Trillium Lakelands District School Board

French Immersion

Vision for French Immersion

“Trillium Lakelands District School Board supports the French Immersion Program and intends that the program be inclusive and accessible to all students within the Board.

The Board also intends that graduates of the secondary school French Immersion Program will be able to communicate and function in French and be able to pursue work or post secondary education in French.”

Benefits to Your Child

Knowledge of a second language is valuable for a number of reasons. Students can strengthen their first-language skills, enhance critical thinking abilities, and become more knowledgeable of other cultures.

Registration

Watch for details on French Immersion Kindergarten information and registration evenings in late January. Children entering the program may register for JK at the school they will attend for French Immersion. The program usually starts at the Senior Kindergarten level.

All TLDSB French Immersion Schools are dual track, which means there are regular English classes as well as French Immersion.

French Immersion Schools

City of Kawartha Lakes Area
Leslie Frost Public School (705) 324.5602
I.E. Weldon Secondary School (705) 324.3585

Haliburton Area
Stuart W. Baker Elementary School (705) 457.1342
J.D. Hodgson Elementary School (705) 457.2922

Muskoka Area
Monck Public School (705) 645.9986
Riverside Public School (705) 789.2282

Core French

Core French is part of the regular curriculum for all students in TLDSB from grades 4 to 8. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma requires one compulsory credit in French usually earned in grade 9.

Aims of Core French

To provide fundamental communication skills in French, and an understanding of the nature of the language and its culture.
To offer students the chance to develop a usable command of French.

French Immersion is designed for children from non-French speaking families. The standard entry point is SK. There are no entrance requirements. Students who successfully complete 10 credits at the secondary level will be granted a French Immersion certificate.

Aims of French Immersion

To develop and refine students’ ability to communicate in French.
To expand students’ knowledge of the language through the study of francophone literature and culture.

How is French Immersion taught?

In senior kindergarten, grades 1, 2, and 3, instruction in French is provided 80 to 100% of the time
Grades 4 to 6 students have a minimum of 60% French instruction
In grades 7 and 8, the balance between English and French is 50/50
Math is taught in English from grades 4 to 8. Science is also taught primarily in English after grade 3

NOTE: English is used to communicate between school and home

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child learn the same things as in the English classes?
Yes, teachers use the same curriculum documents to plan programs.

Do I have to be able to speak French?
No, French Immersion is intended for English-speaking families.

Will my child be behind in English?
Research shows that there may be a lag in the development of some English language skills in the early years, but by grade 6, French Immersion students have caught up.

How can I help my child?
Read in English to your child and discuss experiences on a daily basis. No special activities are required.

What type of French will be taught?
Standard French vocabulary and grammar is taught. Students are exposed to regional accents and terminology.

What is Extended French?
Extended French is a secondary school program offering 7 credits in French.