Sudbury school board keeps French immersion

French Immersion will still be offered at public and secondary schools in the Sudbury Rainbow District School Board at least for now.

The board wrapped up a French immersion program review last night.

Two schools in particular were under the microscope.

In anews release, the board said Lansdowne Public School will keep its program.

As for Sudbury Secondary School, the deal is contingent on enrollment it will keep French immersion for the 2014-2015 school years, as long as 45 Grade 9 and Grade 10 students enroll in the program by Oct. 31, 2013.

Currently, the board offers French Immersion in 11 elementary schools and six high schools in Greater Sudbury. A total of nearly 3,100 students are enrolled.

Opportunity to grow

"Sudbury Secondary School will have an opportunity to grow the program in its newly renovated facilities," education director Norm Blaseg saidin the release. "If enrollment is maintained, the program will continue."

The review was worthwhile, said Kate Barber, chair of the Lansdowne school council.

"Populations change and the school board has to be always paying attention to that," she said.

"But it is good to know that a recommendation can be challenged and that trustees are willing to listen to other perspectives. I dont think the process is flawed per se, but I am glad we were able to be in there and talk about what was important for Lansdowne School and for families who live downtown."