Middle French Immersion Information Session ● Welcome ● Introductions ● General Information about A.C.E.S. ● MFI Program Description ● Class Composition ● Registration procedures ● Transfers ● Transportation ● Pick up/Drop off ● Orientation ● Questions? ● Note: this evening’s slide show will be posted on the A.C.E.S. website

About A.C.E.S population of 850 students Triple track- Early French Immersion SK-6 (300) - English 1-6 (225) - Middle French Immersion 4-6 (180) - Full Day Kindergarten (150) 28 classes/8 portables Extended Day program offered by Children’s Village

Middle French Immersion 4 th year of offering program at A.C.E.S. currently 7 classes; ranging in size from students

Who is the program designed for? Any Grade 4 student with several years of English language instruction including 200 min. of Core French a week. Entry point is September

Goal of Program ● A student who successfully completes the extended French program in an OCDSB secondary school is expected to be able to communicate with ease and feel comfortable in either language community and accept employment, training, or further education in either language.

*Please consider the following… √ Your child’s interest and feelings entering MFI √ The learning skills they have acquired and can apply to learning a second (or third!) language √ Your child’s ability to handle a temporary setback in communication skills √ Parent readiness to be supportive- e.g. regular attendance, homework routine, emotional support, exposure to hearing/speaking French No expectation that parents are French-speaking

What is taught in French? 2/3 of day in French including Science, Social Studies, Arts, Phys. Ed, French language Math and Language are taught in English

sequential writing samples

Grade 5 - November

What does MFI sound like? student presentations

Student quotes….. When I first moved from my other school I found it hard to adjust from speaking French 40 minutes a day to speaking French all the time. This is my second year in the MFI program. I now read in French every night and complete all my French homework. I really enjoy it. -Karan

I like MFI because it is cool and exciting. I was a bit scared at first but I got used to the challenge. You must work very hard by reading in French every night and doing all your homework. - Nadia I like being in MFI because I learn so much and now I can speak another language! Also, it will help me get a job in the future. - Isabella

Class Composition Classes are composed of students from Adrienne Clarkson, Barrhaven, Berrigan, Chapman Mills, Mary Honeywell, Jockvale, and Farley Mowat Information provided by grade 3 teachers is used to form balanced classes Strive to have a balance of learning abilities, gender, home schools in each class Students will not necessarily be placed with friends Timely registration is important to avoid class changes after school begins

Registration Procedures For students currently at Adrienne Clarkson, returning the letter indicating program choice ensures registration For other students, an Application for Admission to Elementary School form must be completed Forms are available at any O.C.D.S.B. school Forms may be dropped off at our office Feb Alternately they can be dropped off at your home school with a request to forward it via board mail.

Transfers ● A.C.E.S. is overcapacity and has a zero transfer cap ● Unlikely that transfers for younger siblings will be granted ● If child changes program, e.g. returns to English in grade 4,5 or 6, they will be redirected to their home school for the English program

Transportation ● Following registration, the Ottawa Student Transit Authority will download information of students who qualify for busing (1.6 kms from school) ● Over the summer months, a route will be developed for both yellow school buses and vans to transport students ● This route, with pick up and drop off locations, will vary annually depending on student enrolment ● Route information is available in mid August at

Pick Up/Drop Off ● Street pick up/drop off only- please observe the signs both for student safety and to avoid bylaw infractions! ● Please do not use the bus zone or staff parking area for pick up/drop off

Orientation ● Registered students (and parents) will receive an invitation by mail to visit and tour the school in June (tentatively scheduled for June 10 at 9:00 a.m.) ● First Day procedures and a school supply list will be distributed then

Questions? ● Note: this evening’s slide show will be posted on the A.C.E.S. website Thank you for your interest!