Wednesday, 11 June 2014

French as a Second Language Advisory Committee

Below is news sent on behalf of the French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLAC):
1. Don Mills CI Student Wins BIG
Shannon Gui, grade 11 Core French student at Don Mills CI won a full scholarship to Ottawa University, valued up to $32,000. Shannon took first place in the Canadian Parents for French (CPF) national public speaking contest - Concours Oratoire. This year’s national final was held in Prince Edward Island. Congratulations to Shannon! We are so proud of you! 

Shannon - “I started learning French in Gr 5 when I first came to Canada, and most absurdly, it was my least favorite subject for a long time! Somehow, I began to love French and wanted to one day master the language. The National Concours at PEI marked one of the most amazing weekends of my life. It was so exciting to meet people from every corner of the country, and I was awed by every finalist's skilled delivery and fascinating speech topic. Through fun-filled activities on the beautiful island, everyone became such good friends in merely two days. This experience is one that I will treasure for my entire life. Thank you TDSB and CPF so much for offering us these amazing opportunities!”

2014 marks the 30th anniversary for the annual Ontario CPF  (on.cpf.ca/) festival and competition which is co-hosted by the Ontario Modern Languages Teachers’ Association (OMLTA). At the Ontario competition, the finalists included students from these TDSB schools: Earl Haig, Lawrence Park, York Mills, Northern and Richview. Bravo students!

A big, big thank you goes to all of the TDSB teachers and FSL staff who run the event at their schools, regionally within the TDSB and are OMLTA judges at the finals.

2. Summer French Fun
The Toronto Public Library is offering FREE French activities at branches across the city. Contact your local branch for details and check here: www.tpl.ca/frenchprograms 

Celebrate Bastille Day in Toronto at Wychwood Barns on July 13: http://consulfrance-toronto.org/spip.php?article3277 


3. Franco-Fête July 4-6 – Yonge – Dundas Square
Help your kids flex their French muscles over the summer right here in Toronto…The annual French music and culture festival will be held from July 4-6 at Yonge-Dundas Square. There will be activities and entertainment for all ages. Mini TFO will be there! www.tfo.org/mini . The full program will be available soon (in English and French) www.franco-fete.ca  .

4. Great News - Immersion/Extended Expansion 
Five elementary schools will have new senior kindergarten French immersion programs in September: Blake, Bowmore, Islington, Melody Village and Perth. Melody Village will be transitioning over the next several years to become a French immersion only school. This September, all Senior Kindergarten French immersion classes will be full day. FSL staff report that the increased time in French in SK means that students are better prepared for grade 1.Two schools will have new grade 4 extended programs in September: Chester and Rene Gordon. 

Overall, 5081 students are entering immersion/extended in September 2014, up from 4666 in 2013. The annual enrolment report on French immersion/extended was given to trustees at the recent Program and School Services Committee:  www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/Elementary/FSL/140528%20FSL%202337.pdf

Policies and Procedures are under ‘FSL in the Boardroom here: 

5. TDSB on Pinterest
Pinterest is a wonderful source for resources for student learning. It is really easy to set up a free account and roam through tons of creative ideas. The TDSB has a board: www.pinterest.com/tdsb . There are suggestions for French books, audiobooks and even some French-inspired dinner ideas. Quiche anyone?

 6. Registration Still Open for Summer School!
The TDSB is offering summer French programs for elementary and secondary students. Programs are free of charge to TDSB students. Transportation is NOT provided. For more information, go to: 

Kindergarten to grade 8 Programs:
Humbercrest (K- 8 French Immersion ½ day programs); 
Cassandra (Grades 1-8 French Immersion & Extended ½ day programs);
JB Tyrell (Grades 6- 8 Core French ½ day programs); 
The Waterfront School (K-8 for different entry levels of French – full day program); 
Westmount (Grades 7-8 French immersion-1/2 day programs) 

Secondary Credits:
York Mills is offering 4 credit courses for French immersion students: 
French Immersion Gr 10 FIF2D5; Introduction à la psychologie,la sociologie et l'anthropologie HSP3U5;
Functions - French Immersion MCR3U5; Histoire du Canada depuis la Première Guerre Mondial  CHC2D5

CW Jefferys, George S. Henry, Harbord, L’Amoreaux, Lester B. Pearson and Monarch Park are offering remedial Grade 9 Core French: FSF 1DU, FSF 1PU.  Lester B. Pearson is also offering remedial Grade 10 Core French: FSF 2DU

7.  App Happy
TFO, our provincially funded French educational broadcaster, heard from parents that they were looking for someone to check out educational apps and make informed recommendations for parents. TFO formed review panels of teachers, parents and tech experts and their picks, both English and French can be found here at their new website: edululu.org/en 

8. Where is FSL on Twitter?
Many organizations, teachers and parents who support and promote French as a Second Language are on Twitter. Common hashtags are #onted #onfr #fsl #frimm #fslchat. Check these out:
@ocolCanada @YouthforFrench @explore_odyssey @OMLTA @IISLE_epsb @CPFontario @CDNP4F 

9. You are invited!
Parents, students, trustees, teachers and staff are invited to attend and participate in FSLAC meetings. The Board’s mission for the FSLAC is:  “to consult with and advise the Board on French as a Second Language matters. As a Board community advisory committee, the FSLAC will contribute to the work of trustees and staff. This partnership of trustees, staff and parents will foster excellence and growth in FSL programs at the Board.” Meetings start at 7 pm at the TDSB offices at 5050 Yonge St., ground floor. FSLAC information is posted on the TDSB website: tdsb.on.ca/fslac .
Upcoming meetings: June 17, September 23, November 4, 2014.
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