English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program
WHY LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
Research shows that students who learn a second language:
- Do better on intelligence tests
- Have better results in school
- Strengthen their communication skills in their first language
- Build global citizenship skills
- Improve their career prospects
- Heighten their earning power
- And they have twice as much fun!
WHY LEARN UKRAINIAN?
- Over 50 million people speak Ukrainian in over 20 countries worldwide
- Ukrainian is the second largest Slavic language and its close connections to other Slavic languages make them easier to learn for Ukrainian speakers
- Ukrainian is the heritage language of over one million Canadians
- By accessing Ukrainian culture in the original language, you can enrich your experience through literature, music, food, dance, and art
WHY CHOOSE THE ENGLISH-UKRAINIAN BILINGUAL PROGRAM IN RETSD?
- A K–6 language program with over 30 years of proven results
- All students are welcome
- No previous Ukrainian knowledge is required for kindergarten or Grade 1 entry
- Students with prior Ukrainian language skills may also enter the program at other levels
- Multilingual language skill development—Ukrainian, English, and (from Grade 4) French
- Bilingual learning with a strong academic focus
HOW DOES THE ENGLISH-UKRAINIAN BILINGUAL PROGRAM WORK?
- Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the optimum entry points for students; other entry points must be discussed with the school
- It follows a Manitoba Education approved program of studies in all subject areas
- It uses a partial immersion approach: Ukrainian language arts and social studies are taught in Ukrainian from Grades K–8; English language arts, math, and science are taught in English
- Students spend part of each day immersed in Ukrainian and over time, through interactive activities, they use it with increasing ease and precision
- Communication between the home and school remains in English
Grades K–4
Students receive instruction in Ukrainian for up to 50 per cent of the school day. Music, games, interactive reading, and technology all help to develop an ear for the language and build fluency.
Grades 5–8
Student receive instruction in Ukrainian for about a third of the school day. They also have opportunities to participate in cultural excursions and language camp to support their learning.
Grades 9–12
Students have the opportunity to challenge Ukrainian language proficiency exams and obtain extra high school credits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I help my child if I don't speak Ukrainian?
Most parents of bilingual program students don't speak Ukrainian and the students thrive in the program. Here are some ways you can help your child when you don't know the language:
- Support and encourage your child's learning
- Use your home language to develop your child's intellect through conversation about varied topics
- Encourage reading in any language and read with your child in your home language
- Communicate with the school about your child's progress
- Show an interest in Ukrainian and explore Ukrainian events, films, and books
How will my child develop and maintain strong English skills in the English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program?
At least 50 per cent of the time (and more in later years) will be spent working on English skills. Moreover, studying in a second language will actually end up strengthening your child's English language skills, as well.
Aren't language programs just for gifted children? What if my child struggles?
Research and experience show that language program students with a variety of challenges will do as well academically as they would in an English language program. Children learn and different rates and in different ways, regardless of their program.
OUR ENGLISH-UKRAINIAN BILINGUAL PROGRAM SCHOOLS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Information about catchment areas, transportation, daycare, and after-school care can be found elsewhere on this website or by contacting the principal at one of the English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program schools. As well, information can be found at the websites for Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning and Manitoba Parents for Ukrainian Education.
