Shannon Powell, director of the Olds Chapter of Canadian Parents for French (CPF), came before council last Tuesday (April 18) to report on the progress of French immersion programs in Olds, which will include a graduating class for the first time in its history.
Powell estimates there are about 150 students registered in French immersion programs at all elementary, middle and high school levels in Olds. Last year, she said, there were 25 students registered in Grade 1, which is their biggest class size to date.
For parents unsure of bilingual education, the CPF holds an information night and open house in April each year, where interested families can go into a French classroom with the teacher and students for first-hand experience.
"They get to see how the kids really don't care. And they pick it up so fast," she said. "It's very encouraging."
After the CPF Olds chapter was initiated in 2005 and French immersion began at the Grade 1 level, this will be the first graduating class to include French immersion students. Three of the five students who began high school in the immersion program will graduate this year with bilingual certificates.
Powell says that while enrolment is steady enough at the elementary level to warrant single-grade classrooms, attrition rates from French immersion programs increase significantly when children enter middle school. That's why she encourages parents, as well as individuals, businesses and any other interested groups, to join CPF Olds.
"What we are trying to do is educate parents to stay in it for the long run because it's going to be such a benefit."
Council accepted the presentation for information only.
"What we are trying to do is educate parents to stay in it for the long run because it's going to be such a benefit."SHANNON POWELLDIRECTOR OLDS CHAPTER OF CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH
