Comments this evening from French Immersion parents in Ladysmith have refueled my frustration over the apparent lack of respect for French Immersion as a choice of education stream for many families in the District.
In the spring a group who compiled input from all F/I elementary schools collaborated and presented to the Board. We did so with concerns over the plans for secondary F/I post 2012 when NDSS will cease to operate (or so the Facilities 'Renewal' process would soon dictate). Our carefully researched project was met with a tepid response from most Trustees and a comment from one of them: "if you do not follow Board decisions you do not support French Immersion".
No official plan exists for French Immersion in this School District at present. The last plan was drafted in the late 80's.
Mike Munroe says he'd like to see F/I secondary enrollment increase to 400 within the next few years. How? As of April, parents aren't even aware of a firm plan as to where the secondary school will be housed in a few years.
We need collaboration with concerned parties, administration, and a Board of Education that is responsive to F/I concerns. We need a plan.
As a parent of two daughters, grades 1 and 5 currently enrolled at ecole Pauline Haarer, I have a vested interest in a strongly supported F/I program here in our District.
I will request all French Immersion schools as a part of my assignment shoud I be elected come November, and I will work hard with parents, schools, and communities to ensure that our concerns are reflected in Board discussion and decision making.