French Immersion

French Immersion

St. Mary’s French Immersion program inspires students to reach new heights in language learning, nurturing a deep appreciation for the French language. Immersed in a French-speaking environment, students grow in capacity and competency, achieving remarkable success. Our students consistently excel in the DELF exam, a highly respected internationally recognized official bilingual certification. Mastering Canada’s second official language unlocks a future filled with promise and potential!

  • Homerooms, Religion/Wellness, Options (Grades 7-9), and Grade 6 exploratory courses are offered in English with the wider English population. This gives students opportunities to interact with peers beyond the French Immersion program and integrate themselves into the wider school community

Why not join us? French Immersion is a second language learning program for students who do not speak French at home.

  • Students entering Grade 6 through 9 should be currently enrolled in a French Immersion program.
  • Transportation is provided from Medicine Hat and Redcliff.

Students enrolled in the French Immersion program experience:

  • Small class sizes
  • All core subjects and Physical Education delivered in French by two fluent French teachers; one a native Francophone, and the other a product of a French Immersion Program
  • Depending on enrollment and scheduling, in some school years French Immersion classes may be split-level

Did you know that:

  • The number of French speakers around the world range from 100,000,000 to 250,000,000.
  • 25 countries have French as one of their official languages.
  • French and English are the languages of world diplomacy. French is an official working language of the United Nations, the International Red Cross, the International Olympic Committee, the European Economic Community, and the International Labour Bureau.
  • French is the second most frequently known by Europeans in addition to their mother tongue. Nearly 1/5 of non-Francophone Europeans say they know French.
  • French is the second most frequently taught language in the world.
  • It is the second most prevalent language on the internet.

Knowing a second language:

  • Increases your child's personal pleasures such as the enjoyment of literature, art, music, theatre, travel, and personal relationships;
  • Increases your child's understanding of and respect for other peoples and other cultures;
  • Gives your child access to a larger pool of information and to more educational and career opportunities

Learning a second language:

  • Develops your child's listening and learning skills as well as self-discipline;
  • Increases cognitive abilities, creating a more flexible thinker;
  • Enhances his knowledge of and his ability to communicate in his first language;
  • Makes learning a third or fourth language much easier.

Meet the French Immersion Staff

M. Jeremie Diedhiou

I have been teaching at St. Mary’s School since 2022 and continue to feel grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community. Originally from Senegal, a former French colony, I’ve also had the opportunity to live in Germany—experiences that have deepened my appreciation for language and cultural diversity. I speak several languages and understand firsthand the challenges and rewards of learning a new one.  
 
J’enseigne à l’école St. Mary depuis 2022 et je suis toujours reconnaissant de faire partie d’une communauté aussi dynamique et accueillante. Originaire du Sénégal, une ancienne colonie française, j’ai également eu l’occasion de vivre en Allemagne — des expériences qui ont enrichi mon appréciation des langues et de la diversité culturelle. Je parle plusieurs langues et je comprends bien les défis et les bienfaits liés à l’apprentissage d’une nouvelle langue.  

M. Patrick Page

My name is Patrick Pagé, and I’ll be teaching Grade 6 Core French Immersion this year! I’m originally from Ottawa, but I’ve called Medicine Hat home for the past 11 years. French is my first language, and I’m passionate about helping students grow in their confidence and ability with the language.

In my free time, I enjoy playing hockey, slo-pitch, and golf. I’m also proud to serve as the assistant coach for the Medicine Hat College Rattlers Women’s Hockey Team.

I’m looking forward to a fantastic year at St. Mary’s!

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Je m’appelle Patrick Pagé et j’enseignerai le cours d'immersion française en 6e année cette année! Je suis originaire d’Ottawa, mais j’habite à Medicine Hat depuis maintenant 11 ans. Le français est ma langue maternelle, et j’ai hâte d’aider mes élèves à développer leur confiance et leurs compétences en français.

Pendant mon temps libre, j’aime jouer au hockey, au slo-pitch et au golf. Je suis aussi entraîneur adjoint de l’équipe de hockey féminin des Rattlers du Collège de Medicine Hat.

J’ai très hâte de vivre une belle année scolaire à l’École St. Mary’s!

M. Brock Hale

J'enseigne à St. Mary's depuis 2014 et j'adore être ici! J'ai grandi à Medicine Hat et j'ai suivi les programmes d'immersion française de l'école Connaught et du Crescent Heights. J'enseigne maintenant en immersion française à St. Mary's. J'enseigne les mathématiques, les sciences et l'éducation physique, et une grande partie de mon enseignement est en français. J'aime la plupart des sports, mais particulièrement le basket-ball et le tennis.