11
Sa Sa ST

North Vancouver

North Vancouver held its first open general meeting for 1981-82 November 23 with
70 people attending. Elaine Day a research assistant at Simon Fraser University
spoke on language development in the immersion program, a topic which was
followed by a stimulating discussion.

The chapter is preparing a brief on the feasibility of a late immersion program and
also proposes to look into the situation of French as a second language and
prepare a report on their findings.

Paule Macdonald.

Saanich

Suzanne Watson reports that Saanich voters elected 5 trustees in favour of immer-
sion and 2 anti-immersion. The first meeting for next years campaign has already
taken place, Suzanne stated. She also reported that the District has formed a com-
mittee to study ‘““CORE”’ (EFSL & SFSL) and make recommendations for planning of
future programs. The committee consists of 4 parents, 2 principals, District rep.
and a trustee. Suzanne is one of the parents.

Surrey

Diana Simon reports that a meeting was held to form a Parents for French group for
Surrey to which 50 people turned up. The results were that up to 35 new members
signed up and achapter was formed.

Vancouver

In Vancouver there are, as of September 1981, ten public schools offering French
immersion education. Three years ago there were four public schools and two
private schools offering immersion in Vancouver. The programs currently available
are: early immersion, grade 6 late immersion, secondary immersion 8-9, and the
Programme Cadre, for a total of over 1,000 students. Two private schools, one of-
fering immersion, the other a bilingual program, bring the total te 1,405 children. The
total enrollment in Vancouver schools continues to decline but immersion continu-

es to increase. In September 1982 another school will be offering early immersion.

The late immersion program at General Gordon Elementary School has 38 pupils.
For the first six weeks of this term the children were not receiving all of their in-
struction in French because of the lack of a second qualified teacher. The position
has now been filled and the students are receiving all their subjects in French.

The Vancouver Chapter’s booklet ‘Quoi Faire in Vancouver’ has sold well. There
were 1000 copies printed and there are approximately 200 copies left. The Van-
couver School Board bought 400 copies for distribution to all French immersion
teachers in the public schools. This purchase enabled us financially to print more
books.

It is the desire of Vancouver Parents for French to publish a second edition in 82/83,
but this will involve further research. A letter has been sent to all local chapters in
the GVRD asking for their input. As VPF does not have the manpower to research
French language and cultural activities in other districts, it is hoped that each chap-
ter will find a willing person to do this. If anyone has any ideas at all as to how the
booklet can be improved please let us know; we need your input and ideas. Contact
either Ann Buffam 263-2290 or Linda Shulman 263-9750.