1. École Margaret-Underhill Wednesday, February 7, 2018
French Immersion Kindergarten River East Transcona S.D. Parent Information Evening
École Margaret-Underhill
Wednesday, February 7, 2018

2. Agenda 1. Welcome and Introduction 2. What is French Immersion?
3. Benefits of French Immersion
4. How Do I Help?
5. Designated Schools:
Registration 8:00 a.m.,
Monday, March 5th, 2016 (March 5-9)
6. Questions and Answers

3. What is French Immersion?
French Immersion is a second-language program and one of Manitoba’s four recognized language programs. Its goal is to have children achieve linguistic competency in both French and English while achieving all the educational and social outcomes of the English program.

4. Who is French Immersion for?
French Immersion is designed for children whose first language is NOT French and who have little or NO knowledge of French prior to entering the program. There are NO entrance requirements for French Immersion. Any child of an age to enter Kindergarten or Grade 1 can enter the program.

5. Who teaches French Immersion?
French Immersion teachers are bilingual. Many have learned French as a second language themselves and have studied specific strategies and methods of teaching a second language to children whose home language is not French.

6. How much French is there in a French Immersion school?
At École Margaret-Underhill, French is the language of communication and the language of instruction.
In Kindergarten, ALL curricula are delivered in French (There is no English Language Arts).
In Grades 1-4, an English Language Arts program represents approximately 25% of instructional time.

7. En français s’il vous plaît!
At École Margaret-Underhill, music, physical education, library and technology are all delivered en français.
Français is the language of most announcements and most assemblies.
English language presentations and cultural activities are also held from time-to-time.

8. Benefits of French Immersion
Students achieve a high level of functional fluency in French by the end of Grade 12.
After an initial lag of a year or two, Early French Immersion students perform as well as or better in English Language Arts than their English program counterparts.
Immersion students do as well as their English-program counterparts in subject areas.

9. Benefits…continued
There is a positive association between second language learning and cognitive and academic development.
Immersion students experience no loss of cultural identity.
Immersion students develop a positive attitude and understanding for other cultures.

10. We’ve only just begun K-4 École Centrale and École Margaret- Underhill
Grades 5-8 École Regent Park
Grades 9-12 Collège Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau
Post-Secondary, L’Université de Saint- Boniface, Collège Communautaire de St. - Boniface

11. Characteristics of an Effective French Immersion Kindergarten Classroom
Linguistically rich decor with French vocabulary supported by pictures and objects covering the walls (but within fire regulations)
Easy accessibility to assorted French books, videos, music and games
The teacher speaking French at all times (except if the student’s emotional well-being or security is at risk)
The teacher uses gestures, mime, intonation, pictures and objects to convey meaning

12. Characteristics…continued
The teacher encourages students to experiment in French through the use of routine, activities, rhyme and song
An emphasis on oral skills to stimulate language acquisition
The incorporation of French culture through authentic activities and materials, visits with francophones, field trips
Parental involvement encouraged!

13. Readiness Skills for Kindergarten
Know first and last name
Take off and put on outer clothing and boots
Attend to his/her toilet needs without assistance
Able to use a tissue to blow his/her nose
Sing ABC song
Recognize a name
Count and recognize numbers to 10
Have a routine
Develop independence
Develop fine motor skills
large movements from shoulder (i.e. sidewalk chalk, large paper and paints)
hold a pencil, use scissors

14. How Do I Help?
Talk with your child, ask your child to explain things, encourage curiosity.
Read to your child. Choose books beyond the child’s reading level to encourage both oral and written language and to share the joy of reading.
Choose books at the child’s reading level to encourage independent reading.
Read WITH your child…in unison…with expression.

15. How Do I Help?
Write for your child. Have your child dictate a meaningful sentence or list.
Validate the importance of reading and writing. Be a ROLE MODEL.
Provide experiences with drawing, painting, measuring, collecting, playing games and sports.
Provide resources in French: watch French t.v., listen to French music or books on tape (CD) go to a French restaurant, attend Le Festival du Voyageur.

16. Kindergarten Registration
Begins Monday, March 5th, at 8 a.m. across River East Transcona School Division
Schools of Choice (in-division)requests for Kindergarten can be accepted after March 5th, 2018.
Fill out the School of Choice form at the DESIGNATED school.
No decisions will be made until all catchment registrations have been received
As per divisional policy,decisions regarding requests communicated to parents no later than June 27th.
Our division is working hard to accomodate the needs of our parents and families.
If your child has special needs, is receiving services in the community for speech, language, OR developmental needs, please contact your DESIGNATED school AND school of choice immediately.

17. Kindergarten Registration cont.
You require a Birth Certificate and 2 documents of Proof of Residency. (Driver’s License,Man. Health Card, Tenancy Agreement, Offer to purchase,.)
We require your Manitoba Health Card number for our records, but it is NOT acceptable as proof of birth date.
If you register at a School of Choice, you are not eligible for divisional transportation.
Students in-catchment must live 1.6 km or more from the designated school to qualify for transportation.

18. Transportation to École Margaret-Underhill
All Kindergarten students who live 1.6 kilometers from the school are eligible for transportation to École Margaret-Underhill.
Transportation phone number:

19. Health Care
If your child has Asthma, uses a puffer at school, has allergies that may require an epipen, your child requires a HEALTH CARE PLAN.
Please advise the school at time of registration.
An Epipen MUST be carried by the child at all times, usually in a fanny pack at Early Years. This is the responsibility of the parents.

20. ÉMU Kindergarten Orientation Night:
École Margaret-Underhill:
Thursday, May 3rd, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
(for registered students and their parents)
Preschool Growing and Learning Day:
Wednesday, April 11th,
2-6pm
At Radisson School

21. Questions and Answers