What Changed

  • Starting September 2023, Grade 1 students will receive 16% of their day in core French (an increase from 8%).
  • Beginning September 2024, French immersion will start at the Grade 2 entry point.
  • In January 2024, families of Grade 1 students can apply for French immersion beginning in Grade 2.

Background

In 2017, the WRDSB created an Ad Hoc Committee to review French Immersion and Extended French programs. The committee looked at:

  • Staffing challenges
  • Equitable access for all students
  • Transportation needs
  • The pros and cons of a French immersion magnet school

Reports from the Review

Status of the Review

Phase 1 (2017–2018)

  • Committee formed with trustees, parents, students, and staff.
  • Recommendations presented to the Board in April 2018.

Phase 2 (2018–2020)

  • Report presented to Trustees in April 2018.
  • $150,000 committed to support recommendations.
  • Malatest & Associates Ltd. contracted to conduct a review (report released October 2020).

Phase 3 (2021–2022)

  • Committee reconvened in April 2021 to reflect on findings.
  • Final report presented in June 2022, recommending:
    • A clear vision, goals, and guiding principles for French programs.
    • An action plan to align French immersion with these principles.
    • Transition to a Grade 2 entry point for French immersion.
    • Increase in Grade 1 core French from 8% to 16%.

Next Steps

  • Families can apply for Grade 2 French immersion starting in January 2024.