Since the organization’s inception in 1977, CPF Ontario has been

the voice of many parents working tirelessly around the kitchen table, in local coffee shops, and into the boardrooms of government offices to ensure that their children have equal access to quality French Second Language (FSL) programs. CPF Ontario News captured their trials, efforts, and results in print. Here are some highlights from our archives.

1979 CPF Ontario surveys parentsThirty-one years ago parents enroled their children in French Immersion for many of the same reasons that parents do today. In December 1979, a pilot questionnaire was sent out to 1,197 parents; 411 parents responded. Parents identified four main reasons why they wanted their children to learn French: intellectual capacity (92%), cultural enrichment (82%), better job prospects (72%), and travel (68%).

1984 CPF urges development of curriculum guidelinesIn 1984, CPF Ontario formed a committee to urge the Ontario

government to 1) develop curriculum guidelines for French Immersion programs; 2) require that all Ontario Boards of Education offer French Immersion programs, with access to those programs assured to all children within board jurisdictions. By summer, the Ontario branch office held dozens of

meetings, mailed thousands of pieces of information, appeared on radio, television, and in print, and contacted the provincial government to 1) request standardized FSL teacher qualifications across the province; 2) communicate that school boards be held accountable for the spending of grants received for FSL programs. CPF Ontario was asked to serve on a Curriculum Advisory

Committee established by the Ministry of Education.

1985 CPF presents brief to the MacDonald CommissionIn 1985, CPF Ontario met with the Deputy Minister of Education to discuss Core and French Immersion, funding and teacher supply; and presented a brief to the Commission on Financing of Elementary and Secondary Education which strongly supported the continuation of sliding-scale grants for FSL programs related to hours of instruction. Another brief was presented to the Bovey Commission on Future Development of the Universities of Ontario which argued that university courses in French, in subjects other than French, should be available at Ontario’s non-bilingual and bilingual institutions. The brief was well received. There were even some comments favourably noted in the Commission’s final report.

1989 Political commitment to FSL waningIn 1989, the Ministry of Education published the French Immersion Needs Assessment report. In 1991,

PROMOTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG CANADIANS TO LEARN AND USE FRENCH

IN THIS

ISSUE

A Message from the President page 5• 2008 Membership Campaign page 6• ESL Students & French Immersion page 7• 24 Years of French Public Speaking page 8• The Branch Office Then and Now page 10• CPF Ontario Goals Then and Now page 11• Life After High School page 13•

Chapter Chat page 15• A History Lesson on our Chapters page 15• Now That’s Intensive French page 18• Camp de leadership - Esprit 2009 page 19• French Survival Resources page 19• Our First Newsletter Issue in 1979 page 20• Our Website’s Homepage in 1999 page 20•

CPF Ontario Celebrates its 100th Issue

Celebrate with us! Read letters of congratulations from Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, Premier, and Minister of Education, pages 2-4.

Article continues on page 6.

2 3

2 3

Premier of Ontario - Premier ministre de l’Ontario

September 2008

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER

On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to congratulate the members, staff and volunteers of Canadian Parents for French (CPF) (Ontario) on the publication of the 100th issue of CPF Ontario News.

Ontario’s strength comes from its diversity — and its ability to embrace what is good in every culture to create an inclusive, compassionate and prosperous society. Our multilingual and multicultural character has also given us a unique competitive advantage in today’s global economy.

The French language and culture are integral parts of Ontario’s history and distinctive character. I am proud to have a mother who is French Canadian. Being bilingual has allowed me to serve and understand the people of Ontario more fully, and has enriched my life immeasurably.

Our government recognizes the crucial role CPF (Ontario) plays in promoting French language education in Ontario. I commend everyone involved with this fine organization for your dedication and hard work. Take pride in the knowledge that your efforts have contributed greatly to the educational development of young Ontarians and to the vitality of our province as a whole.

Please accept my best wishes for much ongoing success.

Dalton McGuinty Premier

4 5

4 5

A Message from the President

September 2008

When an organization celebrates any milestone there are many accolades to the success of initiatives and the dedication of individuals to these initiatives. When these individuals are volunteers it is simply astounding, given that time constraints squeeze priorities and responsibilities and volunteer turnover is high. In a data driven society which measures performance and success solely by statistics, Canadian Parents for French (CPF) has continued to dominate as an organization with strong volunteer membership – topping 25,000 members across Canada. These members are dedicated to the mission, values and goals of the organization and we take pride in saying that CPF is not an organization that sells memberships, but one that earns every new member.CPF Ontario News has kept our membership informed and connected for close to 30 years and throughout 100 uninterrupted editions. Although our CPF Ontario archive editions reveal that many French Second Language (FSL) issues have remained the same (teacher supply and demand, quality FSL programs, student and teacher proficiency, teacher qualifications, FSL course offerings, access to programs, funding accountability, special education) there has been progress made. FSL program enrolment in Ontario attests to successful advocacy efforts: 821,050 students in Core French, over 125,000 in French Immersion, close to 30,000 in Extended French and, most recently, over 200 students in the new Intensive Core French pilot program in four school boards.Our newsletter has changed formats, layouts and looks over the years and now is available online. Technology assists us in keeping connected with our membership in more ways than a newsletter used to, providing information rapidly through our website, access to terrific staff and volunteer experts at Chapter and Branch levels through email, and continued development of a virtual community so members can network and support each other. However, print editions of the newsletter are still vital testimonials of the energy, effort and product of the advocacy work and the events that volunteers achieve for the organization.I invite all members to contribute to CPF Ontario News, and also FSL students and teachers from all programs to submit articles, stories, pictures and testimonials, as providing this forum is continued evidence of our support for FSL learning in Ontario. It is, above all, a publication which not only belongs to the membership but also exists for all individuals interested in supporting our work.In looking forward to reading the next 100 editions, and with thanks for your support,

Your president,

Monika Ferenczy

Promoting opportunities for young Canadians to learn and use French

6 7

the CPF Ontario President reported that federal, provincial and municipal governments, including school boards, were facing financial crunches. It was felt that the political commitment to French Second Language (FSL) education was disappearing “faster than snow in May”. Program reviews for French Immersion questioned the educational validity of the program. This signaled a dark era for FSL education in Ontario.

1993 Federal Government cuts FSL education fundsThe headline in the summer issue of CPF Ontario News read “Members urged to write letters about cuts to funds”. It was reported that federal government money for FSL education had been cut. The 62nd issue of CPF Ontario News in 1996 showed the breakdown of how FSL was funded in the province.

1999 Hon. Sheila Copps acknowledges CPF impactThe Hon. Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, publicly commented on the impact that CPF has had on the growth and promotion of FSL programs in this country. A

survey on FSL issues was given to every school in Ontario and 360 surveys were returned. Despite the Ministry of Education and Training’s funding cut announcement, over 180 schools still offered Core French in JK-1, 95 schools offered French Immersion (of which 52 schools offered early FI between JK-1), and 12 offered Extended French. Partly due to the amalgamation of school boards, many French programs were under review. Some school boards intended to cut programs while others were planning to add new French Immersion programs. The most common concern from both the elementary and secondary schools was the need for more suitable textbooks and resource materials.

2008 Ontario Minister of Education committed to ensuring students have access to FSL programsIn February, CPF Ontario presented the “French Second Language Education in Ontario - Report and Recommendations on FSL Education in Ontario” to the Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education. The Minister is considering the recommendations that address the issues of equitable access, program quality, and attrition from both the Core and French Immersion programs at the secondary level.

...article continued from page 1.

presents the chance for you to

Win a family weekend getaway to Mont-Tremblant, Québec

Join or renew your CPF membership for three years at $60 BEFORE DECEMBER 1st, 2008 to be eligible to win a two-night stay for 2 adults and 2 children at Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant in a lake-view suite (valued at $460).

Tucked into the Laurentian mountains, Mont-Tremblant is one of the most popular destinations in Québec with a charming, European-style pedestrian village. During the winter Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant has a ski shop, skating and a shuttle to Mont-Tremblant. Nestled on the shore of Lake Ouimet, their private beach offers many summer activities including canoeing and kayaking.

A great opportunity for your family to immerse in the ultimate French experience in La Belle Province. Winter, summer or in between - you pick the time, we have the perfect place.

Join or renew by completing the membership form on the back of this newsletter or visit us on-line at www.cpfont.on.ca and your current membership will be extended by 3 years from your current expiry date. The winner will be announced and contacted on Jan. 30th, 2009.

6 7

ESL Students and French Immersion:A Winning Combination

A few years ago one of my former students, who was also an English-as-a-Second-

Language (ESL) tutor in an elementary school, called to ask my opinion on a very intriguing issue. The parents of twin boys whom she was tutoring wanted to put their children in French Immersion but they were getting conflicting information about whether or not their children would do well in immersion, and whether they were making the right decision.Up to this point in time I had not thought much about the non-Anglophone child in a French Immersion setting. My first instinct was “why not?” This opinion was based on two main beliefs – that in Early French Immersion (EFI) all children are in the same linguistic boat with none of them speaking the target language, and that the primary French Immersion environment is an excellent milieu for language learning. I also believed that in a majority English situation all children, including those who do not speak English at home, will learn to speak English.Though I felt strongly that my views were not simply intuitive, I felt I needed to back them up with research. And I found what I was looking for. I discovered that in 1998, for instance, Diane Dagenais and Elaine Day published an article that chronicled the classroom experiences of 3 trilingual children in EFI settings. All were also maintaining their first languages (Polish, Vietnamese and Spanish) at home. Although each student had particular areas of strength and weakness, all were experiencing success in EFI. One of the key issues that emerged from this article was that the teacher’s view of trilingualism – that is, whether s/he considered it a resource or a handicap – was critical to the success of the child. By viewing this characteristic

as an asset, a teacher was able to focus on strategies particularly geared to the individual learner. These writers concluded by highlighting the notion that effective immersion classrooms may, in fact, be an extremely beneficial environment for non-Anglophone learners and that they can actually excel in these programs.In another earlier case study, Shelley Taylor introduced readers to a Cantonese student in EFI. In Taylor’s study the EFI student was described as a shy child who initially spoke very little English but who, in the EFI class, was seen to participate well in most activities. This particular student coped very well in the EFI environment and consistently did well academically. The study focused on pedagogical approaches that made his learning experience a success and identified paralanguage – that is, gestures, body movement, intonation and expression – as well as the incorporation of “concrete materials, pictures, symbols and rituals” as key elements. She also affirmed my belief that these non-Anglophone children in EFI environments are now on an even playing field with their Anglophone peers. This study pointed out that one cannot determine suitability for immersion based on either mother tongue or on the basis of personality (for instance, one can’t conclude that an extrovert would do better than an introvert in immersion).From speaking with parents, it seems the concern for non-Anglophone students in EFI does not seem to relate to their children’s success in the French language as much as to their

lack of English language development in the early stages. Here, the research is scant and somewhat conflicting. One study conducted in 1993, for instance, suggested that schoolyard play may not be sufficient to build necessary English language skills. And one 1988 research piece showed that while these students usually outperformed their Anglophone counterparts on French assessments, they performed less well on English language tests. Another study indicated that trilingual students needed more time than bilingual students to complete tasks.Still another study by Doug Hart, Merrill Swain and Sharon Lapkin, however, showed non-Anglophone students (especially those with a romance language mother tongue such as Spanish or Italian) scored better than unilingual Anglophones in written and oral story telling areas. Moreover, in a recent review of studies related to this topic, Callie Mady concluded research consistently shows Allophones (people whose first or home language is neither English nor French) experience success with French language learning and that many studies show success in English as well. In addition, Mady found Allophone students are more motivated to learn French than their Anglophone counterparts.

Article continues on page 16.

Bring the best in Performing Arts to your school! Educate and entertain students! Provide resources to educators!

French performances available in Dance, Music, Theatre, Puppetry, Opera.

Call Prologue to the Performing Arts to order your free 08/09 Resource Guide.

Tel: 416-591-9092 Toll free: 1-888-591-9092 visit www.prologue.org

4956_PRO_fr_ad_colour_v1:Layout 1 8/28/08 4:03 PM Page 1

8 9

The year was 1985. The comic strip Calvin and Hobbes made its debut in 35 newspapers,

the original Nintendo reached North American markets, and The Goonies came out on the big screen. It was a great year to be young, especially since the United Nations declared 1985 International Youth Year. For the French-speaking youth of Ontario there was even more reason to celebrate.1985 marked the first annual le Concours d’art oratoire, as it was called then, a French public-speaking competition for elementary and high school students sponsored jointly by CPF Ontario and the Ontario Modern Language Teachers’ Association (OMLTA). During that first year, le Concours started with 35 students from 14 school boards, mostly coming from around the Ottawa region where the event was held. With a nominal budget and minimal publicity, the competition made a small but powerful start. It has now grown to include over 300 participants from over 60 public and separate school boards as well as from private schools across the province.The next year saw significant changes to the venue and to the number of participants. With the budget more than tripled from the previous year, and 88 participants attending from Thunder Bay, Timmins, Pembroke, Cornwall, Guelph, and the Toronto area, le Concours 1986 was held at The Royal York Hotel in Toronto (where families could get a room for just $70 a night). What’s more, over 30 volunteers from the French community were invited as judges. They represented companies such as Air Canada, Air France, Addison-Wesley, Fitzhenry and Whiteside, government ministries, French bookstores, schools,

and universities. During idle moments of the competition, French films were shown: Tin Tin and Asterix to younger students and French dramas to the older ones. Le Concours had become more than just a French competition for students; instead, it was now a memorable French experience for all involved.During the next 24 years the event has seen a few changes. The venues have included the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at

the University of Toronto, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and Glendon Campus, York University’s bilingual campus, where le Concours has been held since 2000. Until 1991 (when Core French became a separate category) there were only three categories: a) Early French Immersion b) Core French, Extended, Middle and Late Immersion c) French First Language, while the grade levels included 4-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-OAC (now grades 11-12). In 1986, gold, silver, and bronze medals were introduced for all participants to mark the first three places in each category and level, with certificates also being handed out to recognize their efforts. In 1993, the elementary levels became le Festival d’art oratoire and the competition for those grades

was transformed into a celebration of language rather than a competition. Today, students from grades 4 to 8 take part in le Festival in the morning and, in the afternoon, students from grades 9 to 12 take part in le Concours competition. The OMLTA is responsible for recruiting judges, moderators and questioners for the event and there are now over 60 officials taking part. In 1993, $50 was awarded to each of the first place winners of le Concours, in addition to gifts from the CPF national

and branch offices. In 2001, $5,000 was allocated for cash prizes for first, second, and third places in each category at the grade 9-10 and 11-12 levels.Regardless of the transformations over the past two decades, one thing continues to impress all of those involved and that is the public-speaking talents of young French-speaking Ontarians. With topics ranging from bilingualism, to current world events (the Gulf war in 1991, and now the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq), to personal anecdotes on love, laughter, and life, le Concours / Festival d’art

oratoire does not just give us a chance to see what’s in the minds of Canadian youth, but it also affords the students themselves the opportunity of eloquently communicating in French the views, interests, and opinions of Ontario’s next generation.

2008 Ontario Concours WinnersAna Klimovic (French Immersion) Bulsara Farrahnaz (Core French) Kristina Hick (Extended French) Sandra Huynh (FSL Plus)2008 National Concours Winners

The National Concours took place at the University of Ottawa on May 31st, 2008. Ana Klimovic won 1st place (Early French Immersion) receiving a $20,000 scholarship and Farrahnaz Bulsara won 2nd place (Core French) receiving a $2,000 entrance scholarship. Both scholarships are for the University of Ottawa.

24 Years of Celebrating French Public Speaking

2008 grade 11-12 1st place Concours winners

8 9

www.glendon.yorku.ca

Please contact us to learn moreGlendon Campus, York University 2275 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M6 liaison@glendon.yorku.ca 416-487-6710

Glendon has a strong tradition of preparing future leaders through a world-class education. We are one of the only university campuses in Canada to specialize exclusively in the liberalarts. And we are the only one to do so in more than one language. With average class sizes of20 and a close-knit student community of 2,500, we offer highly personalized attention tosupport continued language learning and academic success.

Pourquoi Glendon?

Southern Ontario’s Centre of Excellence in French-Language and Bilingual Post-Secondary EducationGlendon Campus, York University, Toronto

Glendon takes French immersion to the next level:

• The international Bachelor of Arts (bilingual or trilingual), the only of its kind, offering a challenging combination of academic and language studies, with an international experience

• 20 top-rate bilingual Bachelor of Arts degrees with three levels of bilingual certification

• The unique Bachelor of Education for Future French Teachers — a concurrent program with an integrated bilingual curriculum

10 11

PRESIDENTMonika FerenczyE-mail: mferenczy@cpfont.on.ca

VICE-PRESIDENTHeather StaubleE-mail: heatherstauble@cpfont.on.ca

TREASURERDenis DaltonE-mail: ddalton@cpfont.on.ca

SECRETARYLuisa GiaitzisE-mail: lgiaitzis@cpfont.on.ca

DIRECTORRichard ManuelE-mail: rmanuel@cpfont.on.ca

DIRECTORMaureen McEvoyE-mail: mmcevoy@cpfont.on.ca

DIRECTORJohn RyanE-mail: jryan@cpfont.on.ca

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORBetty GormleyE-mail: bgormley@cpfont.on.ca

MEMBER SERVICES & OFFICE MANAGERBarbara Mison barbara@cpfont.on.ca

PROJECT & CHAPTERDEVELOPMENT OFFICERTanzila Mian tmian@cpfont.on.ca

PROVINCIAL OFFICECanadian Parents for French (Ontario)2055 Dundas Street East, Suite 103Mississauga, Ontario L4X 1M2Tel: 905-366-1012 1-800-667-0594Fax: 905-625-5570www.cpfont.on.ca cpfont@cpfont.on.ca

CPF MembershipFamily Membership Rates:1979: $5 for an annual family membership1983: $10 for 1 year, $25 for 3 years1988: $15 for 1 year, $40 for 3 years1991: $25 for 1 year, $60 for 3 years2008: $25 for 1 year, $60 for 3 yearsGroup Memberships Rates (AMOs*):1981: $35 for one year.1992: $50 for one year, $135 for 3 years 2008: $60 for one year, $150 for 3 years.*Associate Member OrganizationsNumber of Members:1980: 925 in Canada, 285 in Ontario1983: 1,200 in Ontario1987: 4,235 in Ontario1991: 18,152 in Canada, 3,987 in Ontario1998: 1,980 in Ontario2008: 25,961 in Canada, 5,465 in Ontario

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

The Branch Office - Then and Now 1977: 1st CPF Ontario Director. 1982: 1st CPF Ontario Chapter Development Officer. 1985: An Ontario branch office was established for the first time at 52 Shaftesbury Avenue in Toronto. 1985: A Provincial Coordinator was hired as the 1st full-time employee. 1987: Introduction of the McGillivray Award honouring an outstanding Ontario school board administrator. 1988: Branch office moved to 121 Kennedy Avenue in Toronto. 1991: Introduction of the Mlacak Award honouring an outstanding CPF Ontario Chapter volunteer. 1996: Branch office moved into a church basement at 736 Bathurst Street in Toronto. 1997: Branch office reduced number of newsletters from 4 to 3 per year to reduce cost of production. 1999: Branch office moved to 150 Laird Drive in Toronto during a major snowstorm. 1999: CPF Ontario’s website was first created. 1999: 1st Executive Director was hired. 2002: Branch office moved to our current address in Mississauga.

10 11

CPF Ontario Goals – Then and NowIn 1977, CPF Ontario began identifying issues and establishing long-term goals and strategies for the future of French Second Language (FSL) programs. Early strategies to create awareness were successful, resulting in growth over time. By the 1983-84 school year, 62,000 students were enroled in French Immersion and Extended French. Currently there are approximately 155,000 students enroled in French Immersion and Extended French and 821,050 students enroled in Core French. Local CPF Ontario Chapters continue to create and offer fabulous FSL opportunities for children outside the classroom. As FSL enrolment grew so did the consultative role of CPF. Parent volunteers have become increasingly knowledgeable on complex FSL education issues and their voices are respected. Presented below are strategies gleaned from our CPF Ontario newsletter archives:

1970screate awareness about FSL programs to parents across the province;communicate with all levels of government and school boards on issues of FSL programs.

1980sdevelop curriculum guidelines;request standardized FSL teacher qualifications;ensure equal access to FSL programs;accountability for the spending of grants received for FSL programs.

1990sadvocate for more spaces for French teachers in Faculties of Education;strategies for assessing trustee and councilor candidates on education issues;review learning disabilities in French Immersion and special education needs;review guidance counseling for FSL students;review professional development via the internet.

21st centuryreport on a transportation study;review equity of access to FI programs;support for Core French;attrition at the secondary level and e-learning opportunities;transparency of funding;FSL teacher proficiency and qualifications;challenges with communication at the local school board level;an account on the distribution of the 2005-06 FSL Renewal Funds;request the creation of a FSL Advisory Committee at the Ministry of Education;CPF Ontario Position Statements approved by the CPF Ontario Board of Directors on February 2, 2007:

1. Enrolment It is the position of CPF Ontario that all Ontario students, including newly arrived immigrants and new residents to the province, have a right to access quality Core French, Extended French, and French Immersion programs as a means of learning Canada’s other official language.2. FSL Program Quality It is the position of CPF Ontario that all FSL programs deliver high quality language experiences for students with relevant and authentic resources, access to information technology and media, qualified proficient staff and cultural enhancement.3. Accountability It is the position of CPF Ontario that the Ministry of Education and school boards be accountable for FSL policy and be transparent in their allocation and expenditure of federal and provincial FSL funds. Consultation should be open, inclusive, and documented.4. Transportation It is the position of CPF Ontario that all Ontario students have equitable access to transportation to the FSL program of their choice.5. Special Education It is the position of CPF Ontario that all students requiring remedial or gifted support are provided with such support to allow them to continue to succeed in all FSL programs.

CPF Ontario gratefully acknowledges the assistance

of the Department of Canadian Heritage in producing

CPF Ontario News.

12 13

University of Ottawa

www.immersion.uOttawa.caFrench Immersion in 2008-09 Ça part d’ici.

French Immersion at uOttawa The �rst and only French Immersion program at a Canadian university.

You’ve invested up to 12 years to learn French. Join the Immersion program and reap the rewards.• 52 programs have a French Immersion option• Only 36 credits taught in French needed over the course of your studies• Total �exibility - you decide which courses you want to take

Language support• Language teachers attend immersion courses with you• Small discussion groups for extra comprehension - and 3 extra credits!• Academic Writing Help Centre to assist you with your essays• Most dissertations can be written in the o�cial language of your choice

Academic bene�ts • “Satisfactory/non-satisfactory” marks to protect your GPA• A mention on your diploma - tangible proof of your language skills

Other opportunities• Student mentors guide you through your �rst year at the University• Immersion Club organizes cultural activities in Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec• Study in France for 3 weeks, one semester or one whole year• Bilingual students are eligible for many jobs on campus

12 13

When my parents first put me into French Immersion at the age of 6, they did

so with some apprehension. They did not know any French, had recently immigrated to Canada and were in the process of learning English. But they understood that studying in French could be largely beneficial to me in the future, and they figured that there was no harm in letting me try to learn at an Immersion school. I am most grateful for my parents’ decision to do so, as studying in French Immersion throughout elementary and high school has benefitted me greatly. It has not only provided the acquisition of another language, but also brought about other life experiences that have characterized my education experience.

It was very helpful to have a small cohort of fellow classmates who were in the French Immersion stream throughout high school. We became a good group of friends who could rely on one another for assistance in French and do French activities together, such as watching French movies, and we also supported each other in our regular classes.

Besides the obvious benefit of learning another language, French Immersion provided cultural education regarding various cultures and nations which use French as their language. For example, one of my French teachers was originally from Haiti and taught us about the culture and use of French there.

French Immersion is also a great way to develop independent study skills because often you have to figure out homework on your own without the help of parents who don’t speak, read or write French. As a result, I noticed throughout high school that fellow French Immersion students had better independent study skills.

Having knowledge of French is also largely beneficial for employment reasons. Already, fellow high school graduates of mine have begun looking for employment and found that they received higher salaries than their peers who spoke only English. Furthermore, bilingualism is necessary for working in many national corporations or organizations, and thus will be a beneficiary skill for future employment.

Volunteering with Canadian Parents for French and the Rendezvous for Learning program in the Brantford Chapter was also largely beneficial. I was able to practice my French while mentoring younger students, while also learning important skills such as patience and communication. It also provided an opportunity for me to take a leadership role. I enjoyed my experience with French Immersion so much that I will be continuing my post secondary studies in French Immersion. I intend on studying Conflict Studies and Human Rights at the University of Ottawa with French Immersion. I am also residing in the francophone residence this year and I hope to be immersed with other French-speaking residents and improve my knowledge of oral French. I intend on obtaining a Certificate of Bilingualism upon completing my undergraduate degree.

Jo-Ann Zhou graduated from Brantford Collegiate Institute’s French Immersion program and has won an excellence award from the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

Life After High School

EN FAMILLE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL-LINGUISTIC-CULTURAL EXCHANGES

FOR 9-13 year old Canadian Children

We have 30 years of experience arranging marvellous educational exchanges. More than 1600 children have participated ! Your child can learn French/German/Spanish, enjoy a new culture, acquire new social skills, grow and develop.

You’ll be truly amazed !

You will have the opportunity to welcome a child into your home, just as your child will be welcomed into a carefully selected home.

PHONE: 519.364.4842 and meet the founder in May in Ontario

www.enfamille.com info@enfamille.com

Please choose what is best.

EN FAMILLE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL-LINGUISTIC-CULTURAL EXCHANGES

FOR 9-13 year old Canadian Children

We have 30 years of experience arranging marvellous educational exchanges. More than 1600 children have participated ! Your child can learn French/German/Spanish, enjoy a new culture, acquire new social skills, grow and develop.

You’ll be truly amazed !

You will have the opportunity to welcome a child into your home, just as your child will be welcomed into a carefully selected home.

PHONE: 519.364.4842 and meet the founder in May in Ontario

www.enfamille.com info@enfamille.com

Thank you, Jacques Pinault

jacques@enfamille.comTel 011.33.557.435.248.

A Canadian Success StoryDid you know that French Immersion started in 1965 as a piloted kindergarten program initiated by three anglophone mothers in St. Lambert, Quebec? *Since then our language immersion programs have been used as models in countries around the world including Estonia, Germany, Finland, Japan, Spain, and the United States.*Canadian Parents for French. The State of French Second Language Education in Canada 2003.

14 15

2008

Being Released October 2008The State of French-Second-Language Education in Canada 2008

INVITED COMMENTARIESCPF believes that every child should have equitable access to the French-second-language (FSL) program of their choice. The 2008 report will feature commentaries that identify practices that limit and discourage enrolment.

Opening the Doors to Official Language Learning for AllophonesCallie Mady, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Nipissing.

Is Immersion Right for Students with Academic Challenges? Fred Genesee, Professor, Department of Psychology, McGill University

Growth in BC’s Immersion Program Limited by a Return to Caps and LotteriesCPF - British Columbia & Yukon

Inequitable Transportation to Immersion Programs:an Obstacle to EnrolmentCPF - Ontario

French Immersion: When and WhyJoe Dicks, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of New Brunswick & Paula Kristmanson, Assistant Professor, Second Language Education Centre, University of New Brunswick

NATIONAL FRENCH-SECOND-LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TESTING CPF supports the development and implementation of national, standardizedFSL proficiency tests. Larry Vandergrift, Director, Research Centre of theInstitute of Official Languages and Bilingualism, University of Ottawa andCo-Editor, Canadian Modern Language Review provides an update on theEuropean Language Portfolio project.

LABOUR MARKET DEMAND FOR BILINGUAL EMPLOYEESCPF commissioned Ipsos-Reid to conduct a survey of employers regardingbilingual positions in selected occupations in the growing service sector toprovide factual information about the career benefits of official languagebilingualism in Canada. Respondents were interviewed regarding thenumber and nature of bilingual positions, the availability of bilingualemployees, and employer attitudes about the importance of bilingualcapacity in their companies.

FSL ENROLMENT TRENDSDoug Hart, Institutional Researcher, University of Toronto provides an analysis of national trends in FSL enrolment,as well as trends in each province and territory.

INSERTCPF advocacy position statements (also available online at www.cpf.ca):

Equitable Access to FSL programsQuality FSL ProgramsRange of Entry Points and Program ChoicesShared Responsibility for FSL EducationSecond Language Proficiency Testing

CPF encourages all members to get involved, stay informed,and advocate for quality FSL programs for all youth in Canada.

Get your copy of The State of French-Second-Language Education in Canada 2008 this Fall by contacting a CPF Branch near you or by downloading from our new site at www.cpf.ca.

For more information contact CPF at 613.235.1481

Anna MaddisonPresident

James SheaExecutive Director

CPF-aditorial-lg6.qxd 7/30/08 11:40 AM Page 1

14 15

Ontario District School Boards

CelebratingOver 30 Years of

French Immersion

CDSB of Eastern Ontario

Durham DSB

Grand Erie DSB

Halton DSB

Hamilton-WentworthDSB

Kawartha Pine RidgeDSB

Nipissing-Parry Sound CDSB

Ottawa CSB

Ottawa-Carleton DSB

Peel DSB

Thames Valley DSB

Toronto DSB

Upper Grand DSB

Waterloo Region DSB

Chapter ChatCPF Ontario participates in the

Franco-Ontarian ParadeFor the first time, CPF Ontario participated in the Franco-Ontarian parade in Ottawa on Saturday, June 14, 2008. Known as one of the most important French celebrations in North America, this festival was attended by thousands of francophones and francophiles. This year’s theme was Jules Verne, French author of “Around the World in Eighty Days”. Thirty-two members from six Ontario Chapters participated in the parade dressed in costumes from Egypt, Spain, India, and Japan. The Franco-Ontarian Festival is a three-day fête which began in 1976 and has grown into a huge event celebrating all things French. For more information, visit www.ffo.ca.

Ontario District School Boards

Celebrating Over 20 Years of

FrenchImmersion

Bluewater DSB

Brant/Haldimand Norfolk CDSB

Bruce-Grey CDSB

Greater Essex County DSB

Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB

Huron-Perth CDSB

Huron-Superior CDSB

Lakehead District DSB

Lambton Kent DSB

Limestone DSB

Thunder Bay CDSB

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and

Clarington CDSB

Toronto CDSB

Trillium Lakelands DSB

Upper Canada DSB

York Region DSB

A history lesson on our Chapters1980: Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter started.1982: Chapters in Algoma, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton County, and Wellington were formed.1982: Criteria was established for Chapters: - 10 CPF members - a bank account with 2 signing officers - at least one member serving as an area representative - can apply for seed money up to $501983: 18 Chapters were formed in the Borough of York, Bruce-Grey, Durham, Elgin County, Metro, Nipissing, Ottawa-Carleton, Sault Ste. Marie, Wellington, and York Region. 1984: By the end of this year there were 26 Chapters.1985: Ontario leads the country with 36 Chapters.1987: Volunteer area liaison officers represented 9 regions in Ontario with 46 Chapters.1994: First membership campaign was introduced by John Ryan from the York Region Chapter.2008: 34 Chapters and counting...Our past and present success is attributed mainly to our volunteers who are dedicated in serving their communities by providing French cultural experiences and by supporting French Second Language programs. Merci.

16 17

On a number of measures including English achievement, Ruth Calman’s study indicated that Allophones performed at a similar level to their Anglophone peers by grade eight. And a study conducted by Miles Turnbull and colleagues in 2003 demonstrated that in mathematics and English literacy, Allophone students’ performance was comparable to that of their mainstream peers.Although Colin Baker in his book, A Parents’ and Teachers’ Guide to Bilingualism, strongly encourages parents and educators to pay attention to first or home language development, he also asserts that “trilingualism is possible and valuable” and says that it is often easier to maintain and encourage in the early years of a child’s life. Equally important is the research which demonstrates that literacy skills gained through a focus on a child’s second language help learners to develop other languages including their home language and English.We must acknowledge and promote

the benefits of knowing many languages and build support systems for those fortunate enough to have that possibility – the case of many immigrants to Canada. In Richmond, British Columbia, where up to 60 per cent of the student body speaks neither French nor English at home, language and ESL coordinators counsel parents on how they can help build their child’s English skills by signing them up for soccer, ballet, swimming and lots of afternoon play dates.The decision to choose Early French Immersion comes from the parents’ desire to choose an education that reflects their beliefs and values. Immigrant parents often believe not only that learning multiple languages is desirable, but also that learning both official languages is an important element to becoming Canadian. We need to support these potentially multilingual children and give them the time and the opportunity to develop both of Canada’s official languages.To return to the introductory scenario,

readers may be wondering how the twins are doing. As is the case in a small city, they ended up in my son’s piano class and I had the opportunity to speak to the children and to ask the father how they were doing. I am happy to conclude this article with another EFI success story; these bright twins are doing very well in EFI and speak English as well as I do. Incidentally, they are also well on their way to mastering a fourth language – music!

Paula Lee KristmansonAssistant Professor

Second Language ResearchInstitute of Canada

University of New Brunswick

...article continued from page 7.

16 17

Looking for websites that offer French books, CDs, magazines, DVDs and more?

Visit our website at www.cpfont.on.caand click on French Resources.

A Global Experience! Canadian Education

Exchange FoundationFondation canadienne des

échanges éducatifs

A not-for-profit organization!

France Belgium Luxembourg Spain Italy

Germany The Netherlands

RECIPROCAL INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES for...

• Individual Secondary School Students 14–17 years old.

3 months abroad + 3 months hosting.

• 2009 French-language Summer Cultural Exchanges

France or Geneva (Switzerland) 1 month abroad + 1 month hosting.

• Short-term Class/Small Group Exchanges also available.

Canadian Education Exchange Foundation

250 Bayview Drive Barrie ON Canada L4N 4Y8 Phone: 705 739-7596 Fax: 705 739-7764 E-mail: info@ceef.ca Web Site: www.ceef.ca

9 June 2008

Remember ThisFSL French Second Language ESL English Second LanguageFFL French First LanguageFI French ImmersionEFI Early French ImmersionMFI Middle French ImmersionLFI Late French ImmersionEF Extended French

Francophone: A person whose first or home language is French.

Francophile: A non-French person who has a strong interest in, or admiration for, French culture.

Anglophone: A person whose first or home language is English.

Allophone: A person whose first or home language is neither English nor French.

18 19

Now That’s Intensive French

One day in Grade 5 my teacher, Mrs. Pickard, was handing out these forms for a new language program which would take place the next year. It was for a

new program: Intensive Core French. Little did I know that this would soon change my life. I could hardly wait to start grade 6.The school year was broken into 2 parts: Intensive Core French and Intensive English. So for 5 months starting in September we would have French, everyday, all-day. Mme Sanel would speak entirely in French, and if we didn’t understand her, we asked “Que voulez-vous dire?” which meant “What are you saying” in French. Not one word of English was spoken. We had to talk with our friends in French and ask questions in French, no matter what!! We played games to understand certain words, did projects on personal themes (like one day it was clothes and another was sports), and the best part was…..NO HOMEWORK. It was constant learning. Not one minute was wasted. The 5 months of Intensive Core French is something I will never forget.The switch to English in February was also very exciting. Even though learning French was a very enjoyable time, getting back to grammar and science was a long wait. When we began to learn the English subjects, one of the most improved things that I noticed was the fact that I was a better writer. The French language definitely improved my vocabulary in all my English subjects. Becoming a better writer helped me write a 5 minute long speech which even went on to win first place at my school’s Speech Competition.So now when I look back, I realize that all obstacles and goals can be achieved if you just keep trying. If this opportunity hadn’t been given to me, you would probably not be sitting here reading about a 12 year old boy whose future has changed all because of three simple words: Intensive Core French. By Tyler Keating

Grade 6 students from St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School, Bowmanville, and Mother Teresa Elementary School, Courtice, celebrating the completion of the 2007-2008 Intensive Core French program.

In September 2007, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board was one of four Ontario school boards to receive funding to pilot Intensive Core French classes. This is an enriched Core French program which increases the intensity and amount of time spent on learning French. For five months of the school year students in grades 5 or 6 receive three to four times the number of hours of instruction and intensive exposure to French. For more information on the Intensive Core French program, visit the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers’ website at www.caslt.org.

18 19

Camp de leadership

Esprit 2009

SAVE THE DATE

A weekend winter camp for grade 7 and 8 French Immersion students from February 27 to March 1, 2009 at the Scanlon Creek Conservation Area in Bradford, Ontario.

To view our promotional video, click on Camp Esprit under Ontario Events on our website at www.cpfont.on.ca.

Just because most parents of French Immersion students don’t speak French at home doesn’t mean that they can’t support their youngsters’ school work. What’s

one of the most important things parents can do? Read, read, and then read some more! Reading aloud to your children (in the dominant language of your home) develops a child’s knowledge and vocabulary and lays the groundwork for life-long-learning in French, English or any other language! Your child’s home language should be as rich as possible. It is also helpful if parents have the following resources at home.

1. The most important reference book you can have at home is a FRENCH DICTIONARY - right from kindergarten!

get one with pictures to start, they are fun to read and a • good French-only visual dictionary.they are useful from kindergarten to university. Make • sure you choose one that uses the article (la/le).invest in a French/English, English/French dictionary. • Paperbacks often do not have enough words so it is worth purchasing a hardcover version (Larousse, Robert Collins or Harrap’s are excellent choices). A good French-only dictionary is Micro-Robert Dictionnaire.

2. Invest in an ATLAS IN FRENCH. Some countries’ names are not the same in English and in French.

3. A VERB BOOK with conjugation of all tenses is a must! Le bescherelle is excellent – buy it. A verb wheel is also a great tool. Ask your bookstore to order one. CPF’s The Keys to French is a terrific resource. Available from CPF Ontario, The Keys to French are three booklets containing over 700 commonly used verbs, grammar and vocabulary. Available to members for only $4.00 each.. Visit the Marketplace section of the CPF Ontario website to order your copy.4. Bookmark ONLINE resources. Some suggestions:

www.french-linguistics.co.uk/dictionary• www.dictionaries.travlang.com/EnglishFrench• an easy to use translation tool is • Babel Fish Translation at http://world.altavista.comatlas: good information in easy to read charts and maps • is available at www.atlas-francophone.refer.org. Also see the French version of Atlas of Canada at http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/francais/index.html.f• or French grammar and verb conjugation go to www.languageguide.org/francais/grammar.French accents on the keyboard: www.afgs.org/faccents.• html.h• ave some fun at www.momes.net or at the official Asterix site at www.asterix.tm.fr/.

French Survival ResourcesExchanges 7cm x 11 cmcamera ready 4C artwork

Red Leaf Student Programs Inc. Aug 2008Artwork questions? mailto:toni@imedia.ca

red leaf

www.red-leaf.com

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS!

Raise fun and funds doing school yearFrance - Canada group exchangesContact exchanges@red-leaf.comSTART PLANNING NOW FOR 2009-10

20 21

Our Website’s First Homepage in 1999

Our First Newsletter Issue in 1979

20 21

Make French come alive!

Learning Traveller

• Are you between 13 and 17 years old?• Do you love to travel?• Would you like to learn French with other teens

from around the world?

Join one of our French Immersion Camps and improve your spoken French skills.• France – Cannes, Paris, Biarritz, Montpellier• Switzerland – Leysin, Montreux• Canada – Montreal

Visit our website for more information

Call 1-888-386-1411

Visit our website for more information

Callll 1 1 8-88888 3-38686 1-1414111

www.learningtraveller.com

Student Exchanges• Travel expenses covered

• Short-term exchanges within Canada

• Groups of 10 to 30 youth aged 12 to 17

• School year or summer exchanges available

• Accessible to all — financial assistance available

70 years of experience in education and youth leadership

VAS-Y! VISITE! VIS!

With the participation of the Government of Canada

Charitable Registration #10797 1341 RR

EXCHANGE EXPLORE EXPERIENCE

22 23

BUREAU DES AFFAIRES FRANCOPHONES ET FRANCOPHILES

OFFICE OF FRANCOPHONE AND FRANCOPHILE AFFAIRS

BAFF

OFFA

BUREAU DES AFFAIRES FRANCOPHONES ET FRANCOPHILES

OFFICE OF FRANCOPHONE AND FRANCOPHILE AFFAIRS

WWW.SFU.CA/BAFF-OFFA

BUREAU DES AFFAIRES FRANCOPHONES ET FRANCOPHILES

OFFICE OF FRANCOPHONE AND FRANCOPHILE AFFAIRS

WWW.SFU.CA/BAFF-OFFA

BAFF

OFFA

STUDIES IN FRENCH HAVE REACHED NEW HEIGHTS!Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

www.sfu.ca/frcohort

Faculty of Education

www.sfu.ca/educfr

Cohort programs en français Small interactive groups Academic & language support Scholarships & bursaries

22 23

CPF allows one or two adults per family as voting members[ ] New Membership [ ] Renewal: Membership # [ ] Change of AddressMember’s Surname: Given Name:Spouse’s Surname: Given Name:Address: City: Province: ON Postal Code: Home Phone: (__) Work Phone: (___) Fax: (___) E-mail:School Board: School(s): Local CPF Chapter/Section:

MEMBERSHIP FEES: Best Value! 3 YEAR - $60.00 [ ] Donation* $ 1 YEAR - $25.00 [ ] Total (No GST) $*65% of your membership fee supports the activities of your local Chapter, 25% supports CPF’s work at the Branch level and 10% goes to CPF National to partially cover processing costs.

DONATIONS:Your gift in support of CPF is welcomed and appreciated. All donations are important to us. However, due to cost, we will issue tax receipts in January of the following year only to donors who have made donations of more than $10, unless a receipt for a lesser amount is specifically requested. CPF Charitable Reg. No. 11883 5131 RR0001 Thank you for your support!PAYMENT OPTIONS:

[ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard [ ] Cheque Enclosed (cheque payable to Canadian Parents for French)

Name on card:

Card #: Expiry Date:

Signature:

I understand that the personal information collected on this form is for the purpose of forwarding various newsletters and other mailings related to FSL matters as well as fundraising materials. Occasionally, the CPF membership list may be made available to other groups/agencies to offer members special benefits or education-related information. Use of the list will be carefully regulated and only permitted under a contract specifying confidentiality and authorization. If you do not wish to receive mailings other than directly from CPF, please check here _____.

Return this form to: Canadian Parents for French, 176 Gloucester Street, Suite # 310, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0A6

CPF MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

CPF MarketplaceTO ORDER: W: www.cpfont.on.ca E: cpfont@cpfont.on.ca T: 905-366-1012 / 1-800-667-0594

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Canadian Parents for French (Ontario)

2055 Dundas Street East, Suite 103Mississauga, ON L4X 1M2

Are you moving?Don’t forget to call or e-mail the

Branch office with your new address.

Proud of Two Languages Video$10 each

Produced by CPF, this video showcases a new generation of young Canadians who are using French as their second language. Length: 14:52 minutes.

CPF Ontario Balloons$5 for a package of 24 balloons

CPF Ontario Pens$10 for a package of 25 pens

Have these items available at your next Chapter or school event.

The Keys to FrenchLevels I, II and Les Clés

$4 eachCompact reference guides providing quick access to the basic elements of French grammar. Visit our website for more information.