École Pauline Johnson

Since 2016, Tara Zielinski BEd MEd, previously vice principal for District of West Vancouver Schools. BEd from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, master's from Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA.

She didn’t actually speak a word

No entrance assessments, except for students joining out of intake. Early French immersion intake is in kindergarten and grade 1 until December and late French immersion in grade 6. For those joining any other grade, there is French assessment in

Students go onto Sentinel Secondary School if they are staying within French immersion. Some change to English curriculum schools and go on to West Vancouver Secondary School or Rockridge for state, or Mulgrave and Collingwood if taking the private

Uniquely to Canada, École Pauline Johnson is one of a handful of primary schools in British Columbia that teaches its pupils entirely in French. English language is introduced later into the curriculum in grade 4 and in grade 7, depending on whether

As with all schools in West Vancouver, the school offers SEN support to children who are deemed eligible on assessment. Parents agreed, however, that due to the added complexity of immersion learning in a foreign language, the school would not suit a

The school offers weekly support for children whose first language is not English.

Every February, grade 7s head off to Quebec for the French Carnival where they go dog sleighing, explore Quebec, practise French speaking and learn about French cuisine and architecture. It comes at a cost, but there is an expectation that all grade

Although this is the largest French Immersion school in West Vancouver, the school is actually relatively small. Still, it has an adequate indoor gymnasium and one large playing field to the right of the school. While all the usual clubs and sports

High expectations around behaviour are clearly communicated to students, and bullying is not tolerated. The children are encouraged to see themselves as ambassadors for the school with regards to behaviour both in and out of school. There is an

The school is incredibly welcoming, and students are both well-behaved and happy. While they are expected to speak to all members of staff in French, they can socialise in their free time in their chosen language, making it easier to build

This is a state school, so free for Canadian residents, permanent residents or parents with working visas. However, families must live within catchment, where property prices are high. Parents should be ready to get involved with fundraising and

For parents who want their children fluent in a second language, Ecole Pauline Johnson is a fantastic school. It is a nurturing, caring, safe and happy environment where most children come out bilingual. Tiger mums with high achievers outsource