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French
Immersion is offered at Saint Henry's Junior School (Grades 1-5) and Saint
Henry's Senior School (Grades 6-9) in Melville and in Yorkton at Saint
Michael's School (Grades 1-8) and Sacred Heart (Grades 9-12).
French
Immersion is experiencing a resurgence in Yorkton in recent years. After
hitting a low of 68 students in 1997, the program has rebounded, with 117 students
enrolled in 2006-07.
FAQ’s
about French Immersion
What is French
Immersion?
French
Immersion is a highly successful approach to second language learning – an
effective way for students to become functionally fluent in French while
achieving all of the objectives of the regular school program. The
program is designed for students whose first language is not French. The
objective is full mastery of the English language, functional fluency in
French, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the French culture.
Is Religious
Education taught in the French Immersion schools?
The Christ the Teacher School Division is utmost and foremost Catholic.
Catholic principles govern all school activities and are present in every
subject taught. Religious education instruction, which provides young people
with the opportunity to learn more about their faith, is mandatory at every
grade level. Opportunities for prayer and religious celebration are integral to
the program.
What are some of the
benefits of learning a second language?
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Students develop a communicative competence in
the second language, at no expense to the development of the first
language.
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Since many of the skills and much of the
knowledge used in acquiring a second language are the same as those used
in learning one’s first language, these skills and this knowledge are
easily transferable to the second language. This experience may enable students
to learn a third and fourth language more efficiently and with greater
expediency.
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Students gain a new awareness and a greater
understanding of other cultures and an enhanced understanding and
appreciation of their own culture. A knowledge of French helps students to
better understand the history, development, and politics of Canada, and
also helps them to develop an enhanced global understanding.
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Bilingual students become increasingly
competitive in their ability to participate in world affairs, including
business, civil service, trade and commerce, service industries,
diplomacy, teaching, journalism, and international and national agencies.
Personal pleasures such as literature, art, music, theatre, and travel are
also enhanced.
What are the outcomes
for the French Immersion program?
The
French Immersion program enables students to develop a functional fluency in
French, while providing them with the advantages of the all-English program.
The program’s outcomes enable students to become functionally bilingual.
Our students:
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are able and willing to participate easily in
conversations in French and English,
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are able to further their education as
appropriate to their abilities and interests, with French as the language
of instruction,
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are able to accept employment using French as
the working language,
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gain insight into the French heritage and
culture of Canada and the common attitudes and values of the
French-speaking community, and
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achieve equivalent levels of learning in the
content of all subjects taken, whether they are instructed in English or
in French.
What type of student will
benefit from this program?
A student who has little or no previous knowledge of French, but who possesses
a keen interest in learning designated curriculum through the French language,
is well suited to this program.
Is the French Immersion
program suitable for all children?
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The language of instruction bears little, if
any, relation to academic performance, particularly in Early Immersion
programs. The student who would excel in an English program will probably
excel in a French Immersion program; the student who would have academic
difficulties in an English program will likely experience those same
difficulties in French Immersion.
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Most major studies report that the only children
found to be very poor candidates for French Immersion are those with a
weak language development in their first language or with a poor sense of
auditory discrimination or auditory memory. In most cases, these
difficulties would be apparent to the Kindergarten teacher and a
recommendation would be made for the child to remain in the English
program.
Why should I choose
French Immersion for my children?
French Immersion opens one more door for them and for their future well being.
Graduates of a full Immersion program can expect increased appreciation of
other languages and cultures, enhanced career potential, and a key to learning
other languages as well as a more global view of Canada and the world.
When is English introduced?
In Saskatchewan English must be introduced by Grade three. Students are
exposed to one period a day of English language arts. Within a year or
two, they should be reading in both languages. Skills in one language can
be transferred to benefit the development of the other.
What do French Immersion graduates have
to show for their efforts?
In Saskatchewan, students who have completed 12 high school credits in French
will receive a French Immersion transcript.
Does French Immersion work?
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After 30 years of growth and development, French
Immersion is one of the most studied programs ever introduced into
Canadian schools. The majority of the research results have been
positive. As a result, the immersion method has been adopted by other
countries. Each year, thousands of students across Canada graduate
with excellent skills in both languages.
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Success in learning a second language depends on
the attitude and ability of the individual, the excellence of the program
provided by the schools and to a large extent the supportive attitude of
the parents.
How do students learn
a second language?
The approach used in the Immersion program is based on the fact that learning a
second language has much in common with learning a first language. In both
instances the processes are very similar and the language becomes a tool for
communication.
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A young student, just like an infant, wants
to create meaning and understand what is happening. Children have a deep
urge to be understood. The French Immersion program is designed to create
the same kinds of conditions that are thought to occur during first
language acquisition — that is, students are encouraged to learn the
language by participating in meaningful and interesting language
activities. Grade 1 teachers focus on the use of the language rather than
the study of the language.
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Although communication in French is the goal and
is perceived as the best method to develop proficiency, the relationship
between the French teacher and the student — just like the relationship
between parent and child — is vital to the success of a French Immersion
program.
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Parents show a great deal of patience,
encouragement and support to their child. In a similar way, teachers
create a non-threatening, stimulating and rich environment that reduces
anxiety and encourages students to take risks. Together, parents and
teachers discuss and reinforce the values and benefits of learning two
languages.
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Students learn to view their French teacher as
an individual who communicates with them primarily in French. If
necessary, the teacher reassures the Grade 1 learners by sometimes using
English. The young learner initially responds in English and, without
denying the importance of the child’s message, the teacher responds in
French. Young children are encouraged but are not forced to speak in
French. Children will speak when they are ready. Teachers recognize and
respect the fact that second language learners go through a silent period.
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When the French oral and listening skills are
fairly well-developed, the Grade 1 teacher will formally introduce reading
and writing skills in French. In Grade 1 and in all French subjects,
students frequently use the language while studying its form. This is
based on the premise that proficiency is most effectively acquired when
language is taught across most subjects.
Does it matter if no
one at home speaks French?
No, it isn’t important, since the program was designed for children of
non-French speaking families. All communication with parents is conducted in
English.
How can I get involved in my child’s
education?
As in any educational program, parental involvement is important. You can help
improve your child’s French proficiency and make the language alive and dynamic
by using the following strategies. Contact your child’s teacher for additional
suggestions.
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Learn as much as you can about the French
Immersion program.
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Expose your child to the French language outside
the classroom (travel, French camps, student exchanges, and so on).
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Encourage your child and show an interest in
what your child is learning.
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Expose your child to French music, magazines,
pen pals, radio, books, television and live performances.
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Read frequently to your child in your mother
tongue.
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Be patient with your child. Language learning is
a lifelong process.
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Volunteer in your child’s school. Knowledge of
French is not necessary to participate in school activities.
Will my child follow
the same curriculum as a student in the English program?
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Yes, the French Immersion curriculum follows the
same Saskatchewan Learning guidelines, as does the English program.
Students work toward the same academic goals, regardless of the language
of instruction.
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It should be noted that some French Immersion
students might experience a temporary lag with regard to English programs.
Students may lag behind with English spelling skills until the end of
Grade 5 or 6.
After several years
in Immersion, will my child be bilingual?
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To some parents, a young person who has been in
a French Immersion program seems quite comfortable in French. When your
child prepares for middle years or high school, however, it is important
to remember your original objective for enrolling your childe in a
French Immersion program. Formal and informal inquiries suggest parents
usually choose the program so that, regardless of the career selected,
their child can eventually compete in a bilingual workplace.
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Yet while French Immersion students, even in
Grade 10, achieve high scores on French reading and listening
comprehension tests, their French language speaking and writing scores are
often less satisfactory and show weaknesses in grammar. Students’
self-evaluations support these views. Therefore, if your objective for
your child is fluency in French for career or personal reasons, it is
essential that he/she continue developing her French skills through high
school.
What are the
arrangements for transportation?
Bus transportation is available to all students registered in immersion, and
their siblings who may be registered in English, if they live outside of the
attendance area. Transportation for French immersion rural students is
also provided.
If you have any further questions please call:
- Saint Henry's Junior School - 728-4758
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Saint Henry's Senior School - 728-3877
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Saint Michael’s School -782-4407
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Sacred Heart High School - 783-3128
- Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division - 783-8787
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