French Immersion offers students an enhanced education. Of course, the most obvious benefit is that students will learn to speak in our other official language. This can have a direct impact on their career choices within Canada and Ontario (where bilingualism is a prerequisite for certain jobs) and provide more opportunities for international employment.
But French Immersion also tends to help children become excellent communicators and creative thinkers. Being able to think and live in two different languages opens up the mind to more possibilities, helping foster creativity. Those who learn two or more languages also tend to be better communicators because they are more thoughtful in their approach to speaking or writing to others.
At the same time, learning French does not reduce English language skills in the long run – in fact, it can enhance those skills for the reasons given above. Some students do fall behind in overall English scores in the earlier grades, but they quickly catch up – and may even surpass – Canada-wide averages in later years.
French Immersion is an excellent way to expose your child to a second language, improve their academic performance, and ultimately find more opportunities for employment and other life experiences after graduation.
Below are some resources for you while considering the French Immersion program. We also encourage you to contact Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board with any questions or concerns you may have, and to find out about information sessions.
CPF was founded in 1977 by parents who wanted to ensure that children would have the opportunity to become bilingual in the Canadian school system. Originally a small group of concerned parents who met in Ottawa, CPF has evolved into a proactive national network with 10 Branch offices and some 150 Chapters in communities nationwide.
© Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board 2023
