Frequently Asked Questions

Why French Immersion?

When making educational choices for their children, parents recognize that knowing a second language is an important skill in today’s ever-shrinking world—and will be even more important in their children’s future.

Knowing another language can: 

• enhance your child’s personal pleasures such as the enjoyment of literature, art, music, theatre, travel and personal relationships;  

• increase your child’s understanding of and respect for other peoples and other cultures;

• help your child to understand more about himself or herself, their country and their fellow Canadians;

• give your child access to a larger pool of information and to more educational and career opportunities;

• give your child a competitive edge in the job market anywhere in Canada and in many other countries.

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The process of learning another language can also:

• develop your child’s listening and learning skills as well as his or her self-discipline;

• increase your child’s cognitive abilities, making him or her a more flexible and creative thinker;

• enhance your child’s knowledge of his or her first language and improve their ability to communicate in it;

• make learning a third or fourth language much easier for your child.

Life-long use of two or more languages:

• reduces the normal effects of aging on some brain functions;

• has been shown to significantly delay the onset of symptoms of dementia.

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When/How do I enrol my child?

Registration for Kindergarten usually begins in April and you wanna register early to secure your seat. In the past 2 years, we've had to turn some students away. It's best to contact Majagaleehl Gali Aks directly to register your child for French Immersion. You can call the school at (250)842-5313 to set up an appointment. French immersion students will be accepted in Kindergarten or grade one. Older students who have not previously been in French immersion, will need to be assessed by the teacher for enrolment.

What if I don't speak French?

Most French immersion parents in the Hazeltons are not French speaking. There are several websites and online translators that can support you in supporting your child with homework and assignments. From kindergarten to postgraduate studies, CPF has tools and activities for youth and students in Canada currently studying French as a second language! Tutors are often available through older students at the high school, the Hazelton Public Library homework support program or local french-speaking community members.

Will my child miss out on English?

We got you covered! Not only is English generally spoken at home, English grammar, reading and writing is part of the curriculum beginning in Grade 5. Also, students will have to opportunity to learn Gitxsan in all grades as well. We're proud to be a trilingual school that not only speaks & educates in the two national languages of Canada but also the local, indigenous language of the land.