Trustees conclude French Immersion Program Review in Rainbow Schools

Rainbow District School Board concluded its review of the French Immersion Program at the regular Board meeting on November 22, 2011.

Trustees decided that elementary schools that currently offer French Immersion will continue to do so, including Lansdowne Public School.

Secondary schools that currently offer French Immersion will also continue to do so. Sudbury Secondary School will retain its program for 2014-2015 providing there are 45 Grade 9 and Grade 10 students enrolled in the program on October 31, 2013.

“Sudbury Secondary School will have an opportunity to grow the program in its newly renovated facilities,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “If enrolment is maintained, the program will continue.”

Director Blaseg thanked students, parents and members of the community who shared their input as part of the program review. “They reaffirmed our belief that there is tremendous support for French Immersion in our schools,” he said.

He added: “The Program has grown significantly over the years, with a greater number of families choosing French Immersion for their children when they start school. As a result, we want to offer the best French Immersion Program possible, so students have every opportunity to become bilingual and gain the skills to communicate effectively in both official languages.”

Rainbow District School Board offers French Immersion in 11 elementary schools and six secondary schools across the Greater Sudbury area. The percentage of students in French Immersion has increased from 25 per cent in 2006 to 28 per cent in 2011.

There are currently 2,404 students enrolled in French Immersion at the elementary level.

There are currently 683 students enrolled in French Immersion at the secondary level.

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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.