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)
École Père Kenneth Kearns and École Our Lady of Perpetual Help both provide a single track program, which means all students participate in the French Immersion Program and benefit from a total immersion into the culture and language environment needed to best develop their second language skills.
The acquisition of a second language has been shown to improve critical and creative thinking skills; enhance opportunities to travel and study abroad; develop an understanding and respect for other cultures, and cultivate skills to successfully function in today's global economy.
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!
Advantages of a French Immersion Education
- Students consistently exceed provincial averages in academic achievement.
- Improved communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Creative thinking is enhanced in second-language students.
- Students develop new insights into the English language and culture.
- Bilingual students have wider job and career opportunities because of their linguistic abilities.
- Bilingual students can easily learn additional languages.
What the students say
"I like French Immersion because it's fun, different and just out of the ordinary." - Grade 5 Student
"Speaking French makes school more interesting. I like the nice teachers and students. I can give my mom and dad a present and keep it a secret if I talk in French."
- Grade 3 Student
"I like speaking French and I can teach it to other people in my family. It makes me feel good." - Grade 1 Student
"I like French Immersion because its long term benefits are very rewarding. In being immersed in French from an early age, we can become fluent and then use our second language to amplify possible job opportunities." - Grade 9 Student
"I like French Immersion because I get to learn a new language and you get to read a lot of good French books." - Grade 5 Student
To learn more about French Immersion, you can also visit: