French Immersion

Elk Island Catholic Schools is committed to French learning as an expression of our Canadian identity.  Students will develop French language proficiency and an appreciation for French culture in, and beyond, the classroom.  Throughout our division, students will experience excellent instruction through various French programs.

La commission scolaire Elk Island Catholic Schools se dédie à l’apprentissage de la langue française en tant qu’expression de notre identité Canadienne. Les étudiant(e)s viseront à développer une aisance linguistique, une appréciation de la langue française à l’école ainsi qu’une appréciation de la culture francophone dans leur quotidien. Au sein de notre commission scolaire, les étudiant(e)s vivront un apprentissage remarquable par le biais de nos programmes de français riches et variés. 

The French Immersion Program 

French Immersion is a program of studies in which French is the language of instruction for a significant part of the school day.  All subjects are taught in French (except the formal study of English).  French Immersion is designed for students whose first language is not French.  The objective of the program is full mastery of the English language, functional fluency in French, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the French culture.

You don't have to speak French! 

The French Immersion program is designed for children whose parents do not usually speak French.  Parent-teacher conferences are held in English and report cards are always written in English.  The philosophy of the immersion program is that no child should be denied the satisfaction and pride derived from becoming bilingual in the French language, and all children are welcome. 

Our district school environments reflect Canadian heritage 

As a district, Elk Island Catholic Schools offers a Catholic French Immersion program at the following schools:

École Père Kenneth Kearns Catholic School (Kindergarten to Grade 4)

École Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School (Grades 5 - 8)

Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Benefits of Learning French

• Bilingualism is at the core of Canada’s national identity;
• Learning a second language has been shown to bring cognitive and academic benefits, such as improve critical and creative thinking skills;
• Learning a second language can open up many additional opportunities such as employment, travel and study abroad opportunities; 
• Research has shown that learning a second language could have a positive effect on first language development;

Advantages of a French Immersion Education

• Students consistently exceed provincial averages in academic achievement.
• Improved communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• Students develop new insights into the English language and culture.
• Students will develop an understanding and respect for other cultures, and cultivate skills to successfully function in today's global economy.
• Bilingual students have wider job and career opportunities because of their linguistic abilities.
• Bilingual students can easily learn additional languages.

Alberta Education goals for French Immersion:

To enable students to:

• Achieve a level of competence in English equivalent to English program students;
• Become functionally fluent in French by the end of Grade 12;
• Achieve the learner outcomes in all core and complementary courses in French; and
• Gain an understanding and appreciation of francophone cultures.

French Immersion reflects our Canadian heritage. The French Immersion program is just one of the many advantages to be found in Elk Island Catholic Schools!