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All subjects are taught in French,
except for English language arts (formally introduced in Grade 3). We offer strong music, art and physical education programmes to round off the academics. The School emphasizes the mastery of basic and process skills and the application of knowledge in all subject areas.
 The development of good organizational and work habits, research
and study skills, reasoning and problem solving skills, prepare our students
to become independent learners. Homework is considered a part of
the school day and is entirely the student's responsibility.
Children's individual needs are met in the classroom with open-ended activities which allow for enrichment and the opportunity for every child to reach his/her potential through extra guidance. Additional classroom aid is available in order to meet everyone's unique needs.
Maximum
Class Size:
Grades 1-4: 20 students;
Grades 5-6: 25 students.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Learning to read in French requires phonetic development and thus
is one of the main focuses in Grade 1. Vocabulary development, along
with these decoding skills, are precursors to reading for comprehension.
A variety of literature is then provided which allows students to
explore interesting topics, to become familiar with different aspects
of reading and with the writing process constitutes the basis of
both the French and the English language arts program. English is
formerly introduced in Grade 3. We believe that students need some
structured teaching in language skills; therefore spelling and grammar
are taught in both languages at all levels.
 MATHEMATICS
Teaching for the understanding of math concepts is our focus at
all levels. The use of math manipulatives promotes thinking, the
mastery of basic facts, computation, problem solving and interpretation
of data.
SCIENCE
As well as developing knowledge skills, other goals of the science
program promote the development of such skills as observing, inferring,
interpreting data, predicting, hypothesizing, and communicating.
To attain these objectives, science must be fun and exciting. The
School science program includes hands-on activities, a wide range
of interesting topics aimed at encouraging students to question,
to explain their findings and to explore other paths of discovery.
REMEDIATION
We believe that it is imperative to define areas of difficulty and
provide assistance to students as early as possible (preferably
in Kindergarten or Grade 1) in order to ensure greater success in
learning through the immersion setting. In such instances, strengths
and weaknesses are identified through formal/informal assessments
in close collaboration with the teacher, the school administration
and the parents. Remedial assistance in language and math is available
to those in higher grades as well.
Our Early Literacy Program (Kindergarten – Grade 2) has
been actively pursued since Alberta Learning instigated the Early
Literacy Programs across the province.
 Enrichment
is an integral part of our educational programs. Emphasis
is placed on process skills and application of knowledge and this
is done by using a repertoire of teaching strategies aimed at improving
student performance in all areas of learning. As such, program planning
is open-ended thus providing opportunities for those in need of
enrichment.
Bloom’s Taxonomy for categorizing level of abstraction of
questions are used in preparing material to touch upon increasingly
difficult learning challenges for all students in order that they
develop to their full potential. Stress is placed in all grade levels
at becoming independent learners.
ART
We believe that artistic talents must be discovered and developed
at the Kindergarten and elementary levels. Artistic development,
creative self-expression and cultural enrichment, are the major
aims of our art program. Full-time art specialists and school-wide
art projects contribute to meet these objectives.
MUSIC
Music as an essential element of human
expression is a rich and diversified art form. Beyond its cultural
merits, musical education also reinforces the learning of linguistic,
listening, reading, analytical, creative, motor and social skills.
This is why music is an integral part of CFIS’s educational
program.
The main objective of the music program is to develop music literacy
(i.e. the ability to read, write and think music) and to nurture
the student's appreciation for quality music. All students from
preschool to grade six receive music instruction from a full-time
music specialist.
In addition, the lunchtime extra-curricular activities include a
hand-bell ensemble and a woodwind and brass ensemble for Division
Two (5-6) students.
Performances - All students participate
in performances throughout the school year at assemblies and annual
concerts.
Lower Elementary; Grades 1 to 3 Focus:
- living a stimulating musical experience
where the children discover at a more conscious level the different
elements of music, i.e. pitch, rhythm, dynamics, expression, timber
- singing, listening, moving, creating
- learning French songs and rhymes
- introducing music literacy: reading and
writing music
- developing fine motor skills by playing
percussion instruments: non-pitched (drums…) and pitched
(xylophones…)
- developing music appreciation skills by
learning about musical instruments, major composers, and understanding
musical form
- engaging in creative activities: composing,
improvising, and moving
Upper Elementary; Grades 4 to 6
At this level the program focuses more on instrumental music. Students
continue to develop their singing, listening, reading and writing
skills while learning to play the soprano and alto recorders in
Grades 4 and 5, and band instruments in Grade 6.
Music appreciation and learning about composers and musical styles
remain part of the process of developing a sound musical culture.
Creative musical activities: composing and improvising.
TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
All students, Kindergarten to Grade 6, are given the opportunity
to develop computer skills on a regular basis, in a state-of-the-art
computer lab.
Computer literacy is integrated into the daily application of the
curriculum and all students receive formal instruction that includes
word processing, keyboarding, internet, and programs aimed at reinforcing
language, math and science skills. The computer library consists
of both French and English programs that are constantly being updated
and upgraded.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is an integral part of our educational program.
Through movement centered experiences, physical education provides
the basis in which an individual's development can be maximized
in the psychomotor, cognitive and affective domains.
A wide variety of sports is introduced to the students at various
levels with an emphasis on skill development and sportsmanship.
Taught by physical education specialists, our program has six major
components: physical fitness, gymnastics, dance, outdoor pursuits,
track and field and sports.
Intramural sports are offered beginning at Grade 5. |
