1. Extended French Program 2014 – 2015

2. 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.

3. 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 

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.)

8. 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)

9. 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)

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

11. 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

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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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)

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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 (

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

28. 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

29. 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!

30. Schools – school listing
EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION Contact information
Our public site:
Schools – school listing
French consultant:
Anna Marie Toltl
ext 207

31. Questions?