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2. Franco-Fête June 23-25 Harbourfront

Franco-Fête is celebrating Canada 150 with an impressive array of free concerts at Harbourfront from June 23-25. Soul, reggae, rock and pop Francophone performers from across Ontario, Canada and beyond will perform. On Saturday, June 24, BAM will put on their show for kids with a blend of humour, physical prowess and percussion. Details here.

The TDSB offers French programs for elementary students and French credits for secondary students over the summer at several locations. Information is posted here. Some spots are still available.

Core French Students Grade 4 -12 (2016/17): 90 375

Extended French Students Grade 4 -12 (2016/17): 7 094

French Immersion Students SK- Grade 12 (2016/17): 20 919

Approximate number of TDSB students JK- Grade 12 (2016/17): 246 000

Elementary schools with SK French immersion and/or G 4 extended entry: 95

Total number elementary schools: 471

Secondary schools with extended and/or immersion French programs: 13

Secondary schools with Core French to G12: 56

Total number of TDSB Secondary schools: 113

 

Estimated annual FSL Allocation that the TDSB receives into general revenues from the province based on enrolment in core, extended and immersion French to support additional costs of providing these programs: $30 000 000

TDSB Allocation per extended/immersion student that goes to the school budget: $15

Official Languages in Education annual allocation to the TDSB which must be used to support professional learning and student enrichment in French (2016/17): $521 886

 Sources: TDSB, Ministry of Education, Canadian Parents for French Ontario

Equity: In October, Executive Superintended Spyropoulos shared information on the Integrated Equity Framework initiative and FSL staff shared data on inclusion in French programs. Current TDSB practices that support inclusion are giving all JK and Grade 3 students information packages on SK immersion and Grade 4 extended respectively, placing all on-time applicants and providing transportation and continuing to add new sites to areas underserved since pre-amalgamation. Areas for improvement put forward by the FSLAC members include providing non-English speaking parents with accessible information, improving access to a bigger selection of secondary FSL credits, continuing professional development with the new Ministry resources on inclusion in FSL of students with Special Education Needs and English Language Learners, giving Core French teachers classrooms and improving the gender balance in FSL staff and classrooms.   

 Before/after school child care: In February, staff from TDSB Child Care shared information on changes to provincial regulations and how the TDSB is responding. The FSLAC raised concerns that French immersion/extended students who take the school bus are not able to access both child care and transportation. The bus runs are timed to the regular school day, not to before and after school child care. French immersion/extended students are not allowed to be in child care at their local English home school, the usual bus pick-up and drop-off location. While providing transportation supports equity of access to French programs, the lack of coordination with child care creates a barrier. 

Supply teachers: or, as they are formally known, “occasional” teachers. The concern raised by FSLAC members is that the supply teacher who subs for a French teacher may not be able to teach in French. In May, staff from TDSB Employee Services shared information on how the system for placing supply teachers works. The TDSB uses the Smart Find Express dispatch system and the goal is to have a supply teacher who is French qualified in a French classroom. Success depends on many factors including when and how the principal identifies the need in the on-line system. There are about 300 elementary and secondary supply teachers on the Board roster with an FSL Additional Qualification from the Ontario College of Teachers and a further 350 with French proficiency but not the official additional qualification in FSL.   

 The agendas and minutes/meeting notes for the FSLAC are posted here: tdsb.on.ca/fslac  

9. Francophone Facts - Toronto

First Francophone in Toronto: Étienne Brûlé, c 1610

Toronto Francophone population: 59 140, almost half born outside Canada

Toronto Bilingual University Campus: Glendon College, part of York University, offers the Bachelor in Education program for FSL teachers and a wide array of Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees.

Toronto Francophone Community College: Collège Boréal, offers programs in Early Childhood Education, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy and many other career options.

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 are: Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, 2017.