HomeMy WebLinkAboutRoberta Bondar re Ridgemont French ImmersionJanuary 16, 2002
Scholl Council
Roberta Bondar Public School
159 Lorry Greenberg Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1T 3A
(613) 736.7334, fax : (613) 736.6532
e-mail: sc-robertabondarps@ocdsb.edu.on.ca
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Regarding: Addition of French Immersion Program at Ridgemont High School
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of the Roberta Bondar School Council, we would like to state at this time that no formal
position has been taken by our Council with respect to the addition of a French Immersion Program at
Ridgemont High School. We believe that our parents and Council require more information prior to
formulating an informed position. We are very concerned that the process and timelines did not provide
sufficient time or information to inform all parties adequately.
It is alarming that high schools are competing for students via a program curriculum which is
ultimately determined by such a political process. While we agree that the 'playing field' should be a level
one if schools are expected to 'compete' for students in the new atmosphere of 'choice', one of our concerns
lies with the watering down of the French Immersion' Program board -wide. Other than French Language Arts,
we understand that all other courses can be taught by qualified teachers who happen to be bilingual, whether
their French expertise is in that subject or not. This situation does not seem fair to either the students or the
teachers. By adding an additional program will this problem be exacerbated? The lack of qualified French
teachers is felt in every school across this Board and while Ridgemont states that it already has teachers
available to teach the required courses, we wonder whether or not expanding the FI Program further will put
more of a strain on the existing serious lack of French teachers. In addition, will the ever -tightening school
budgets allow for the additional resources, such as textbooks that will be required?
. Another concern we have lies with the viability of 3 full French Immersion Programs in a small
geographical area. Have the numbers been studied to determine whether or not it is possible to have 3 high
schools all providing the program? Strictly looking at Roberta Bondar's French Immersion population, the
enrolment is significantly lower than that in the English program. In addition some of these -students intend to
change programs when they enter high school thereby decreasing the numbers further. If this is the case at
the other feeder schools, will 3 programs be efficient and effective?
On a positive note, when the principal Mr. Piovesan and his delegation of students and parents from
Ridgemont attended our School Council meeting in November, their presentation was very positive. We offer
them our best wishes in their endeavours. However, at this point in time, our Council cannot formulate an
informed position on behalf of our parents and students regarding the addition of the French Immersion
Program.
Yours. sincerely,
Brian Brunet
Stephanie Steward
Co -Chairs
Roberta Bondar School Council