Quick links to information about the French Immersion program at LKDSB:
French Immersion is a program offered nationally for children from primarily English-speaking backgrounds. Its purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to learn a second language whereby French is the language of instruction and classroom communication, not a separate subject studied in isolation of other subjects. Neither the child entering the program nor his/her parents need to have any knowledge of the French language or culture.
Speaking French: An Investment in the Future
| Un | Research proves that learning a second language strengthens first language skills. | Quatre | Knowing French enables people not only to function but to compete effectively in the global economy of the future. | Sept | Knowing French enhances travel abroad to Europe, the Caribbean & Africa |
| Deux | Speaking French will increase job opportunities and salary potential | Cinq | Learning a new language, like French, develops critical and creative thinking skills. | Huit | French is the language of culture, opening doors to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine and cinemas |
| Trois | Studying French increases appreciation of other people and their cultures | Six | Proficiency in French will improve chances of being accepted to university and to graduate school. | Neuf | French is the language of many great literary masterpieces |
| Dix | French opens up an entire world of sporting events to enthusiasts |
Junior and Senior Kindergarten
In Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten, the language of instruction is French. The children's introduction to the Early Immersion Program is "gentle," in that they continue to express themselves in English at this level - only the teacher speaks French. This builds listening comprehension in French so that when academic content is introduced in Grade 1, children have little difficulty following what is going on. Basic vocabulary is taught through the use of rhymes, songs, short stories and play-acting.
Grades 1 & 2
All instruction, including Reading, Writing and Mathematics is in French. Speaking skills receive greater emphasis and the children are increasingly able to express themselves in French.
Grades 3 - 8
English language studies are introduced in Grade 3 for 50% of the instructional time. Specific study areas are designated for English or French instruction.
Grades 9 - 12
At the secondary level, students in the French Immersion program take one third of their course requirements in French. Upon successful completion of the program, they are granted a Certificate in French Immersion Studies.
Will my child be getting the same program as he/she would in an English class?
Yes. French Immersion programs follow the Ontario Curriculum that is mandated by the Ministry of Education and Training. Reporting of student progress is the same in immersion programs as it is in English programs and students in French Immersion receive the Ontario Provincial Report Card with the language of instruction indicated beside subject areas.
To ensure student achievement, students in French Immersion participate in annual provincial EQAO assessments along with English program students.
Will my child's English suffer?
No. French Immersion pupils are able to read, write, speak, understand and use English as well as youngsters instructed in English. In addition, they can also read, write, speak and understand French in a way that English pupils who follow traditional second-language teaching methods cannot. Since French Immersion is an available option in the Lambton Kent District School Board, instead of asking “Why French Immersion?” We might very well ask “Why not?” No one ever says they wish they hadn’t learned a second language.
Must
parents be French speaking?
No. The French Immersion Program is a French as a Second Language (FSL) program and there is no expectation that parents have any knowledge of French. Parents receive communication from the school and classroom teacher in English.
Is French Immersion right for my child?
Students who do well in Early French Immersion programs will probably be able to say "yes" to many of these questions:
French Immersion is currently available at the following schools:
| Elementary Schools | ||
| BROOKE CENTRAL P.S. Leo Spence, Principal |
J.K. to Gr 8 519-847-5218 |
7989 Brooke Line, Box 220, Alvinston, ON N0N 1A0 |
| CATHCART BLVD P.S. Paul Veriker, Principal |
J.K. to Gr 8 519-542-5651 |
1219 Cathcart Blvd., Sarnia, ON N7S 2H7 |
| ERROL ROAD P.S. Carmen Lemieux, Principal |
J.K. to Gr 8 519-542-9341 |
989 Errol Rd., Sarnia, ON N7S 2E6 |
| HARWICH-RALEIGH P.S. Isabella Beattie, Principal |
J.K. to Gr 8 519-676-5481 |
231 Chatham St. S., Box 1060 Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0 |
| HIGH PARK P.S. Helen Lane, Principal |
J.K to Gr 8 519-332-0474 |
757 Kember Ave., Sarnia, ON N7S 2T3 |
| JOHN N. GIVEN P.S. Mary Douglas, Principal |
Gr 7 & Gr 8 519-354-6100 |
92 Churchill Street Chatham, ON N7L 3T5 |
| MCNAUGHTON AVENUE P.S. Deborah Ellacott, Principal |
J.K. to Gr 6 519-352-8252 |
480 McNaughton Ave. E. Chatham, ON N7L 2G9 |
| SIR JOHN MOORE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Nancy Swanstrom, Principal |
J.K. to Gr 8 519-862-1089 |
274 St. Clair Blvd., Corunna, ON N0N 1G0 |
| Blended Schools | ||
| HILLCREST Brenda Mann, Principal |
J.K. to Gr 3 519-882-2260 |
433 First Ave., Box 119 Petrolia, 0N N0N 1R0 |
| QUEEN ELIZABETH II (P) Todd Hayward, Principal |
Gr 4 to Gr 8 519-882-2123 |
4104 Kerby St., Box 479 Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 |
| Secondary Schools | ||
| CHATHAM-KENT S.S. Todd Haskel, Principal |
Gr 9 to Gr 12 519-352-2870 |
285 McNaughton Ave. E. Chatham, ON N7L 2G7 |
| L.C.C.V.I. Phil Warner, Principal |
Gr 9 to Gr 12 519-882-1910 |
4141 Dufferin Ave., Box 5100 Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 |
| NORTHERN COLLEGIATE Sean Keane, Principal |
Gr 9 to Gr 12 519-542-5545 |
940 Michigan Ave., Sarnia, ON N7S 2B1 |
How can I help my child at home?