A French Immersion program has been in existence in School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) since 1985. This vibrant alternative program offers students the opportunity to begin French language acquisition through immersion beginning in kindergarten or grade 1 (space permitting).
The program is available to all students of School District No. 52 who will be entering kindergarten or grade 1 (providing space is available). To enter kindergarten, children must be five (5) years of age or older on or before December 31. Registrations begin on the first school day in February each year for the following September. Ask your school’s principal for the specific date or contact the School Board Office, 634 6th Avenue East, Prince Rupert, V8J 1X1, 250-624-6717.
It should be noted that there is no academic requirement or qualification that could exclude a student from enrolling in French Immersion. ANY student is eligible. In addition, the Ministry of Education’s policy on French Immersion emphasizes that: “The major goal of French Immersion is to provide the opportunity for non-francophone students to become bilingual in English and French.” For more information visit the Ministry of Education website: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/french_immersion.htm
Our elementary french immersion begins with kindergarten at École Roosevelt Park Community School. In grade 6, the french immersion follows the students to Prince Rupert Middle School until the end of grade 8. Charles Hays Secondary is now the home of french immersion for the secondary portion of the program.
Transportation to and from the District French Immersion schools is the responsibility of the parent.
In early French Immersion Kindergarten to Grade Three, students receive all instruction in the French language. Grade 4-7 students receive up to 80% of their educational program in French. Secondary French Immersion students receive 50% of their program in French for Grade 8 through Grade 10, 25% in Grade 11 and 12.5% in Grade 12. The subjects taught to students are the same as those taught to English language students, but more of the program is delivered in French than in English. Students graduating from French Immersion programs are able to understand, speak, write and read French with near native fluency. Students continuing in the French Immersion program through grade 12 and graduating will receive their final Dogwood Diploma in both English and French.
If you still have questions regarding the application process, please contact Andrée Michaud, Principal, École Roosevelt Park Community School, 250-624-6126.
