On the Ministry of Education’s website it mentions that Core French, Extended French and French Immersion options are available to students in Ontario. Does the YRDSB offer an Extended French option?
The YRDSB does not offer Extended French programming. Grade 1 is the entry point for all students in the French Immersion program. Our Core French program is available to all students, beginning in Grade 4.
My child is currently enrolled in a private school for Senior Kindergarten. Does he have to attend a feeder school to enter a French Immersion school for Grade 1?It is not necessary to attend a York Region school for Senior Kindergarten to gain a spot in Grade 1 French Immersion. For more information about this, please contact your local
Community Education Centre.
Is French Immersion Senior Kindergarten offered in the YRDSB?
In YRDSB, French Immersion programming begins in Grade 1.
Is it important for someone at home to speak French?
The French Immersion program is designed for children of non-French speaking families. Families do not need to speak French at home.
How can I support my child with homework if I don’t speak French?There does not need to be French language support at home for the child to complete the work. The
French as a Second Language Homework Toolbox/Trousse pour les devoirs 
is a resource that many parents find helpful. This site supports parents who have children in a French Immersion program and wish to assist them with their homework. Homework is an extension of the work begun in class. Students experiencing difficulty with homework should consult their classroom teacher.
Is summer school offered for French Immersion students?
Summer school is not available for elementary French Immersion students. Students in grades 7 and 8 have access to courses in English over the summer for literacy and numeracy.
How do I know which French Immersion school my child should attend?You can use the
online school locator to find the French Immersion School within your community.
Are there any next steps to complete my child’s
French Immersion registration?
You may be asked by your school to provide proof
of your address. This is a normal step in our registration process. Schools
will contact families with any requirements.
How will I find out school bus route
information?
School bus information will be available in
August for the 2020-2021 school year. You will receive information from your
school, or you can check schoolbuscity.com. If your child is eligible for
school bus transportation, as per YRDSB’s Transportation Policy, it is recommended that
students take the school bus to reduce traffic at the school.
I’ve changed my mind about enrolling my child in
French Immersion. What do I need to do?
If you have decided to
withdraw your child from the French Immersion Program, please contact the
French Immersion school where your child was registered, either by email or
voicemail, and provide details including your name, your child’s name and your
contact information and that you wish for your child to remain at their home
school. In schools with overflow, this will allow your spot to be given to a
student currently on a waitlist. It will also enable all schools to provide
appropriate staffing.
Is there a school supply
list?
The school is responsible for providing all of the
necessary learning materials for your child. However, some families may
choose to purchase particular items for their children so that they own their
own materials. If you choose to
purchase individual items for your child, please wait until you connect with your child’s teacher in September as they may have a list of suggested
materials that you are invited to purchase.
Where can questions be
directed before school starts?
If you have any
questions, please contact the French Immersion school where your child is
registered. You can reach out via email or leave a message on the school
voicemail and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Will there be any
transition activities to welcome new students?
This is a very different
year, due to school closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our schools and
staff will be making every effort to find ways to get to know students and
families as soon as this is possible. The health and safety of our students,
families, staff and community remains our priority at this time. We look
forward to meeting everyone in person as soon as it is safe to do so.
Where can I learn more
about child care options, as my child will be moving to a new school?
For information about
child care options at your child’s new French Immersion school, please send an
email to the FI school and they will be able to provide you with the contact
information.
Where can I learn more
about the French Immersion school my child will be attending?
You may find it helpful
to visit the school’s website where you can find information about the school,
including bell times, messages from the principal and other interesting
activities that have taken place at the school. You may also wish to see if the
school has an official Twitter account, as up-to-date information is often
shared with families on social media.
Do I need to do anything
to prepare my child for French Immersion?
Please see this resource:
Supporting Your Child’s Success in French Immersion and Extended
French Elementary Schools
How can I become
involved at my child’s school?
If you’d like to play an
active role at the school level, you are always welcome to attend School
Council Meetings. Information will be shared when school resumes in the fall.
There are many opportunities to volunteer in the school. Please reach out to
your school in the fall if you’re interested in learning more.