For the next school year, September 2025-2026, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board is changing the French Immersion Program for Kindergarten students. This change includes current Year 1 (JK) students moving to Year 2 (SK), as well as newly registering students in French Immersion Kindergarten program. We will no longer be offering full French Immersion in Kindergarten. The French Immersion program will begin in Grade 1 at our five dual track schools.

Student success is our top priority for your children who are entering our Catholic School system for the first time. By offering our students a strong foundational start in English literacy, children will have the opportunity to develop their sense of belonging and self-regulation skills in addition to their oral language skills and letters and sound knowledge. Strengthening English language acquisition and literacy skills will support additional language learning. Children are confident and involved learners when they can fully engage with the teaching and learning process.

As we make this shift:

• you will indicate your interest in the Grade 1 French Immersion program when registering your child for Year 1 Kindergarten at the dual track school during the January-February registration period (register for French Immersion)

• the cap still exists for French Immersion so you must register during the registration period to be considered for French Immersion program (Early registration is important due to the caps and wait lists)

• starting kindergarten at the dual track school, will provide a seamless transition to the Grade 1 French Immersion pathway

• opportunities in kindergarten for French learning experiences, including songs and simple vocabulary will be introduced.

NOTE: if for any reason, you decide that French Immersion is not the pathway for your child in Grade 1, you will register your child at your home school before the beginning of Grade 1.

FAQ Current Year 1 French Immersion Kindergarten Families

With this change in French Immersion, Year 2 Kindergarten programming, can my child stay in this school until French Immersion in Grade 1 begins?

Yes. If you wish for your child to enter French Immersion in Grade 1, you can stay at your current school and do not need to return to your home school for one year. If transportation has been provided for you, this will not change. Your child is guaranteed a spot for Grade 1 French Immersion.

With this change in programming, can I return to my child’s home school for Kindergarten Year 2 (SK)?

Yes. If you wish for your child to return to their home school and not continue in French Immersion, you can let your current school know and register to attend your child’s home school for September 2025. NOTE: You can also make a change at the end of Year 2 (SK), to return to your home school if the French Immersion program is no longer what you want for your child.

What opportunities for French learning will happen for my Year 2 Kindergarten (SK) child?

Your child will be offered opportunities for French language and French cultural experiences such as songs and simple vocabulary. Educators will strive to build in intentional opportunities through the play-based Kindergarten program in all four frames, as well as through centres and experiences in the classroom.

Will my SK (Year 2) child have the same Kindergarten Teacher that they currently have, next year?

rench educators are centrally staffed and will be needed to teach in those programs where there is a need across the system. Your child will have a qualified Kindergarten educator to facilitate the Kindergarten program.

If I request French Immersion for Grade 1, is my child’s placement guaranteed?

Yes. Any current Year 1 Kindergarten French Immersion student who requests to continue in French Immersion when it begins in Grade 1, is guaranteed a spot in that class.

How will this change benefit my child?

The Kindergarten years are foundational for developing children’s personal, social, and early academic skills. Providing this program in English allows educators and students to focus on skill development during this crucial window of time. Early Reading Screening results show that students in English-language Kindergarten programs have a stronger foundation in early literacy skills.

Why is this change being made?

Providing all Kindergarten programs in English will ensure students receive two years of foundational skill and social development in English, which we believe will provide the best possible foundation for success before they move into French Immersion in Grade 1.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

For more information about registering for the French Immersion Program, please see our French Immersion Program Registration factsheet.