French Immersion Information Night January 23, 2014 Yorkview P.S.
Facts and Figures The Toronto District School Board is a strong supporter of second language learning Three French As a second language programs are available: Core French Extended French or late French Immersion Early French immersion
There are over 100,000 students in TDSB Core French Programs ( gr 4-12) There are over 22,000 students in TDSB French Immersion and Extended French programs
Early French Immersion Early French Immersion begins in SK French is the language of instruction in all subject areas Program aims to provide students with a high level of proficiency in French Curriculum outcomes are parallel to those of the English program
In grades SK, 1, 2 &3 the language of instruction is only French In grades 4& 5, students get 40 min. of daily instruction in English From grade 6 on, instruction is 50% in French and 50%in English.
Frequently asked questions Will a French Immersion student lose out in English or other subjects taught in French: - Research perspective: Research shows that learning a second language enhances students ability to learn their first language and makes it easier to learn other languages - classroom observation: by the end of grade 6, students in the FI are at the same level in English as those in the regular English Program.
Will students requiring special education receive support in French? - Limited support is provided at Yorkview ( 0.5 teacher allocation) - If child is identified through an IPRC ( Identification placement Review Committee), he/she may need to be withdrawn from the Early FI in order to access special education resources in English.
Can a child leave the French immersion program and be readmitted into the program again? - Program continues without disruptions - Circumstances where a child should be transferred out of French immersion.
How can I help my child as a French immersion parent? - talk to child about experiences @ school - regular communication with teacher - help in 1 st language will be transferred to 2 nd language - ability to help in content areas.
Why does French Immersion begin in senior kindergarten? - development of level of proficiency -child s ability to learn 2 nd language - the oral nature of program in SK - JK in English to familiarize students and parents with school - continuity through Canada
Do Parents of Early French Immersion program have to speak French? - No, program is designed for none French speakers.
Where does the program flow through and beyond elementary? - Yorkview Pathway - French requirements for Certificate of Bilingual Studies in French
Can a child continue in French Immersion after high school? - program is bilingual - many colleges offer courses in French
How can a child be enrolled in an Early French immersion program? - program begins in SK - beyond that grade, should have enough background in French
Yorkview P.S. We offer an Early French Immersion Program Students whose home address is in the English attendance area of the following schools: - Cameron P.S.- Churchill PS - Yorkview PS
Pathways for Early French Immersion: Yorkview PS ( SK to grade 5) Willowdale MS ( Grades 6 to 8) Newtonbrook SS
Dates to remember Important dates: Jan. 31 deadline for receipt of applications. All applications are on-line Notification of placement: will be done online March 18, 19 &20: dates for registration
What do we offer at Yorkview? - SK to grade 5 ( SK will be a full day kindergarten for the school year 2014-2015) - Small class size as per ministry cap on the class size in the primary grades - Extra curricular activities beyond SK - Instructional program which follows the ministry curriculum documents
- Heritage language: Russian & Farsi - lunch at school - Opportunities for parents involvement - Opportunities for support for struggling students in French.
Application Process All on-time applicants will be offered placement in the program Wherever possible all applicants who meet the application deadline will be offered placements in their geographic area. Students may be redirected to schools with available space. Applicants who have older siblings currently enrolled in the program and who will be in attendance the following year have automatic placement in that school.
The application process is a two-step process. For TDSB students On a computer, log on to www.tdsb.on.ca/pars Select Early French Immersion for your child and complete the application process Click on the radial button My child is a TDSB student Begin the application process by typing in your child s OEN and date of birth Applications must be completed no later than January 31, 2014
For non-tdsb students On a computer, log on to www.tdsb.on.ca/pars Select Early French Immersion for your child and complete the application process Click on the radial button My child is not a TDSB student Begin the application process by clicking on the orange area that says Click here if you do not have a PARS ID Follow the prompts ( an application form) to obtain a PARS ID and continue the application to the final stage Applications must be completed no later than January 31, 2014
Offer of placement You will be notified of placement by the email provided in Step 1. Please ensure that the email will not be transferred to junk mail. You must accept placement on-line by the deadline requested when you are notified of placement. There is a 5-7 day window to complete Step 2 Once you have accepted placement in the program, you will be contacted by the French Immersion school and you will be required to provide proof of residency. Late applicants will be considered after all on time applicants are placed, by date of application determined by available space. Parents will be notified of placement by February/ March
Forms Parents will be asked to complete registration forms, show proof of residency and complete Transportation and Pathway forms at the FI school when they register their child to the program Some students are eligible for transportation for the FI program. Eligibility is determined by distance ( the home address of the student is outside of 1.6 km walking distance to the FI school). Students are offered transportation on school buses from SK to Grade 5 if they meet the distance criterion After grade 5 TTC tickets for provided for Grade 6,7,8 if the student meets the distance criterion of 3.2 kms