Agenda

1. Area V French Immersion as an Alternative Program ChoiceChinook Park, Sam Livingston, SundanceJanuary 17th, 2013

2. Agenda Introductions Alternative Programs in CBE Why Choose the French Immersion Program for your child? Your Young Learner and School Transportation Classroom Visits Question Period

3. Introductions Cristina Alberton and Andrea Sulek, Kindergarten Teachers Heather White, Grade 1 Teacher Danielle Waker, Grade 2 Teacher Lisa Brawley, Grade 3 Teacher Zoe Serediuk, Principal: Chinook Park Dallas Wheeler, Principal: Sam Livingston Jerry Pedron, Principal: Sundance Melody Davies, Assistant Principal: Sundance 3

4. Welcome Calgary Board of Education Alternative Programs The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) values equity, excellence, access and choice. In order to personalize student learning, the CBE offers alternative programs that are based on: • cultural emphasis • subject matter • teaching and learning methodology • language of instruction – ie. French Immersion

5. Why choose French Immersion as an Alternate Program?

6. French Immersion Alternative Program Statement of Principle: Calgary Board of Education students have equitable access to quality, sustainable French Immersion programs from K-12. Key Characteristics: French Immersion is an alternative program that : • follows Alberta Education Programs of Study • is offered to students whose first language is not French • requires little or no knowledge of French for students beginning the program and has instructional strategies and materials designed with this in mind • includes a strong English language program component in Grades 3 to 12 • provides students the opportunity to learn in Canada’s two official languages • offers instruction in French with a focus on oral communication • embeds French language and culture learning in classroom and school routines and interactions

7. More Key Characteristics French Immersion is an alternative program that: • engages the students in higher level thinking, challenging them to problem solve, to think critically, creatively, and innovatively, to evaluate, and to make important decisions • involves students in learning experiences and opportunities that positively impact their personal development, character and citizenship in their schools, city, country, and world • helps students better understand the history, development and politics of Canada • broadens students’ cultural life through access to literature, art, music and theatre in another language • enhances and encourages the joy of lifelong learning

8. Key Outcomes for the French Immersion Program Students who are successful through to Grade 12 will: • become functionally fluent in French – they will be capable of using a language easily and accurately • have increased success in the English Language Arts • have opportunities for recognition for having developed functional fluency in French. These include: • CBE certificate: Students qualify for a Certificat de compétences en immersion française on completion of Grade 12 • International diploma: Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) which lead to: • opportunities for advanced placement in post-secondary French and access to national and international opportunities • broadened employment opportunities where French is the language of work • opportunities to participate easily and willingly in French for both personal and professional needs • a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, international languages and cultures

9. Elements of culture are embedded in the program and are: • integral to language acquisition and to learning in all subjects taught in French • experienced through authentic learning • visually evident in the school • established through community and global connections that provide opportunities for interaction with native French speakers • understood through teacher mediation

10. French Immersion Program Family Profile • French is not the prevalent language of the child’s home and community • Parents do not need to know French • Parents encourage a positive attitude towards learning and speaking French • Parents demonstrate commitment to the program • Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers with a lifelong influence • Family values and beliefs are acknowledged • Cultural diversity is valued

11. French Immersion Learner Profile • self-motivation and willingness to listen to and speak French as much as possible • willingness to use French language with peers and teachers at all times – is verbal and likes to talk • desire to improve French language competency • readily accepts challenges • shows strengths in first language whatever that language is • non-Francophone

12. Personalization in French Immersion Personalization is a highly intentional and responsive teaching and learning experience that intensely attends to each student’s learning so that all students can participate, progress, and achieve. In this learning process staff: • assess students’ achievement and growth and are purposeful in addressing what each child needs to be successful They also support students in: • assessing their own talents and aspirations • planning a pathway toward their own purposes • working cooperatively with others on challenging tasks • maintaining a record of their explorations • demonstrating their learning against clear standards in a wide variety of media and in a variety of ways

13. Supporting Student Success in French Immersion • The supports in French Immersion schools are the same as in all CBE schools with many strategies and resources being available at the school, area, and system levels to ensure students are successful academically, socially, and emotionally. • These include: • profiling and assessing students in formative ways (recording students, anecdotal records, work samples, discussions as they progress) • using that knowledge to plan authentic, meaningful tasks and account for the needs of different learners and their learning styles • identifying outcomes in ways that all students understand and use to be independent in their learning • utilizing second language teaching strategies such as breaking the language into manageable chunks, speaking slowly, using visuals and gestures, encouraging oral proficiency, and explaining only in French • using small group or one on one instruction and the support of school and education assistants • accessing area and system specialists and strategists for additional learning support

14. Supporting Your Child in French Immersion • Learn together! • Read and speak to them in their first language, these skills will transfer to French. • Show interest in the activities and work they bring home from school and offer praise and encouragement. • Communicate with your child’s teacher – you are both partners in your child’s learning. • Visit the library, check out French books and audio books. • Visit You Tube French Songs for Children and have them playing in the background as your child plays. • Watch DVDs together, with French soundtrack.

15. Your Young Learner and School

16. FRENCH IMMERSION KINDERGARTEN AT-A -GLANCE Early Literacy Creative Expression Physical Skills and Well Being Personal and Social Responsibility French Language …is the filter through which a child’s learning takes place Citizenship and Identity Environment and Community Awareness Early Numeracy

17. French Immersion Kindergarten Entering French Immersion Kindergarten is an exciting time for children. Parents and teachers work together to make the transition from home to school and from English to French as smooth as possible. The Early Years Evaluation (EYE) tool is also used to help design instruction and personalize learning for each child.

18. The Kindergarten Program Recognizes and supports each child’s • prior knowledge • skills • attitudes • learning pace • personal traits • interests and goals • and preferred learning styles

19. Characteristics of a French Immersion Kindergarten Program… • French vocabulary rich songs and games • Thematic units presented in French • Picture Inductive model • Centers combining explorative play • with academic learning • - Computers with French software

20. The Kindergarten Program • Involve all dimensions of a child’s development • Builds upon what children have already • Involves exploration and experimentation with the environment • Teaches children how to interact with others • Develops capable and competent learners

21. Your Young Learner • Has learned in a variety of environments —at home, with extended family, in daycare programs, and in the community • Demonstrates his or her knowledge in many different ways

22. Your Young Learner • Needs rich and varied opportunities to explore their environment • Needs to use language in a variety of ways • Needs to engage with peers • Needs to interact with responsive adults at home, in school, and in their communities

23. School Kindergarten Orientations Attend the Kindergarten Orientation at your designated school so your child can see the school and the classroom spaces: • Chinook Park: June 12th at 6:30 PM • Sam Livingston School: May 16th at 7:00 PM • Sundance School: May 2nd at 7:00 PM

24. Resources for Families • Canadian Parents for French Alberta http://cpfalta.ab.ca/ • Services for Families in Alberta http://humanservices.alberta.ca/programs-and-services.html • A Handbook for Parents http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mychildslearning/ • School Home Page Chinook Park http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b306/ Sam Livingston http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b354/ Sundance http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b267/

25. Registration Process

26. Age Requirements • A child who turns 4 on or before March 1 may attend Kindergarten in the fall of that same calendar year. • Kindergarten is an optional program and parents decide whether to register their children in Kindergarten. • A child who turns 5 on or before March 1 is eligible to begin Grade 1 in that same calendar year. • A child who turns 6 by September 1 must start school.

27. Registration for French Immersion • Can register at any time beginning Jan. 14th, 2013 throughout the spring and even into beginning of September • Cannot register for Grade 2 and up unless the child has attended French Immersion Grade One

28. How do I register? You will need to provide: • Legal proof of your child’s name, date of birth, and citizenship status in Canada. The following documents are acceptable: • Birth Certificate • Canadian Citizenship Certificate • Passport • Baptismal Certificate • Court Order • Information that confirms your address (e.g. telephone bill, energy bill)

29. Registering Non-Canadian Students • If your child is not a Canadian citizen, you will need to register at the Admissions Office at Kingsland Centre • This is also the case even if your child has attended school elsewhere in Canada • Phone 403-777-7373 to ask questions or to make an appointment • Kingsland Centre is located at 7430 5th Street S.W. Calgary • You will need to provide legal proof of your child’s name, date of birth, and citizenship status in Canada. The following documents are acceptable: • Permanent resident card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Record of Landing • Parent’s valid Work permit or Study Permit and your child's birth certificate

30. Hours and Times • Either in the morning or in the afternoon • Often dependent on bussing or address • Hours and days off are dependent on how each school plans its school year • Currently there are no French Immersion Kindergarten full day programs

31. Transportation • There is a transportation fee for all CBE students accessing transportation to attend an alternative program. It is established annually by Board of Trustees. • The current 2012-13 fees are $215 per child. • Transportation forms (one form per family) must be completed and fee submitted to your designated school prior to end of June. • Forms are available on your school’s website in spring after fees have been approved by the Board of Trustees (part of the budget process). • Bus routes are developed throughout the summer based on the submitted transportation forms. Routes and stops are determined by the registrations. If you don’t get your form in by the end of June a bus stop will not be in place for your child for September.

32. More About Transportation Bus maps will be available at school beginning August 28th, 2013. I The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 3rd. See your school for info re: Staggered Entry for Kindergarten Kindergarten children have two bus routes: Before school or after school and the mid-day trip. Kindergarten class placement in morning or afternoon is determined by your home address and established by the Transportation Department The First Ride Program: Registration begins Monday, April 15, 2013 and the program will be held on Sat. May 25 and Sun. May 26, 2013. Pre-registration is essential to attend this program and is on a first-come, first-served basis. To pre-register call 403-640-8867. Registration opens April 15, 2013. For further information please visit the following: http://www.cbe.ab.ca/transportation/first_ride.asp 32

33. French Immersion Program Information • Entry Points: K-Gr. 1 & Gr.7 (late immersion) • K-2 begins with intensive language (100%) use to build vocabulary ( English not introduced until Gr. 3) • French acquired primarily through oral conversation • Subject material is not translated: Goal = kids thinking in French!! • Gr. 3 = 80%/20% Fr./English Gr. 4-6 = 70%/30% Fr./English • From Sundance and Sam Livingston, students go to Fairview (Middle School) & E.P. Scarlett (High School) • From Chinook Park, students go to Harold Panabaker (Jr. H.) & E.P. Scarlett (High School)

34. Current Boundary Designations

35. Classroom Visits General Questions