Extended French Program 2014 – 2015

Lord, as we prepare to begin this meeting, We will recall your promise to be present when two or more are gathered in your name. We know that without you here among us, and with each one of us, we will labour in vain. Grant us the willingness to be open to each other, To respect each other, to listen to each other, and to be supportive of each other for the sake of the kingdom. Lord, unite us in your spirit.

RESPONSE: Walk closely with us God.   As we strive to live our lives well. Response… As we continue to surrender ourselves to you. Response… As we journey into unknown territory. Response…    As we learn to accept our weaknesses and our strengths. Response… As we open our hearts to the messengers you send to us. Response… As we keep searching for the truth. Response… TOGETHER: Lord, unite us in your spirit. Amen 

Learning goals We are learning to: identify the key characteristics of Halton Catholic’s Extended French program use research and key information to assist in decision-making for your child articulate the steps of our registration process

Success criteria We will know we have been successful if we can: articulate the key characteristics of Halton Catholic’s Extended French program make decisions for our children about which we feel confident register successfully… if we decide that this program is suitable for our child/family

Why Grade 5? School and parents have had a better chance to evaluate a youngster’s ability by grade 5 (any learning exceptionalities have been identified) Students have developed a strong first language base Older students may be more efficient language learners (recent research) Students have had the experience of Core French Students have some input in decision

Expectations of the Program Offers the students a challenge whose results can be measured in a relatively short period of time. Develops an independent approach to study. Develops increased awareness of study skills. Opens up new advantages (future employment options, cultural exchanges, enjoyment, etc.)

Extended French program Begins after grade 4 3 periods of French instruction 4 periods of English instruction For students whose parents are not French first-language speaking Curriculum aligned to English Available at designated schools Available from Grades 5 to 8 (with the option to continue in secondary)

Subjects taught in French … French Language Arts Science & Technology Social Studies One or two of Visual Arts, Music, and Drama, and Physical Education History Geography One or two of Visual Arts, Music, Drama, and Physical Education In the Junior division (Grades 5-6) In the Intermediate division (Grades7&8)

Subjects taught in English … Religion and Family Life English Language Arts Mathematics One or two of the Arts and Physical Education

By the end of Grade 8, the Extended French student: Has attained 1520 hours of French* Can read newspaper and books with occasional help of a dictionary Can understand radio and television news Can participate adequately in conversation Could function well in a French-speaking community after a few weeks residence

What happens after Grade 8? Extended French & Geography Grade 10 Extended French & History Grade 11 Extended French & World Religions Grade 12 Extended French

Research tells us: Middle/Extended French Immersion students generally attain a greater level of proficiency in the four language skills (reading, writing, oral & visual communication), by the end of Secondary School Students having a third language perform well in the Extended French Program.

Research tells us: Extended French does not impede the English language learning process. In general, Grade 8 Extended French students in ALL programs indicate high levels of confidence in using French with their peers outside of class.

Information you should know The program sites are subject to change. Parents should select the program based on the merits of the program, not on the location. Significant notice would be provided in the event of a site change. A minimum of 24 students are required to run a Grade 5 class (a maximum of 28 students; subject to principal discretion)

Information you should know Transportation will be provided ONLY for students in the Extended French program to the designated school as long as they remain in the program. Should a student decide to leave the program, s/he must return to the home school. Parents/students sometimes expect too much too soon.

EXTENDED FRENCH Considerations… lp? Parents should meet with their child’s present teacher and/or principal to determine suitability. There are risk factors when: Children are below the expected standard in their first language; Support at home is divided; Students do not want to be in the program; A child’s emotional well-being is suffering. The final decision to enter the program rests with the parents.

EXTENDED FRENCH Considerations… help? Instruction Experience has shown us that children who thrive in the program usually display some or all of the following: Enjoyment of language Strong listening, focusing, collaborative and organizational skills Strong communication skills in their mother tongue A positive attitude toward new experiences

How can parents help? Encourage and foster good learning and homework habits Encourage students to listen to and watch French language television programs and videos Make available French language newspapers, games, magazines and websites for real life reading French-speaking pop music can be explored & enjoyed

How can parents help? Where possible, travel to areas where French is the language of communication Where possible, encourage older students to participate in exchange programs May wish to join Canadian parents for French (www.cpfont.on.ca)

EXTENDED FRENCH IMMERSION Registration Process Registration will take place in two parts: Part 1 First-come first-served ON-LINE registration Tuesday, January 20, 2015 (beginning at 12:00 p.m.) www.hcdsb.org/programs/french Part 2 In person, visit the designated Early French Immersion school before January 30th, 2014

EXTENDED FRENCH PROGRAM Registration Process Part 2 In order to complete the registration process, an in-person visit to school is required by January 30th, 2015. If your child is being registered with the Halton Catholic District School Board for the first time, the following documentation is required to complete the registration process in person: Catholic Baptismal certificate of child or parent Birth certificate Immunization record

Success criteria We will know we have been successful if we can: articulate the key characteristics of Halton Catholic’s Extended French program make decisions for our children about which we feel confident register successfully… if we decide that this is suitable for our child/family!

Schools – school listing EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION Contact information Our public site: www.hcdsb.org Schools – school listing French consultant: Anna Marie Toltl 632-6314 ext 207 toltla@hcdsb.org

Questions?