A GTA school board is poised to decide Tuesday night whether it will begin phasing out French immersion, citing “a French teacher staffing crisis” across Ontario and despite objections from many parents.A committee report released earlier this month and endorsed by staff at Halton Catholic District School Board called for ending the program, even as demand has been steadily rising for French education options throughout the region.But some parents haven’t given up hope that trustees may opt to keep the early immersion pilot, especially in the wake of recent promises by Education Minister Mitzie Hunter to take immediate steps to address the teacher shortage.“We’re really, really hoping that they make the choice to reject the recommendation and put the kids first,” said Cheryl Neves, who has daughters in Grades 3 and 1 in French immersion at St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School in Georgetown.As a graduate of French immersion herself who now teaches it in another board, Neves says she has experienced the benefits first-hand and thinks all students should have the opportunity.“It’s frustrating to see that neighbouring boards can make it work,” said Neves, who was one of 17 delegates to appear at a board meeting earlier this month to try to convince the board to keep the program.“I know there are challenges,” she said. “But how is it other boards are expanding?” she added, referring to the Toronto Catholic District School Board, which added five new elementary French immersion sites this year and one high school.Under Halton’s controversial plan, staff have called for a gradual phase-out of the program, which is in its fifth year and has 821 students enrolled at four elementary schools who started in Grade 1.If approved, all children currently in Grades 1 to 5 would be able to continue the program through Grade 8. The extended French program, which starts in Grade 5 and has run for 3 ...
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