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French Programs in Ward 15
We are very fortunate in Ward 15 to have a wide array of French as a Second Language (FSL) programs. These community FSL programs are vibrant and very popular. As demand for the programs have grown, it has been increasingly difficult to provide enough space for all the applicants. Issues of space are closely linked to issues of access and equity.
In order to deal with these issues in an inclusive, community-oriented way, I instituted a review of FSL programs in our ward in the fall of 2007. The results of that review can be found below, under the heading 'The Ward 15 FSL Review'.
I have created this page on my site so that parents and guardians with questions about FSL programs can find the information they are seeking.
Basic Information about FSL Programs in Ward 15
What types of FSL programs are offered? At which schools are they offered? What are the feeder and pathway schools? How much instruction will be in French?
For answers to these and other questions, click here.
Information about FSL Programs across the TDSB
How do I apply for an FSL program? How do I confirm which FSL schools I can apply to? Can siblings stay together?
For answers to these and other questions, check out the TDSB's page on FSL Programs and their FSL Frequently Asked Questions.
The Ward 15 FSL Review
At the large community meeting of October 3rd 2007, I began the process of seeking a solution to the space and access issues facing FSL programs in our Ward. Various options were presented, with the only option not available in Ward 15 (a single-site French school) being discussed in detail, so that parents could become familiar with the breadth of their choices.
On the basis of recommendations from the community meeting, I proceeded to strike a Ward 15 FSL Parent Advisory Group to explore community needs and wishes around the various options for FSL programs. Every school council in the Ward was asked to send parent representation to this group: one representative per English school and two for those schools with a French program (one representative for the French stream and one for the English stream).
There was broad parent participation in this group and extensive feedback from the community. What I heard, overwhelmingly, was that parents wanted as little change as possible, as well as a widening of options. Thus, a series of small changes were brainstormed and disseminated to the Advisory group and School Councils. At the final meeting of the Parent Advisory group (November 5th 2008), these changes were endorsed with a strong consensus. Following this consensus, a letter was sent out to all parents in the Ward.
At the same time as the Ward 15 review was going on regarding local programs, there was a system recommendation from staff to phase out the Grade 7 entry-point for Extended French. Based on community interest in French Programs, I held a consultation meeting on January 14th to ensure parents had the opportunity to understand the rationale and to provide feedback to the central staff who are bringing this proposal before Board. This information was also included in the letter of January 8th.
Regarding the changes specific to our Ward, there is one important piece of information that is not mentioned in the letter of January 8th and which I would like to stress. All students currently enrolled in FSL programs in Ward 15, as well as their siblings, will be grandfathered in the school they currently attend. This means that no children will have to move from their current school and that siblings will not be separated.
I am very happy with the community process that has resulted in such a positive solution. If you would like any more information, if you have any questions or require any clarification, please do contact me.
You can find all the materials relating to the Ward 15 FSL Parent Advisory Group here.