We are excited to share an update on the Language Learning Opportunities Pilot at Maplehurst.

First and foremost, students have been enjoying their schedule and transitions throughout their busy days this week. Our first school wide assembly with all 725 Huskies today was a great success, and we are excited for the year ahead.

This year at Maplehurst, all Huskies, regardless of their program, (Early French Immersion, Late French Immersion, and English) are receiving increased exposure to conversational French in a variety of settings than they have in the past:

• Morning announcements are in both official languages
• Staff who are bilingual are conversing in French with all students when on duty, outside and in the cafeteria
• Transition music represents several cultures and languages
• There is an English Language Arts class for all students daily
• There is a French Language class for all students daily
• Math teachers are teaching concepts in both languages and conversing in both languages based on need
• Our Practical Arts classes and Wellness classes are now supporting French vocabulary and both languages wherever possible
• Social Sciences are taught in both languages

All students in the French Immersion program (early and late) are expected to respond in French during both conversations and writing assignments.  We have witnessed many of our Huskies showcasing great mentorship and modelling in and out of the classroom. Teachers continue to meet all students where they are in their educational journey.

In collaboration with the Department of Education and Early Childhood (EECD), we have a healthy budget to support opportunities to build a culture of language learning throughout our school.  All students will be able to take part in these opportunities. 

The admin team have a Language Learning Coach provided by EECD  who meets with us weekly to guide our planning and support our needs and also support the data collection required as part of being involved in a pilot with the Department.

There is a website for the Evolving French Second Language Learning initiative throughout the province:

https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/evolving-french-language-learning.html

This site contains information on all the prototype pilot sites, language reports, timelines, and this will be updated on a regular basis.

Teams of teachers will be communicating with homes through School Messenger moving forward as our Power School Scheduling is now in place.

Please encourage your child to share their experiences in Language learning with you.  

At Maplehurst, we currently have 198 students who are attending from countries around the world and we hear several languages in our halls.   We will continue to embrace and celebrate our diversity as we learn together this year.

Enjoy the weekend and a reminder there is no school on Monday.