicators that children are successful in French Immersion - happy - enthusiastic about learning - positive about school - report card indicates progress - feedback from teacher
If your child enters the immersion program, how will you know whether they’re experiencing success? Well, the most important indicators will be clear to you at home on a day-to-day basis—your child will be happy, enthusiastic about learning, and generally positive about school.
You will see school work that your child has completed in class. Through the report cards and meetings with the teacher, you will also receive direct feedback from your child’s teacher. It’s important to remember that every child is unique and progresses at their own pace. Generally, if you and the teacher are seeing progress and your child is enjoying school, it means the program is a success for your child.

21. Moving out of French Immersion - students return to their neighbourhood school - no flexible boundaries
Should you decide that French Immersion is not the right place for your child, it will mean that your child would return to your neighbourhood school.
There is no option for flexible boundaries to enable your child to remain at the French Immersion school. If it’s very late in the school year, it may be possible for your child to remain at our school until the end of the school year, and then move.
The decision to move a child out of French Immersion is based on the academic and emotional needs of the child—ultimately, what’s important is that your child is successful and happy.

22. French is part of every child's school experience - another immersion option—Extended French starts in grade all students study French 40 minutes/day from grades 4 to at least one high school French credit
If you decide that immersion isn’t right for your child at this stage, you can always consider it for grade 7. As well, all students study French for 40 minutes a day from grade 4 to grade 8 and take at least one credit of French in high school. So, one way or another, French will be part of your child’s school experience.

23. Application deadline January 27, 2017 4 p.m.
The application deadline for next September is 4 p.m. on Jan. 27, This may sound early—but it’s when we begin the process of figuring out our staffing for the next school year.

24. Enrolment Cap 25% of all Peel grade 1 students
A grade 1 FI enrolment cap is in place. This means that a specific number of spots are available for students entering grade 1 FI. Not everyone who applies will get into the FI program.
The cap is set at 25 per cent of the total annual enrolment number of grade 1 students in the Peel District School Board.
We do not yet know how many spots we have available as the 25% cap applies across the board. The decision about how many places we will have at our school will be made in March.

25. Random Selection Process - All students who apply by the deadline Jan
Random Selection Process - All students who apply by the deadline Jan. 27, 2017 will be placed in a random selection process and assigned a rank. - Spots are not assigned on a first come, first served basis. - Once students have been assigned to all available spots, remaining students will be placed, in rank order, on the school’s waitlist.
You may have heard about the Peel board’s random selection process system, which is in place due to the enrolment cap. Here’s how it works:
If the number of students who apply by the deadline exceeds the number of spots in grade 1 FI, a random selection process system is used to identify students gaining entrance into the grade 1 FI program.
Places in grade 1 FI are not assigned on a first come, first served basis. All students who apply by the deadline will be assigned a rank using a computerized random selection process. Once students have been assigned to all available spots, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Each school will have its own separate waitlist.
It’s important to note that last year, we were not able to accept every student who applied for French Immersion into the program. Again, there is limited space as a Grade 1 FI enrolment cap is in place.

26. Random selection process – who’s exempt
Random selection process – who’s exempt? Students who currently ( ) have siblings in the elementary FI program (in grades 5 to 7) would be placed into the grade 1 FI program, provided they apply online by the Jan. 27, p.m. deadline.
Provided they apply online by the deadline, students who currently have siblings in the FI program who are in grades 5 to 7 will be placed into the FI program. It's important to note that the grandparenting of siblings applies only to families who currently ( ) have children in the elementary FI program (grades 5 to 7). This means that younger siblings of students who are accepted into grade 1 FI for the school year and who don't currently have siblings in grades 5 to 7 FI will participate in the random selection process in future years.

27. Random selection process – who’s exempt
Random selection process – who’s exempt? Students who are currently in a Kindergarten
French Immersion program in a publicly-funded school board will be placed into the grade 1 French Immersion program.
Students who are currently in Kindergarten FI in a publicly-funded school board will not be included in the random selection process. They will be placed into the grade 1 French Immersion program.

28. Waitlist Students will be placed on a waitlist for grade 1 French Immersion in the following order: 1. Students who applied by the deadline, but weren’t selected during the random selection process. 2. Students who missed the application deadline OR Students who moved to the Peel board, but have not been part of an existing French Immersion program and missed the deadline
Students will be placed on a waitlist for grade 1 FI in the following order:
1. Students who applied by the deadline, but weren't selected during the random selection process. Students will be placed in rank order, as determined by the computerized selection process.
2. Students who missed the application deadline. OR
Students who have moved to the Peel board, but have not been part of an existing FI program and missed the application deadline.
Again, it’s important to note that last year, we were not able to accept every student who applied for French Immersion into the program.

29. Students on waitlist Students continue to attend the regular English program in grade 1 at their home school if they are not offered a spot in FI.
If students do not get placed into Grade 1 FI program from the waitlist, they would continue to attend the regular program at their home school.

30. How to apply The application process for FI will be done through an online form that will be available on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m. at
You must apply online by 4 p.m. on Friday Jan. 27, 2017.
Even if you have an older child currently in French Immersion in grades 5 to 7, you must apply by the deadline to avoid being placed on the waitlist.
If you do not get confirmation that your application was received, contact the school immediately.
The application process for French Immersion will be done through an online form that will be available on the Peel board website on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m.
Be sure to apply online before the Jan. 27, 2017, 4 p.m. deadline.
Even if you have an older child currently in French Immersion in grades 5 to 7, you must apply by the deadline to avoid being placed on the waitlist.
If you do not get confirmation that your application was received, contact the school immediately.

31. I’ll now give a brief overview of the online application form.
To access the form, from your web browser, visit
From the main page, which is shown on this slide, look under the parents section on the left hand side, which is shaded in green. Then click on the “French Immersion” link which is highlighted by the red box on the slide.

32. How to apply
This will bring you to the French Immersion page. At the top of the page you will see two buttons, Apply for Grade 1 French Immersion Application Form and Grade 7 Extended French Application Form. They are highlighted by the red box in the slide. Click on the Grade 1 French Immersion Application Form button.

33. This will bring you to the French Immersion Application page.
Overall, the form asks the same information for all applicants. All required fields are marked by asterisks. It is very important to ensure all information you provide is correct.
In order to apply online, you must provide a valid address. We will be using this address to communicate with you to confirm receipt of your application and to provide updates on your child’s status for placement in the French Immersion program. If you do not have an address, you must come into the school to apply. A staff member will help you apply using the online application form and we will note that you do not have an address so that we can communicate with you via other methods.

34. Although most of the information required in the form is standard, I would like to draw your attention to the School Information section.
As you can see in the slide, there is a line titled “My child is currently attending”. You must select one of options in the dropdown box next to that line.
The options are:
My child is currently attending a school in the Peel District School Board
My child is currently attending a private school or child care
My child is currently attending a school in another Ontario School Board
My child is currently attending other

35. Flexible boundaries are NOT available for grade 1 FI.
Students must apply to and (if accepted) attend the French Immersion school based on their home address.
Flexible boundaries are NOT available for grade 1 FI.
If you select My child is currently attending a school in the Peel District School Board, then you will have to select the Peel school your child is currently attending.
Flexible boundaries are not available for grade 1 FI
- students must apply to and, if accepted, attend the French Immersion school based on their home address.
- a kindergarten student who is currently attending a school based on a flexible boundary (the school is not their home school) may continue in the English program at the same school; this status, however, cannot be transferred to the French Immersion program if it exists at that schools. They must attend the FI program that is determined based on their home address.
- across the system there are significant waitlists at French Immersion sites. If spaces become available, they are offered to waitlist students from nearby schools.

36. The Kindergarten Communication of Learning
-enter your child’s pupil number which can be found on the Student Report Card as shown boxed in red on the screenshot at the bottom of the screen
-the French Immersion School will automatically be filled in based on the school your child currently attends.

37. If you select My child is currently attending a school in another Ontario School Board, then you will have to:
-specify the name of the school board
-enter the child’s Ontario Education Number as found on the student report card
-and select the French Immersion school from the dropdown menu based on your home address. At the bottom is a link to the Peel board’s School Locator tool.

38. If you click on that link, it will bring you to the tool where you enter your address information and then it will tell you which school would be your French Immersion school based on your address.

39. Lastly, If you select My child is currently attending a private school or child care or other, then you will have to:
-specify the name of the private school or child care or other
-and select the French Immersion school from the dropdown menu based on your home address. Again, use the school locator tool to determine your French Immersion school based on your home address.

40. Keep your contact info up to date
After applying online, call the school if:
You made an error in completing the online application
You no longer wish to enrol your child in FI
Your phone number/ address changes
Your home address changes
After you apply, please contact our office immediately if there are any changes to the information you submitted in the online application form.
Your contact information must be up-to-date. This ensures you will receive communications as they are sent from the school.

41. Result of random selection process By March 3, 2017, we will send confirmation by email of:
placement into the Grade 1 FI program OR
placement on the waitlist If you applied by the deadline, but did not receive confirmation please call your school after March 3, 2017 to follow up. It is the parents’ responsibility to call the school no later than March 31, 2017.
By March 3, we will send confirmation of French Immersion placements s or letters to parents. At the same time, we will send s or letters home confirming spots on the waitlist.
If you applied by the deadline, but do not receive confirmation of your child’s place in French Immersion or their place on the waitlist after March 3 please call us to follow up.

42. Placing students from the waitlist If you are not told by the end of the first week of school in September (i.e. Sept. 8, 2017), that your child has a spot in grade 1 French Immersion, he or she will not attend the program.
If you receive an offer for placement in grade 1 FI, the school requires an immediate response to hold the place.
Students on the waitlist may be offered places as they become available. If you are not told by the end of the first week of school in September that your child has a spot in grade 1 French Immersion, he or she will not attend the program. Please ensure your contact information is always up-to-date.
If you receive an offer for placement in grade 1 FI, the school requires an immediate response to hold the place. [Principal note: there are very strict timelines for the students to be in place for Monday. If the school does not get a quick response from parents, the spot will be offered to the next student on the waitlist.]

43. First day of school Tuesday, September 5, 2017
To maintain your spot in FI, you must provide an explanation to the Principal if your child will not attend on the first day of school.
In order to remain in the program, your child must attend school by September 15, 2017.
You must provide an explanation to the school if your child won’t attend the first day of school to maintain your spot in FI.
Even with an explanation to the school, in order to remain in the program, your child must attend school by September 15, 2017.

44. Busing eligibility - grade 1 – 1 km - grades 2 to 4 – 1
Busing eligibility - grade 1 – 1 km - grades 2 to 4 – 1.6 km - grades 5 to 6 – 2 km - grades 7 to 8 – 2 km To find out if your child qualifies for busing, visit
If you enroll your child in French Immersion, you may be eligible for busing. The board determines busing based on the age of the students and the distance from the school.
For grade 1, the board provides busing for children who live more than 1 km from our school.
You can visit to find out if your child is eligible for busing.

45. Central bus stops - bus does not pick up in front of your home - children walk up to 700m to bus stop
It’s important for you to know that the bus does not pick up your child in front of your house. There are pre-determined bus pick-up spots for the French Immersion program. In most cases, several children are picked up at the same bus stop. Your child may have to walk up to 700 metres to the bus stop.
There are several reasons for this practice:
It’s safer for children to be picked up and dropped off in a group, rather than by themselves.
By having fewer bus stops, it makes the ride to school shorter.
It’s more cost efficient to have fewer bus stops—a shorter time for the bus run means that it takes less fuel.
It's important for you to know that busing for French Immersion is not provided by the Peel board in high school.

46. Questions?
So, these are the basics of the French Immersion program. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have at this time.
[answer questions]