Take to the Skies in the EIPS French Immersion Program

Heritage Hills Elementary students make tire d’erable during the school’s winter carnival, inspired by the Carnaval de Quebec.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students can delve into one of Canada’s official languages through the Division’s French Immersion program. Open to students from kindergarten to Grade 12, instruction in the program is based on Alberta Education programs of study and designed for children whose first language isn’t French.

“I like being in French Immersion because I’m learning a new language,” says Nolan Schauenberg, a Grade 6 student at Heritage Hills Elementary. “If I can speak multiple languages, I can communicate with others around the world. We also do many fun activities in our program, like French movie field trips and Carnaval. That’s why I think that being in French Immersion is very important.”

Year-long, EIPS French Immersion students study in an enriched learning environment where French is used to teach for a significant part of the school day. The goal: To promote students becoming fluent in the language. The program also offers several other advantages.

Notably, it’s proven having a second language enhances creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while making it easier for students to learn additional languages. In fact, research shows a second language can significantly strengthen students’ primary language abilities.

“Sending your child to French Immersion is an investment in their future,” says Li Ayuen, a French Immersion teacher at Heritage Hills. “This cultural and linguistic foundation will open doors to diverse opportunities, enhance cognitive skills and prepare them for a globalized world. French Immersion nurtures well-rounded, culturally aware individuals ready to thrive in any environment.”

French Immersion also helps with career planning. “I chose the French Immersion program because I want to be a pilot when I grow up,” says Joseph Forward, a Grade 6 student at Heritage Hills. “Once when I was on a plane, the pilot had a hard time communicating in French and it made the experience less enjoyable for the French passengers. The other reason I’m in the program is because there are a lot more job opportunities and potential increases in salary.”

Students can enter EIPS’ French Immersion program in kindergarten or Grade 1 at Ardrossan Elementary, École Campbelltown, École Parc Élémentaire or Heritage Hills Elementary. Currently, the program continues at both Sherwood Heights Junior High and Ardrossan Junior Senior High, allowing students to complete their French Immersion education and pursue a broad range of post-secondary and career options.

To complement programming, schools also embed cultural activities and opportunities into the lesson plans. Some of these include Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie; International Francophonie Day; winter carnivals, inspired by the Carnaval de Quebec; National French Immersion Day; French-speaking guest speakers and performances; and various Franco-Alberta ceremonies.

Interested students and families are invited to attend an upcoming French Immersion information session:

Event Details:
Date:           Jan. 8, 2025
Time:           5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
                    Join the meeting

New and returning students may apply to the French Immersion program during the registration process beginning in February. For more information, see the Registration page on the EIPS website. To determine your designated French Immersion school, visit eips.ca.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902