student holding a diploma Français and French Immersion Policy and Implementation

Strengthen Français and French Immersion policy and implementation with a distinct and parallel focus.

What's New

In June 2023, a "What We Heard" report (PDF Document 943 KB) on the French Immersion Leadership in Manitoba: Empowering Leaders for Success conference was published, providing stakeholder feedback on the various components of the event and on possible next steps to further support the full implementation of the French Immersion Program.


The Commitment

This renewed policy summarizes the historical context and legal framework that guides French Immersion education in Manitoba. It also provides a series of administrative policies and concrete and actionable steps schools can utilize to implement the French Immersion Program fully.

With the renewed policy, school divisions and schools will increase their shared understanding of the full implementation of the French Immersion Program.

Initiatives related to this Action will support implementation efforts in four key areas:

  • Creating a French Immersion Setting
  • Validation of Students’ Linguistic and Educational Experience
  • Educational Staff and Professional Learning
  • Student Enrolment

What This Means for Manitobans

A renewed French Immersion policy is expected to produce the following benefits:

  • French Immersion school leaders will
    • be better equipped to fully implement the French Immersion Program in their schools
    • be supported to achieve the vision of the program allowing all students to develop their language proficiency, achieve academic success, and cultivate their plurilingual identity
  • Parents will be better informed about French Immersion programming in Manitoba and will be able to advocate for their children
  • Stakeholders will better understand the French Immersion Program in Manitoba and be able to actively advocate for the program

In the long term, it is expected that a strengthened French Immersion Program will result in improvements in the following:

  • student enrolment and retention in the program throughout K to 12
  • French Immersion Diploma graduation rates
  • recruitment and retention rates of French Immersion teachers within Manitoba

What We’ve Done

  • The new policy document was published and posted online.
  • The French Immersion conference took place on May 3, 2023, at which time the policy was presented.
  • The 2023/2024 professional learning pilot project for new leaders in the French Immersion Program is complete. This yearlong professional learning opportunity supported new leaders to develop knowledge, ability, and confidence in their roles, as they fully implement the French Immersion Program in their schools.

Next Steps

Professional learning for new leaders in the French Immersion Program will continue in the 2024/2025 school year.

The new French Language Education Policy and Planning unit will work to strengthen relationships, partnerships and collaborations with school divisions and educational stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the French Immersion Program.


Reports