French Immersion

• French Immersion has been offered at École Rocky Elementary since 1986
• Every French Immersion teacher is fully bilingual in English and French
• The program is designed for students (and their families) whose first language is not French. The program offers students the opportunity to learn French while complementing the English language development.
• By the end of Grade 8, French Immersion students have the opportunity to be functionally bilingual in both French and English.
• The entry points for French Immersion are Kindergarten or Grade 1.
• Entry points other than K or Grade 1 are determined in conversation with the school administration

• Communication, culture and travel, and an edge in the global job market.
• Increases a student’s feelings of self-esteem and pride in knowing another language.

• Children who learn an additional language show either comparable or enhanced first-language literacy.

• Learning a third or fourth language becomes much easier.
• Enhances problem-solving abilities.

French Immersion is designed to meet the needs of all students, whether they have no prior knowledge of French or are already French speaking. Your child’s teacher is highly trained in research-based methods to support language acquisition.

• Language skills are integrated and transferable. By speaking, listening, reading, and writing with your child in your home language, you will help them build a solid foundation for learning French at school.
• Have your child read to you in the target language and have them tell you what it means.
• To improve listening comprehension skills, have your child record themselves reading something and then listen to it.
• Work Collaboratively with school/child’s teacher to support success.

Mme Fafard's grade 3 class brought Le Chandail de hockey / The Hockey Sweater to life for their 2025 Evening of French Entertainment performance.

At École Rocky Elementary, we believe every child can succeed in French Immersion, and every family can play a meaningful role in that success.

1. Read together daily in your home language or in French. Listening to stories builds vocabulary, imagination, and comprehension.
2. Talk about their day and what they’re learning. Asking your child to explain things in their own words helps build thinking and language skills.
3. Play games like word games, memory games, or board games. Participating in these activities builds problem-solving, communication, and language skills.
4. Ask questions while reading, cooking, driving, or playing. Curiosity builds confidence and encourages your child to express ideas.
5. Create routines such as a quiet space for homework and regular review time. Consistent routines build positive learning habits.

Your involvement, no matter what language you use, sends the message that their learning matters. What matters most is your encouragement, your curiosity, and your belief in your child’s potential.

• For 2026/2027, French Immersion Kindergarten will be offered full day, on Monday/Wednesday/scheduled Fridays.
• French Immersion currently runs to Grade 8. Students in Grade 8 typically have the skills to challenge the DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) B2 exam that is internationally recognized for immigration, university admission, or professional advancement.

• To register, see the registration page on our school website: Register

• To set up a school tour, connect with the school by phone (403) 845-3541 or email rockyelem@wrsd.ca