French Immersion is a Canadian educational program designed to give students whose first language is not French the opportunity to learn in the French language. French Immersion in Dufferin-Peel begins in Grade 1 where 90% of the instructional day is delivered in French. The percentage of the day instructed in French varies as students progress throughout the Elementary grades:
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is pleased to offer the French Immersion Program at the following school sites:
**PLEASE NOTE: Some spaces for the Grade 1 French Immersion program are still available. Please contact the specific French Immersion School directly to inquire about availability.
Eligibility
Entry into the Dufferin-Peel French Immersion program occurs in Grade 1. Students who wish to enter the Grade 1 French Immersion program must be eligible to attend a Dufferin-Peel school before going through the application process.
Parents/Guardians who wish to enroll their child in a French Immersion program after the Grade 1 entry point, can enroll in the program only if:
a) Space at the French Immersion School is available and
b) The student was previously enrolled or is currently enrolled in a French Immersion Program and/or
c) The student can demonstrate fluency in the French Language (Listening, Speaking, Reading & Writing)
Transportation
NO BUSSING is provided for students in the French Immersion program.
French Immersion Application and Registration Process
The online application database for the 2020-2021 Grade One French Immersion program is NOW CLOSED. The application process for the Grade One 2021-2022 school year will begin in October 2020.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are still interested in registering for 2020-2021 Grade 1 French Immersion program, please contact the French Immersion School directly to inquire about availability and waitlists.
Timeline of the French Immersion Application and Registration Process:
For more information about applying and registering to the French Immersion Program,
call 905-890-0708 ext. 24374 or 24373.
Secondary French Immersion
French Immersion Centres (Elementary and Secondary)
Please click here to see the 2019-2020 French Immersion Centre Map and Grade Allocations
What is French Immersion?
French Immersion is an educational program that provides students whose first language is not French with the opportunity to learn and become fluent in French. The program was first developed in Québec in the late 1960s, in response to demands from English-speaking parents who wanted their children to be fluent in both English and French. Today, over 100,000 students in Ontario are enrolled in French Immersion programs.
The aims of the French Immersion program are:
- To have an understanding of the cultures of French speaking societies.
- To be functionally bilingual by the end of Grade 12.
- To develop strong skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in French.
Why choose French Immersion?
The French Immersion program is open to ALL students
Various ministry documents such as the FSL Framework confirm that FSL programs are for all students. The FSL curriculum policy documents (Elementary/ Secondary) outline program and planning considerations to meet the needs of all students. They prescribe the importance of supporting all learners in FSL and include information about appropriate instructional approaches [1].
There are many considerations and factors which help parents and/or guardians, make an informed decision about the French Immersion program for their child. These are:
- Enjoys and plays with language (rhyming and word games)
- Listens effectively (i.e. retell or explain a story in sequence)
- Displays strong communication skills (listening and speaking) in their mother tongue
- Follows directions and instructions
- Identifies and prints name, the alphabet and some words
- Demonstrates an awareness of individual sounds and sound patterns
- Cooperates with others and works /plays well in groups
- Perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges
- Looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities
- Demonstrates a willingness to take risks
- Demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning
- Approaches new tasks with a positive attitude
- Regular attendance (known as a strong indicator for success)
These qualities encourage good learning habits in ALL subject areas.
How can I help my child in French Immersion?
Many parents may have a limited background in French or may not speak the language at all. Parents do not need to know any French to support their children in French Immersion. Instead, parents can give their children the most help by providing encouragement and positive support.
The FSL curriculum documents (Elementary/ Secondary) state that parent can also:
- Encourage their children to talk, read, and write at home in their first language to strengthen their first-language skills, which are the foundation for learning French.
- Read aloud to their children either in their first language or in French.
- Encourage their children to write in French (e.g., shopping lists, stories, a letter).
- Go to the library with their children to borrow books, music, and DVDs in their first language and in French, and talk about them with their children.
- Join a local group to meet other parents and to find out about French resources and cultural opportunities in the community. [2][3]
For further information about parental support in FSL programs, parent(s)/guardian(s) can access the Canadian Parents for French website or can visit this ministry parent guide.
- Including Students with Special Education Needs in French as a Second Language Programs, 2015
- FSL Elementary curriculum (2013)
- FSL Secondary curriculum (2014)
For more information about applying and registering to the French Immersion Program,
call 905-890-0708 ext. 24374 or 24373.
