French Immersion

Since its inception in 1983, the District has had a successful late French Immersion program. One or more new classes of grade six students are expected to be created in Penticton in September, 2012. In addition, provided there is sufficient enrolment, one grade 6 French Immersion class will be created at Summerland Middle School. Following is information that may help to answer some questions you may have about the program and provide you with information about registering for the grade six program.

Ü Who may enrol?

The program is available to all students residing within the geographic boundaries of School District No. 67 who will be entering grade six in September 2012. It should be noted that there is no academic requirement or qualification that could exclude a student from enrolling in French Immersion. ANY student who resides within our geographic boundaries, regardless of previous achievement levels in elementary school, is eligible. Enrolment will be determined in accordance with the following priorities as per Section 1.4 of School District Policy #305:

a) a catchment area child whose sibling is a continuing student at the school in the French Immersion program;

b) a catchment area child;

c) a non-catchment area child whose sibling is a continuing student at the school in the French Immersion program;

d) a non-catchment area child;

e) a non-school district child.

Students residing outside the district are also permitted to apply on a space-available basis (ie., after School District No. 67 students have been accommodated). Such applications will be considered pursuant to School District Policy 305. In addition, the Ministry of Education's policy on French Immersion emphasizes that: "The major goal of French Immersion is to provide the opportunity for non-francophone students to become bilingual in English and French." . For more information visit the Ministry of Education website: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/french_immersion.htm

Ü Is French Immersion a completely different program?

The program is very similar to the one taught in the English classes with the same content areas in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education, music and art, except that all subjects are taught in French in grade six. Language Arts in English is re-introduced in grade seven.

Ü Is this just a one year introductory program?

No. The commitment to the program is definitely for three years (grades 6, 7 and 8) and it is expected that successful students would continue to take the French Immersion courses offered at the secondary level through to graduation.

Ü Do the students need French to follow the material?

No. When they enter the class, students are assumed to have a little or no French. For the first two or three weeks, some English will be used. After the first month or two, the students will acquire enough French to do their other subjects in that language.

Ü Will students' English language skills suffer?

There is no evidence that students' ability to read, write and spell in English is harmed by the program over the long term.

Ü How much French will they acquire in a year?

Most students will be able to converse in French reasonably well by the end of grade six. The students' written skills will need further development in grade seven. By the end of grade seven they should read and write French at their grade level while still maintaining their English skills.

Ü Where is the program located?

One or more class(es) will be located at KVR Middle School, 300 Jermyn Avenue in Penticton and one class will be located at Summerland Middle School in Summerland, provided sufficient enrolment is achieved. Both KVR Middle and Summerland Middle Schools enrol grades 6, 7 and 8 in both English track and late French Immersion. If numbers support a Summerland Late French Immersion program, students residing in the Summerland zone will receive first consideration for the Summerland Late French Immersion program and students residing in the Penticton zone (including Kaleden and Naramata) will receive first consideration for the Penticton Late French Immersion program. French Immersion classes at the secondary level (Grades 9-12) are currently located at Penticton Secondary School and a class for each grade 9, 10, and 11 and Grade 12 are also located at Summerland Secondary.

Ü What if there are insufficient numbers to accommodate a Summerland Late French Immersion program?

If this were the case, all applicants residing within the geographic boundaries of School District No. 67 will receive equal consideration for the Penticton Late French Immersion program in accordance with School District Policy #305.

Ü Transportation

School bus service is not assured for French Immersion students attending outside their catchment area. However, if space is available on existing bus runs, French Immersion students will be permitted to ride. At present, there are no busses running between Summerland and Penticton, so parents will be responsible for transportation.

Ü How do I indicate my interest in French Immersion?

Registrations take place in February each year for the following September. Ask your school’s principal for the specific date or contact the School Board Office, 425 Jermyn Avenue, Penticton, B.C., V2A 1Z4, 250-770-7700, email: sd67@summer.com. For registration for September 2012, information packages and application forms will be available on January 16th, 2012 at all elementary school offices, the School Board Office and on our district website at www.sd67.bc.ca. Completed application forms must be received at the School Board Office by 4:00 pm, Friday, February 3, 2012.

Ü Are there any limitations?

Yes. The number of students entering the program may be limited.

Ü Confirmation of enrolment

Parents/guardians of all applicants will be notified in writing of the status of their application.

Ü Graduation from French Immersion

Students continuing in the French Immersion program through grade 12 and graduating will receive their final Dogwood Diploma in both English and French.

Ü Still have questions?

Ask your child’s principal and check out the Ministry of Education website: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/french_immersion.htm

If you still have questions regarding the application process, please contact Linda Walters at the School Board Office, 250-770-7700 ext. 6643

If you still have questions regarding the selection/lottery process, the potential waitlist and/or the program itself, please contact Don MacIntyre, Director of Instruction, at the School Board Office, 250-770-7700 ext 6025. If you wish to speak to a parent of a student already in the French Immersion program, please contact Judy Doucet, President of Okanagan Skaha Parents for French, iamlooking4u2b@hotmail.com