French Immersion Parent Information Handbook

Elementary
French Immersion
Parent Information Handbook
École St. Angela Merici École St. Elizabeth St. Kateri Tekakwitha
6823 Gillmore Drive 5149 Green Brooks Way 4415 James Hill Road
Regina, SK S4X 4J3 Regina, SK S4V 2Z6 Regina, SK S4W 0R9
Tel: (306) 791–7305 Tel: (306) 791-7300 Tel: (306) 791-1785
École St. Mary
École St. Pius X
140 N. McIntosh Street 3301 Garnet Street
Regina, SK S4R 4Z9
Regina, SK S4S 1X8
Tel: (306) 791-7365 Tel: (306) 791-7385
Proud to offer Official Language Learning!
Fiers d’offrir un enseignement dans les deux langues officielles!

What Is French Immersion?
Research findings over the years have consistently shown
that French Immersion is the most effective method for
teaching French to Anglophones and Allophones where
functional bilingualism is the desired goal. In Immersion
programs the pupil “lives” all or a significant part of the
school experience in the French language. The pupil learns in
French rather than about French. French Immersion
students are taught a large part of the regular curriculum in
French using French resources.
By the end of elementary school, Immersion students
approach functional levels in French listening, comprehension
and reading skills, although they are usually distinguishable
from Francophones in speaking and writing skills. When
students have taken advantage of the opportunity to use their
French language skills with Francophones outside the
classroom, even this distinction can disappear.
Continuing French Immersion (secondary French Immersion)
refers to the continuation of a French Immersion program at
the high school level. Its objective is to ensure that
competence in French keeps pace with the student’s
intellectual and general maturity.
“The pupil learns in
French
rather than
about French.”

French Immersion Objectives
French Immersion is a process by which a
student acquires advanced fluency in the
French language. The Immersion program is
designed to provide non-French speaking
students an opportunity to:
• meet all the objectives established by the
Ministry of Education;
• become functionally bilingual in French and
English;
• recognize Canada’s rich ethnic nature and
bilingual status within a multicultural mosaic;
• enrich personal culture and foster a greater
appreciation of the global village;
• foster the intellectual, physical, emotional,
social, spiritual, and creative development of
children;
• pursue further education and careers in either
or both languages.

Transportation
Transportation service to and from the French
Immersion schools – École St. Angela Merici, École
Elizabeth, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, École St. Mary,
École St. Pius X – is provided at no additional cost to
parents for students who are required to leave their
home attendance schools.
For more information on transportation services, call
the neighbourhood school principal or the Catholic
Education Centre at 791-7200.
French Immersion Programs
1. École St. Angela Merici (306)791-7305
2. École St. Elizabeth (306)791-7300
3. St. Kateri Tekakwitha (306)791– 1785
4. École St. Mary (306)791-7365
(PreKindergarten available)
5. École St. Pius X (306)791-7385 (Preschool available)

Kindergarten
Philosophy, Aims and Goals
Philosophy
The philosophy of the French Immersion Program is based on the
principle that learning the French language is an integral part of
the students’ education. The learning environment is designed so
that each student can hear as much French as possible and can use
it according to his or her ability. Although linguistic development
is very important, the development of the whole student is the
ultimate goal.
Aim
The aim of the French Immersion Kindergarten program is to
provide a strong foundation from which students can continue to
become productive participants in life-long learning. Opportunities
to develop a positive self-concept and develop an enjoyment in
learning the French language should be provided.
Goals
The students will:
• develop confidence in themselves and their ability to learn;
• be initiated to the French language;
• demonstrate curiosity and ability to focus their attention;
• acquire social skills
and abilities which
enable them to relate
to other children and
to adults;
• be free to develop
their full potential as
a learner.

Learning the French Language
In French Immersion Kindergarten, the children
experience similar developmental tasks as those in
the English program. In order to begin to develop
the French language, it is important to understand
the following:
• The students will be immersed in the French
language as much as possible as in most cases, it
is not the language of communication outside of
the classroom.
• The kindergarten teacher will be the most
important model of the French language for the
students.
• The students learn a second language in much the
same way they learn their first. They will spend a
period of time just listening, gaining more and
more understanding, before they start to speak.
Little by little, they will start to put together
pieces of a sentence, then whole sentences.
• Young students learn
language best in authentic
situations and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Kindergarten program compulsory?
No, Kindergarten attendance is not compulsory but school
divisions are required to provide a Kindergarten program. Children
who are within one year of being eligible for enrolment in Grade 1
are eligible for Kindergarten.
2. How much French is taught in Kindergarten?
French is the language of instruction for the Immersion
Kindergarten program. English is used in situations of personal
safety or emotional upsets but in general French is spoken whenever
possible.
3. How is French taught to young children?
French Immersion children learn to use French in the same
way that toddlers learn to speak at home. They learn by doing.
Kindergarten teachers usually begin the year by welcoming
children and establishing classroom routines. French vocabulary
such as “Bonjour”, “Au revoir”, “Je m’appelle” and “Merci” are
introduced and become part of the daily routine. Kindergarten
teachers model the French language throughout the year, ensuring
student understanding through actions, gestures, games, songs,
poems. etc. Students
first listen for
understanding, make
connections with the
meaning and when “Children learn
confident, they will
begin to respond in
French in the same
French. Children who
learn another
language progress like stages that they
young children
learning to speak their
learned English.”
first language. At first
they mostly listen,
speaking little.

FAQs...continued
Then they quickly associate the sound of French phrases with regular
parts of the Kindergarten routine. They also initially learn a lot through
songs, rhymes and stories. Their initial attempts at speaking usually
take the form of single words or broken phrases. Our experience is that
the first “threshold” of learning French is usually achieved by Christmas.
This is the comprehensive stage. It means that the child understands
most of what the teacher says in French as part of classroom routines
and activities. At this stage, children usually speak French in group
learning situations. They often reply to the teachers and speak among
themselves in English with some French “sprinkled” in.
Early in the school year, French is used almost exclusively by
the teacher; however, most children are still at the comprehension level.
By the end of June, they are able to use more French vocabulary and
common sentence structures.
4. Will French Immersion Kindergarten students be prepared
for Grade 1?
Kindergarten is optional in our province; therefore, a child can
enter Grade 1 without having gone to Kindergarten. However, the
Kindergarten program is aimed at developing the whole child to her/his
full potential and provide a social environment to learn.
5. How can parents or caregivers prepare their children for
Kindergarten?
Parents or caregivers should model a positive attitude towards
school. Research shows that the success of a student is largely dependent
on the attitude of the parents or caregivers towards education.
It is important that parents or caregivers continue to read to
children and recite traditional nursery rhymes and stories in their first
language. Children need to hear the rhythm of language and they
benefit from repeating the same stories and verses over and over again.
If their parents or caregivers value literature, then children usually will
too.
Parents or caregivers can provide writing tools and paper for
their children and encourage them to “write” lists, thank you notes, etc.

FAQs...continued
Also, parents or caregivers can help children explore their
environment by taking them to the library, to different stores, to a farm, to
museums, to art galleries or for a walk in the park.
These are great opportunities to talk with children about what
they see, hear, smell, and feel. These outings will expand their horizons
and enhance further learning. For example, a story about a farm will mean
much more to a child if she or he has visited one.
6. Is French Immersion for everyone?
The language of instruction bears little, if any, relation to
academic performance, particularly in an Early Immersion program. The
student who would excel in a regular English program will likely excel in
an Immersion program; the student who would have academic difficulties
in an English program will likely experience those same difficulties in
Immersion. A consideration, therefore, is the availability of remedial help
in the target language, if necessary, for students in Immersion.
7. How can children be challenged in French Immersion
Kindergarten?
In a developmentally appropriate program there are unlimited
opportunities for growth and learning for everyone. A balanced program,
which considers the whole child, provides linguistic, socio-emotional and
physical challenges in addition to intellectual ones. Individual activities
are planned to help meet the needs and interests of each child.
8. How are French Immersion Kindergarten students assessed
and evaluated?
Student assessment encompasses the whole child and utilizes a
variety of methods in which teachers observe students, record information
and collect information in student files and portfolios.
Teachers use on-going observations to plan and assess progress.
Even a few minutes of focused observation and daily recording can be of
great assistance in planning an appropriate program, which facilitates

FAQs...continued
student learning. Three common formats are anecdotal records,
observation checklists and rubrics.
An assessment portfolio is used to store student-produced
materials over an extended period of time.
Indications of growth and development are communicated through
a variety of methods including scheduled information sharing sessions,
informal visits, assessment portfolios and through progress reports.
9 When will English Language Arts be taught?
English Language Arts is introduced in Grade 3. The children will
usually learn to read in French first and will transfer their skills to the
English language. Parents are encouraged to continue reading stories in
their first language as they have done before their child started school..
10. How does a French Immersion program affect my child’s
English skills?
Although English is not formally taught until grade 3, reading
skills transfer from one language to the other. Teachers will assess the
students’ reading skills to determine appropriate instruction. By the end
of Grade 4, most French Immersion students will achieve grade level skills
in reading and writing.
11. What about English spelling?
By the end of the elementary grades, immersion students
frequently perform better than children in the English program on several
aspects of measured English skills.
If a child experiences difficulty in spelling in one language, the
difficulty will most likely be the same in the other language.
12. What curriculum do French Immersion students follow?
Teachers follow the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education French
Immersion curricula for each subject area. This curricula is similar to the

FAQs...continued
English curricula but has an added emphasis on French language
acquisition. Students work toward the same academic goals regardless of
the language of instruction.
13. Why is it necessary for students to continue in French
Immersion through junior and senior high school?
As your child prepares for junior or senior high school, it is
important to remember your family’s reasons for enrolling your son or
daughter in the French Immersion program. The main objective is to
achieve functional bilingualism. As students progress throughout the
program, they gain a higher level of language competencies. Time and
practice are needed in the language.
In high school, students take 50 % of their courses in French in
order to earn their Grade 12 diploma with a bilingual mention. This is the
reward for many years of commitment to French language learning.
14. How much French should a good continuing immersion
program offer?
After more than five decades of French Immersion experience in
Canada, researchers generally agree that 50 percent of studies at the
secondary level must be in French to further develop a student’s skills.
Students must include some French studies in every year during high
school so that proficiency is maintained, expanded and polished.
15. Is there anything else that can be done to enhance French?
Any immersion program, and particularly a continuing one, should
include extracurricular activities, for example: exchanges, summer
programs, field trips and French clubs.
16. How will colleges, universities and future employers know that
students have completed part of their education in French?
The Ministry of Education clearly identifies courses taken in
French on all student transcripts and student also receive a much sought
after bilingual certificate for completing their high school education in

FAQs...continued
French Immersion. The bilingual certificate has been identified as a strong
motivating factor for students who remain in the immersion program.
17. What about continuing French at the post-secondary level?
The learning process never really ends. Immersion graduates can
continue to maintain their French language skills through higher
education, continuing adult education and, of course, regular use of French
in everyday situations.
Furthermore, universities now offer several courses in French
within various faculties. For example, the University of Regina offers a
French Education Baccalauréat and Nursing degree and the University of
Saskatchewan offers a bilingual law degree. Within our province both
universities have a strong French presence.
18. Who teaches the program?
French Immersion teachers come from diverse backgrounds. They
are trained teachers with a Bachelors Degree in Education. Many are
graduates from universities which offer a Baccalauréat Program tailored to
immersion pedagogy. Several French Immersion graduates have pursued
their studies in Education and have returned as teachers within our
program.
19. What type of accent will my child have?
Standard French vocabulary and structures are taught. A variety
of accents exist in all languages; during a school career a child will be
exposed to teachers from various parts of the world that are models of wellspoken
French.
20. Does it matter if no one at home speaks French?
Not at all. The program is designed for children of non-French
speaking families. Teachers are aware of this when they send home notices
or assign homework. Reporting and communication with parents is in
English.

FAQs...continued
21. Do children have access to extracurricular activities in French ?
Many schools offer clubs and activities such as La bataille des livres
(Battle of the Books) and L’impro (Improv). Extracurricular activities takes
French outside of the classroom and provides an opportunity for the child to
practice and expand vocabulary in a non-structured setting.
22. Where could I find adult courses so I can improve my knowledge
of French?
Contact:
· your local or provincial Canadian Parent for French (CPF) chapter
(www.sk.cpf.ca) - you do not need to speak French. Become a member!
· Regina Catholic School Division, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, or the Cité
francophone universitaire (University of Regina);
· the Canadian Associations of French in your province; Alliance
Française and other private or commercial courses.
23. What if we are transferred to another city or province?
French immersion is available in most urban centres in Canada and is
offered in several smaller school divisions. CPF directors, alternates and
provincial offices have lists of programs throughout the country, or you can
contact the Saskatchewan Ministry Education.
24. How do parents know how their child is doing in the program?
The teacher and the school keep parents informed. This is in the
form of progress reports, student-led conferences, telephone conversations,
student agendas, email and notes. Teachers and parents are encouraged to
maintain an open line of communication to inform each other on a regular
basis.

FAQs...continued
25. If parents don’t speak French, how can they help their child?
Remember you are not alone. Most parents do not speak French.
You can support your children by providing a study area and regular
routines for accomplishing homework. Take an active interest in your
child's learning as you would do in an English program. Ask questions about
your child’s day at school. Check on homework (if any) and most
importantly, reserve a special time to read or listen to your child read. Get
involved in your child’s school as a volunteer. Schools appreciate having
parents!
26. Are there as many support services available to French
Immersion students as there are to English students?
Learning Resource teachers are available in both programs to
assist certain students who need additional supports.
27. Can a child change from French Immersion to the English
program?
There are circumstances where a transfer from the French Program
to the English Program occur. If there are concerns, parents are encouraged
to contact the school right away. Often, these concerns can be immediately
addressed or alleviated. French Immersion is an inclusive program but the
final decision rests with the parents.
28. If a child experiences difficulties in French Immersion and
transfers to the English program, will he or she likely do better?
Studies indicate that students who transfer from the French
Immersion program to the English program because of learning difficulties,
experience the same challenges in English.

Dos and Don’ts
Do not tell your five-year-old she/he is going “to immersion” in September,
after a big build-up, some children are surprised to arrive
at an ordinary school.
Do read stories to your child in English. Because English stories
will not be heard at school for a time, you can fill the gap.
Do encourage your child to watch French television.
Do not ask your child to translate. She/he will not understand this
concept in the very early grades.
Do take your child to French cultural events; take advantage of
opportunities to expose him/her to the French language and culture.
Do not attempt to correct your child if you are uncertain of the exact
pronunciation or expression.
Do volunteer to help at the school, either in the classroom or with
concerts, fairs, sports days, and so on.
Do not give in to the temptation to say, “Now dear, say something
in French to Grandma.” If your child is eager to speak French at
home, encourage it, but do not make it a chore.
Do not compare your child’s progress with that of neighbours’ children.
No two teachers and no two students work at the same rate.
Do let your child know that you are pleased with his/her progress.
Do not expect your child to provide you with an account of each
day’s activities. Children take the routines of school for granted
and often want a change of subject when they reach home.
Do speak positively about the
program, the teacher, and the
school. Express any questions
or concerns you might have to
the teacher or principal, not to
your child.

Do not tell your five-year-old
she/he is going
“to immersion” in
September,
after a big build-up,
some children
are surprised to arrive
at an ordi-
nary school.
Do read sto- ries to your child in
English. Be-
cause English stories
will not be
heard at school for a
time, you can
fill the gap.
Do encourage your child to watch
French televi-
sion.
Do not ask your child to translate.
She/he
will not understand
this concept in
the very early
grades.
Do take your child to French cultural
events;
take advantage of
opportunities
to expose him/her to
the French
language and culture.
Do not at- tempt to correct
your child if
you are uncertain of
the exact pro-
nunciation or expression.
Do volunteer to help at the school,
either in the
classroom or with
concerts, fairs,
sports days, and so
on.
Do not give in to the temptation to
say, “Now
dear, say something
in French to Grandma.” If your child is eager to speak French at
home, encourage it, but do not make it a chore.
Do not compare your child’s progress with that of neighbours’ children.
No two teachers and no two students work at the same rate.