The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will hold a series of public information meetings in Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton and Orangeville for parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the board's Extended French Program for the 2009-10 school year.

"The information sessions are intended to provide parents and guardians with an overview of our Extended French Program, the criteria for admittance, and changes that can be expected from the regular program," explained Marianne Mazzorato, Superintendent of Program.

The Extended French Program starts in Grade 5. In the program, 50% of the total instruction is in French. The program includes studies in French language arts, social studies, science, and one of either: visual arts, music, drama or physical education. The program leads into Extended French at the secondary school level, where French language arts, geography, history and world religions are offered.

"Students in the Extended French Program usually attain a mid-range level of competency in the language," said Marianne Mazzorato. This means that after at least 2,670 hours of French instruction during his/her school career, the student should be able to read newspapers and books, with the occasional help of a dictionary, as well as watch and understand radio and television news and other programs. The student should also be able to participate adequately in conversation, demonstrate knowledge of the culture, society, customs, economy, government and institutions of a French-speaking community and, after a few months residence, function quite well in a French-speaking community.

"In cases where the number of applications exceeds the number of places available at a school, we will hold a lottery," noted Marianne Mazzorato. "The lottery would be held at a predetermined and advertised date, if required. In all other cases, students will be placed in the program, provided all required documentation is in order."

Parents looking for additional information can contact one of the schools offering the program, and are strongly encouraged to attend the information session at the school offering the program in their area.

Locally, sessions are scheduled for tonight (Thursday) at St. Cornelius School in Caledon East (905-584- 2245) at 16066 Innis Lake Road, and next Tuesday, February 3, at St. Andrew School in Orangeville (519-942-0262), 50 Meadow Drive. Both sessions start at 7 p.m.