Dear Editor: I am writing this letter in regards to the boundary review that is currently underway for the French Immersion Program with the Upper Grand District School Board. I am a mother of an infant, and can say that I am truly concerned about how this situation will affect our family in the next few years. I went through a French Immersion Program, so my husband and I have full intention of enrolling our children in French Immersion as well. I understand how valuable a bilingual education can be! We currently live in Guelph, but used to live in Rockwood and had hoped to move back in the next few years. This situation will definitely be a large factor in making this decision. I can’t help but worry about the stability of the French Immersion Program, given the current circumstances. I could not imagine living in Rockwood, and having my child attend school in Erin. The distance from Rockwood to Edward Johnson Public School is approximately 13km, whereas the distance from Rockwood to Erin Public School is approximately 23km. I find it ridiculous to have my children this far from home and having to be on a bus for approximately 2 hours each day. We would sooner pull our children from the FI Program because it seems as though the UGDSB is treating the FI Program as a “portable” program. As well, it seems that FI children are routinely getting “bumped” within the Guelph area as well. It is so disappointing that what was once a great opportunity for children in the Rockwood area, will no longer be feasible for the average family. Allison Roadknight, Guelph
Allison Roadknight