Program information
Français Plus Program
Birchwood Elementary is one of the seven schools in the Lester B. Pearson school board to offer the Français Plus Program.
In the Français Plus program, children are immersed in French in the early years. Gradually, more English is introduced into the program.
IN KINDERGARTEN, 92% OF THE INSTRUCTION IS IN THE FRENCH LANGUAGE.
IN CYCLE 1 (GRADES 1 AND 2), approximately 85% OF THE INSTRUCTION IS IN THE FRENCH LANGUAGE.
French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Ethics and Religious Culture are taught in French. Physical Education, Drama, Dance and Art are taught in English. This represents approximately 15% of time.
IN CYCLE 2 (GRADES 3 & 4), approximately 80% OF THE INSTRUCTION IS IN THE FRENCH LANGUAGE.
French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Ethics and Religious Culture and Art are taught in French. English Language Arts, Physical Education, Drama are taught in English. This represents approximately 20% of the time.
IN CYCLE 3 (GRADES 5 AND 6), FRENCH INSTRUCTION REPRESENTS approximately 45% AND ENGLISH INSTRUCTION REPRESENTS approximately 55%.
French Language Arts, Science, Social Studies are taught in French. English Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Drama, Art and Ethics and Religious Culture are taught in English.
ELA Program Cycle 2
| Competency | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Language | X | X | |
| Reading | X | X | |
| Writing | X |
Physical Education
Kindergarten students receive 90 minutes of physical education each week.
Children in Cycles 1-3 receive 120 minutes of physical education each week.
On P.E. days, children should wear the Birchwood T-shirt and comfortable clothing which allows for movement.
For safety reasons, the running shoes worn in P.E. class should be solely for that purpose. Shoes worn outside accumulate dirt, become worn and do not provide necessary traction.
All children are expected to participate in physical education classes. If a child is unable to participate because of an injury, please send a note stating the reason. If a child must be exempt for several consecutive classes, a note from your physician is required.
Art
In Visual Arts class, students will be invited to create, interpret and appreciate works of art as a means of integrating art into their daily lives. Students will be encouraged to express their own reality and vision of the world as well as communicate their inner images through the creation and interpretation of artistic productions. Through discussion and exploration of different cultures and histories, students will develop an openness to worlds and realities beyond their own.
Evaluation in Visual Arts consists of two competencies.
The first competency To Produce Individual and Media Works is worth 70% of their mark. The second competency To Appreciate Works of Art is worth 30% of their mark. On the report card however, there is only one overall subject mark that will appear.
Drama
Throughout elementary school, students in the Drama program become familiar with the creative process by using various elements of knowledge to invent short scenes. They also use this knowledge to interpret the meaning of a story, which adds to their cultural experience. Lastly, they learn to express themselves using the appropriate vocabulary and acquire the skills they need to exercise critical judgment when appreciating dramatic works, personal productions and those of classmates.
Evaluation in drama consists of two competencies. The first competency: To invent and interpret short scenes is worth 70% of their mark. The second competency: To appreciate dramatic works is worth 30% of their mark. On the report card, however, there is only one overall subject mark that will appear.
Dance
Resource
Students and their parents, in certain cases, have the following services available to them if the need arises.
RESOURCE TEAM
The principal, resource teacher, social worker, school psychologist and teachers meet regularly to plan for children who have special needs, or who are falling behind in their progress at school. Special services personnel and integration aides may also attend these meetings.
IEP MEETINGS
Parents, teachers, principal, psychologist and resource teacher meet to draw up an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for students with special needs.
INTEGRATION AIDES
The LBPSB provides in-class and/or in-school assistance on a limited “as needed” basis for students with special needs.
Special Services
Students and their parents, in certain cases, have the following services available to them if the need arises.
SPEECH THERAPY
A speech therapist periodically visits the school to assess students with speech development problems and provide guidelines for home and school use.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The LBPSB provides occupational therapy assessment on an “as needed” basis.
LEARNING DIAGNOSTICIANS
Learning Diagnosticians are available to the School Resource Team and Staff to assist in the diagnosis of learning difficulties.
CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST
A LBPSB school psychologist is available to the School Resource Team one day a week
SCHOOL NURSE
A health nurse from the CLSC is assigned to our school.
The school nurse monitors the health records of the students and organizes the inoculations for Grade 4 students.
The school nurse also periodically conducts information sessions on nutrition, cleanliness and hygiene. In addition, the school nurse provides sex education classes for Grades 5 and 6 students.
Additional nursing service can be arranged with the CLSC as the need arises.
HOME TEACHING
Home teaching may be available to students who are unable to attend school for a long period of time due to serious injury or illness.
Home teaching may also be available in a hospital setting.
Energy Club Énergie
At Birchwood Elementary our children’s wellness is a priority. Here students learn to self-regulate and are encouraged to identify their needs as students. Movement stations are available for them to use in the halls throughout the school day in order to help them stay alert and disposed to learn.