Thursday, June 27, 2013

Friends of Spanish Bilingual/Immersion Program

For the last number of months, we have been meeting with a number of supporters for the proposal.  It all got started when we met a few key people after making contact with the Spanish language consultant of Alberta.

We call them Friends because they represent different organizations and communities that would like to see the creation of a Spanish language program in the public schools.  They have shared insights and given us direction that we may not have otherwise.  Some of those people include:

Llilana Ardiles - Manitoba Spanish Teacher's Association
Maria Arentsen - University of St. Boniface
Lucila Carrasco - Spanish Teacher Liason, Chilean Association President
Teruel Carrasco - Lawyer, Chilean Association
Monica Morales - Spanish Teacher
Monica Ruiz - University of Winnipeg
Betina Sevi - University of St. Boniface
Tony Tavares - Dept. of Education language consultant

As well as there are language consultants in attendance.

It may be summer now, but we have much to do in the next few months.  How will you be involved?



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Forum Night

The meeting went quite well yesterday.  Thank you to all that turned out.  We want to continue to build support and have people spread the word about this proposal.  Here are some ways you can get involved to make this possible.  Because if the community wants a Spanish Immersion Bilingual program in the schools for their children, people can't just sit on the side lines.  Wondering what you can do to make this a reality?



1.          Sign your child(ren) up on our database. 
Email winnipegspanishimmersion@gmail.com
2.          Spread the word and let people know of the proposal
3.          Put up posters and information throughout the community
4.          Volunteer to tend booth promotions at various city festivals.  
5.          Provide services/product as “in-kind” support (photocopies, promotions, paper) 
6.          Become part of the steering committee. Get involved in the organizing, planning, networking and creation of the proposal. 



Monday, June 24, 2013

Reminder

Don't forget that tomorrow is our information and forum night at the University of Winnipeg.  It's at 7 p.m. in the Centennial Hall. We plan to have supporters out from the Dept. of Education, language consultants, representatives from latin american associations as well as the Spanish Teacher's Associations.

Plan to come and invite your friends and family.  Children are welcome to come.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

CTV Interview

Here is a link for an interview that we did in March.  Click here to view the video.


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Forum and Information Night

We are hosting an information night for all that may be interested in a Spanish language program here in our city.

When:  Tuesday, June 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Where:  University of Winnipeg, Centennial Hall 3rd floor, Rm 3C01
Click here for a map of U of W if you are unfamiliar with the campus

Please help spread the word!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Parent Survey

If you are interested in completing a quick 5 minute survey, click here to give us your feedback.  Thank you very much!


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Materials

Where would the school get the materials in order to start a Spanish language program?  Well, Alberta has many Spanish Bilingual schools so they can provide much of the curriculum to our province.  There is also support offered by the Spanish Embassy through their educational program.  They have an agreement with the Alberta government to provide supports such as 1 year teachers on loan from Spain, professional development for current teachers, materials and resources for the classroom.  They would be able to offer those same kinds of supports to Manitoba, if in fact we can demonstrate support with names from the community of interested families.

Interested?  Send in your child's name, birth year and full address to our email in the contact us tab.
Questions?  Email us!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Meeting

We had made contact with the Spanish language consultant in Alberta in March.  She also works for the Spanish Embassy and is responsible for resourcing the many Spanish Bilingual programs in Calgary and Edmonton.  We thought making contacts with them would be very helpful as we prepare to make our proposal.

We were able to speak on the phone and a few weeks later meet in person at the Language Teacher's Convention here in Winnipeg.  It was here we made contact with the MB Dept. of Education' language consultant.  It was a very good meeting because we learned more about what they are doing in Alberta as well as the strong interest by the Spanish Embassy in starting a similar program here in Winnipeg.  All that is needed is families to express to the divisions that there is a strong support for a Spanish language program here.  That is where Eugenia and I come in.  That is what we hope to accomplish with the help of all of you.


Friday, June 7, 2013

Transportation

Many families have asked about transportation.  Each of the divisions that we have talked to, either in a meeting or over the phone have informed us that children within the division will be transported by bus to the school with the Spanish language program.  Those that reside out of the division will need to be transported by their families.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

School Division Meeting #1

Our first meeting back in January was with the Winnipeg School Division.  It was very informative because the assistant superintendent went over the Heritage Language Act with us as well as answered some of our questions.  We also went over the last proposal that was presented a number of years ago by a different group of people.  Unfortunately, it did not go through so we are attempting again.

What we were told is that we need 23 children in a particular year to start the program.  Most language programs start in kindergarten or grade 1, but we also talked about the possibility of having a program start in grade 7.  Many of the children signed up are already enrolled in school and so this shows community support for a later bilingual program start.

We asked about where the school that would have the language program be located.  That is dependent on which school has space.  It makes sense that a crowded school will not be built on to accommodate a new program.  So we have been doing a little research in the last few months as to which schools are not at capacity.  Though we have no say as we make the proposal, maybe a gentle suggestion could go a long way.  Also we could also encourage the division to look at where the majority of the families reside in making their decision.

A proposal would need to be made in the early fall of 2013 to this division.  The board would deliberate, go over their budget for the coming year and make a decision.  If the proposal is accepted, the program would begin in 2014.  The school would be responsible for choosing the location of the school, hiring the teachers, and gathering curriculum and materials.  They would also advertise the program and ask for committed families to sign up.

We left the meeting feeling positive but also aware there was much work to be done.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Welcome

We are glad to provide information to the general public in Winnipeg on how to make a Spanish language program a possibility here in our city.  We do have a facebook page and group (Winnipeg Spanish Immersion), but many do not use that form of social media.  Our hope is that by having a blog, people will be able to visit and read the updates.  If you want to leave a comment or a question, please feel free to do so.  Visit back often to keep informed of the progress.

If you would like to contact us via email:  winnipegspanishimmersion@gmail.com